10+ Best Drawing Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to nurture creativity in your young artist? Look no further! Our curated selection of drawing books for 10-year-olds is packed with choices that will inspire and enhance their artistic skills. Whether they're just starting out or looking to improve their technique, we've got something for everyone. Keep reading to discover our top picks for drawing books that are sure to captivate and educate eager young minds.

Fun Drawing Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Ed Emberley's Drawing Book: Make a World by Ed Emberley
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational
  • Synopsis: This drawing book provides simple step-by-step instructions that allow kids to draw a wide range of subjects using simple shapes and lines.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's fantastic for boosting creativity and confidence in drawing, using methods that are easy to follow for young artists.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love to create and draw, especially those who think they can't!

• Draw 50 Animals by Lee J. Ames
  • Genre(s): Art, How-To
  • Synopsis: A step-by-step guide that teaches kids how to draw fifty different animals using basic shapes and techniques.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps develop patience and precision, as well as a deeper appreciation for animal forms and details.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young aspiring artists interested in improving their drawing skills.

• Adventures in Cartooning by James Sturm, Andrew Arnold, and Alexis Frederick-Frost
  • Genre(s): Art, Graphic Novels
  • Synopsis: This engaging book combines the fun of storytelling with easy-to-follow artistic instruction to create your own cartoons.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an excellent introduction to storytelling through art, encouraging both drawing skills and creative writing.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy comics and want to start creating their own comic strips.

• Doodle Adventures: The Search for the Slimy Space Slugs! by Mike Lowery
  • Genre(s): Art, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This book is a part drawing guide, part interactive doodle book, where readers help the characters solve puzzles and challenges through their own drawings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It actively involves the reader in the story through drawing, enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love interactive activities and being part of the story.

• How to Draw Cute Stuff by Angela Nguyen
  • Genre(s): Art, How-To
  • Synopsis: This book teaches how to draw an array of adorable objects and characters, all in a super cute style.
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies complex drawings, making it fun and accessible, which can help in developing a sustained interest in reading and drawing.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fans of all things cute and want to learn to draw in a charming style.

Educational Drawing Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Drawing Book for Kids: 365 Daily Things to Draw, Step by Step by Woo! Jr. Kids Activities
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive drawing guide offers a full year of easy-to-follow drawing instructions, with a different project for every day.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Fine motor skills, creativity, daily discipline in practicing art
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a structured yet fun way to engage with drawing, ensuring long-term skill improvement.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy daily challenges and those looking to improve their drawing skills methodically.

• Art for Kids: Drawing by Kathryn Temple
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This book teaches the basic principles of drawing through easy-to-understand instructions and exercises.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of artistic concepts like perspective and shading, basic sketching skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It lays a solid foundation in drawing techniques that are essential for budding artists.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who are serious about mastering the basics of drawing.

• Draw 3-D: A step-by-step guide to perspective drawing by Doug DuBosque
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational
  • Synopsis: Through simple instructions and systematic steps, this book teaches kids how to create three-dimensional drawings that pop off the page.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Spatial understanding, perspective drawing, dimensional thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It demystifies complex concepts of 3D drawing, making them accessible and engaging for young artists.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in taking their drawing skills to the next level by adding depth and realism.

• You Can Draw in 30 Days: The Fun, Easy Way to Learn to Draw in One Month or Less by Mark Kistler
  • Genre(s): Art, How-To
  • Synopsis: This book offers a month-long program of drawing lessons that build on each other, designed to quickly develop drawing skills.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic to intermediate drawing skills, understanding of form and structure
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a fast-tracked learning path that is both enjoyable and effective.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are eager to see quick improvement in their drawing abilities.

• Drawing School: Fundamentals for the Beginner by Jim Dowdalls
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: A structured guide to drawing, this book covers everything from materials and techniques to more advanced concepts like light and shadow.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Comprehensive drawing techniques, artistic expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thorough education in drawing, suitable for beginners but detailed enough to engage more advanced young artists.
  • Perfect for: Students who want a more in-depth approach to learning how to draw.

Challenging Drawing Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Mastering Manga with Mark Crilley by Mark Crilley
  • Genre(s): Art, How-To, Manga
  • Synopsis: This detailed guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to draw manga characters and scenes, focusing on everything from facial expressions to dynamic poses.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers advanced drawing techniques specific to the manga style, which requires precision and attention to detail.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep dive into the popular manga style, encouraging artistic discipline and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring manga artists and fans of Japanese comic art.

• The Silver Way: Techniques, Tips, and Tutorials for Effective Character Design by Stephen Silver
  • Genre(s): Art, Character Design
  • Synopsis: Stephen Silver shares his proven methods for creating compelling and memorable characters for all types of media.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces professional-level concepts in character design, pushing young artists to think critically about their creations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides insights from a renowned character designer, offering inspiration and practical skills that are applicable in various artistic endeavors.
  • Perfect for: Young artists interested in animation and character creation.

• Perspective Made Easy by Ernest R. Norling
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book breaks down the complex concepts of perspective into simple, understandable steps, helping artists create more realistic and engaging drawings.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles the fundamentals of perspective drawing, a crucial but often difficult skill to master.
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies a critical aspect of drawing, enhancing both the enjoyment and quality of young artists' work.
  • Perfect for: Kids who want to take their drawing skills to a more advanced level by understanding perspective.

• Figure Drawing for Kids: A Step-By-Step Guide to Drawing People by Angela Rizza
  • Genre(s): Art, How-To
  • Synopsis: This guide provides easy-to-follow instructions on how to draw human figures in various poses, aimed at helping young artists understand human anatomy.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces the basics of human anatomy drawing, which is a more advanced and detailed discipline within art.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps young artists develop a key skill that is fundamental to all forms of art involving people.
  • Perfect for: Young artists who are interested in drawing people and want to improve their ability to capture human forms accurately.

• Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter by James Gurney
  • Genre(s): Art, Theory
  • Synopsis: This book explores the properties of color and light, offering practical advice on how to use them effectively in paintings.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into the scientific and artistic principles of light and color, topics that are typically more advanced and nuanced.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a foundational understanding of how light and color influence the perception of art, improving the quality of the artist's work.
  • Perfect for: Young painters and illustrators looking to enhance their work with realistic lighting and vibrant colors.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 10-year-old get the most out of their drawing books, incorporating some fun and educational reading exercises can be a game-changer. These activities are designed to enhance their reading skills while keeping them engaged and excited about learning. Let's dive into some exercises that are perfect for young artists!

• Create a Visual Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Make a list of new words found in the drawing book, along with a small drawing to illustrate each word.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and makes the connection between words and their meanings stronger.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to add to their visual vocabulary list each time they read.

• Storyboard the Steps
  • What it is: Draw a simple comic or storyboard that outlines the steps described in a drawing tutorial.
  • How it helps: Reinforces understanding of the sequence and process in drawing instructions.
  • Tips: Use a blank comic strip format to make it easier and more fun.

• Character Diary
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of different characters or artists featured in the drawing book.
  • How it helps: Develops empathy and deeper understanding of different artistic styles and techniques.
  • Tips: Pick a different character or artist each week to keep the exercise fresh and exciting.

• Sketch and Summarize
  • What it is: After reading a chapter or section, sketch a scene that summarizes what was read.
  • How it helps: Helps with comprehension and retention of information.
  • Tips: Keep the summaries brief and the sketches simple to maintain focus on the key ideas.

• Discussion Director
  • What it is: Come up with questions about the chapter to discuss with a parent, teacher, or friend.
  • How it helps: Enhances critical thinking and understanding through verbal articulation.
  • Tips: Encourage open-ended questions that lead to more detailed discussions.

These exercises are not just about improving reading skills; they're about making reading an interactive, enjoyable part of your child's daily routine. By integrating these activities, your young reader will not only improve their comprehension and vocabulary but also their ability to think critically and creatively. So, grab those drawing books and let's make learning fun!