10+ Best Drawing Books for 6-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to nurture creativity in your little artist? Look no further! Our roundup of drawing books for 6-year-olds is packed with options that promise to inspire and entertain. Whether your child is just starting to doodle or already sketching out masterpieces, these books offer the guidance and fun they need to explore their artistic side. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks!

Fun Drawing Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Ed Emberley's Drawing Book: Make a World by Ed Emberley
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Children's Books
  • Synopsis: This unique drawing book teaches children how to create a world of their own by drawing simple shapes and objects.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses clear, easy-to-follow instructions that encourage creativity and confidence in drawing, making it enjoyable and educational.
  • Perfect for: Young artists who enjoy creating scenes and stories through drawing.

• Adventures in Cartooning: How to Turn Your Doodles Into Comics by James Sturm, Andrew Arnold, and Alexis Frederick-Frost
  • Genre(s): Art, Comics, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This engaging book guides kids through the process of creating their own comics using simple doodles and basic storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the fun of drawing with the excitement of storytelling, boosting both artistic and literacy skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love cartoons and storytelling and are eager to try creating their own.

• Draw Write Now, Book 1: On the Farm, Kids and Critters, Storybook Characters by Marie Hablitzel and Kim Stitzer
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational
  • Synopsis: This instructional book provides step-by-step drawing lessons centered around farm life, animals, and favorite storybook characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps develop fine motor skills and encourages children to connect drawing with writing and storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Children who are interested in both drawing and writing, and who love animals and fairy tales.

• My First I Can Draw by Thomas Nelson
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: Designed specifically for beginners, this book teaches kids how to draw everything from animals to vehicles with simple, step-by-step instructions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes drawing accessible and fun for young children, helping to foster a love for art from an early age.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who are just starting to explore their artistic talents.

• The Drawing Book for Kids: 365 Daily Things to Draw, Step by Step by Woo! Jr. Kids Activities
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive drawing guide offers a full year of easy-to-follow daily drawing lessons for kids.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides constant inspiration and variety, ensuring that young artists remain engaged and improve their skills over time.
  • Perfect for: Kids who need daily activities and those who enjoy a structured approach to learning and creating art.

Educational Drawing Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Let's Draw and Doodle Together! by Elise Gravel
  • Genre(s): Art, Interactive, Children's Books
  • Synopsis: This fun and interactive book encourages children to use their imagination to complete drawings and doodles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, imagination, hand-eye coordination
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes creativity in a fun, engaging way and helps children think outside the box while drawing.
  • Perfect for: Young artists who love adding their own touch to pictures and those who enjoy interactive activities.

• Step-by-Step Drawing Book by Fiona Watt, illustrated by Candice Whatmore
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Children's Books
  • Synopsis: This book provides easy-to-follow instructions that help children learn how to draw animals, monsters, and vehicles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Drawing techniques, fine motor skills, concentration
  • Why we recommend this book: Its clear step-by-step approach makes it easy for kids to follow along and successfully draw complex images.
  • Perfect for: Beginners in drawing who enjoy structured guidance and those interested in learning to draw a variety of subjects.

• How to Draw Cute Stuff: Draw Anything and Everything in the Cutest Style Ever! by Angela Nguyen
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: Teaches kids how to draw a range of subjects from animals and food to fantasy creatures, all in a super cute style.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Artistic styling, creativity, attention to details
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces a charming drawing style that can make drawing more appealing and fun for kids.
  • Perfect for: Children who love to add a cute and personal flair to their drawings.

• Drawing for Kids: How to Draw Number Cartoons Step by Step by Rachel Goldstein
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Educational
  • Synopsis: This unique drawing book uses numbers as the base for creating fun cartoon characters.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Number recognition, creativity, basic drawing skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly integrates basic math skills with art, making learning numbers fun and artistic.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who are just starting with numbers and those who enjoy drawing cartoons.

• I Can Draw Animals by Peter Gray
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: A guide that teaches children how to draw a wide range of animals using simple shapes and easy steps.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of animal forms, fine motor skills, observation
  • Why we recommend this book: It focuses on drawing animals, which is often a favorite subject for children, using a method that is easy to grasp and replicate.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are animal lovers and are eager to learn how to draw their favorite creatures.

Challenging Drawing Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Exploring Textures in Watercolor by Julie Gilbert Pollard
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young artists to the techniques of painting with watercolors, focusing on how to capture different textures.
  • Why this book is challenging: It teaches advanced watercolor techniques that are typically not introduced at such an early age, encouraging precision and patience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique opportunity for children to experiment with a medium that can expand their artistic expression and skills.
  • Perfect for: Young painters who are ready to explore beyond basic drawing and painting techniques.

• Mastering Manga with Mark Crilley by Mark Crilley
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Manga
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide teaches kids how to draw in the manga style, from basic characters to complex scenes.
  • Why this book is challenging: Manga drawing requires understanding of proportion, perspective, and expressive character design, which are more complex skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It dives deep into a popular art style, providing step-by-step instructions that challenge and engage young artists.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring manga artists and those who admire Japanese animation and comics.

• The Art of Drawing Optical Illusions by Jonathan Stephen Harris
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This book teaches children how to create optical illusions on paper, using a variety of shapes and lines.
  • Why this book is challenging: Drawing optical illusions involves understanding of perspective, shading, and geometric shapes, making it a complex task for young minds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and creativity, as kids learn to see and depict the world in unusual ways.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy puzzles and games and are intrigued by visual challenges.

• Drawing in 3-D with Mark Kistler by Mark Kistler
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This book encourages kids to draw in three dimensions, teaching them about depth and perspective through fun and engaging exercises.
  • Why this book is challenging: It requires understanding of spatial awareness and 3D visualization, which are advanced concepts for young artists.
  • Why we recommend this book: It builds foundational skills in a fun way, helping children develop their ability to visualize and create detailed, lifelike drawings.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are interested in drawing more realistic and complex forms and scenes.

• Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter by James Gurney
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This book provides insights into how light and color influence the perception of art, offering practical advice for applying these concepts to drawings.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into the science and art of color theory and light, topics that are usually tackled in more advanced art courses.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep understanding of important artistic principles, enhancing a young artist’s ability to work with color and light effectively.
  • Perfect for: Young artists who want to deepen their understanding of painting and drawing techniques and create more dynamic artworks.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 6-year-old develop good reading habits while exploring the world of drawing books, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some fun and effective exercises that can make reading a delightful habit for your little one:

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy corner dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a comfortable and inviting space that encourages your child to read.
  • Tips: Let your child help in setting it up with cushions, lights, and their favorite drawing books.

• Book-Themed Drawing Sessions
  • What it is: After reading, have a drawing session where your child creates artwork based on the book.
  • How it helps: Reinforces the story and characters, making the reading experience more memorable.
  • Tips: Keep the drawing supplies handy and discuss the book’s themes to inspire their artwork.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Before reading a new book, ask your child to predict the story or the end.
  • How it helps: Engages your child’s imagination and anticipation, enhancing focus during reading.
  • Tips: Discuss their predictions after reading to see how close they were!

• Character Dress-Up
  • What it is: Encourage your child to dress up as a favorite character from their drawing books.
  • How it helps: Deepens their connection with the book and stimulates creativity.
  • Tips: Plan a small performance where they can act out their favorite scenes.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks the number of books your child reads.
  • How it helps: Motivates your child to read more as they see their progress visually.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards like extra playtime or a special treat for reaching reading milestones.

These exercises aren’t just about reading; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of your child’s daily life. By incorporating these activities, you’re setting the stage for a lifelong love of books and creativity. So, grab some drawing books and let the fun and learning begin! Happy reading and drawing!