10+ Best How To Draw Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to nurture your 10-year-old's artistic skills? Look no further! Our roundup of the best "How To Draw Books for 10-Year-Olds" is packed with top picks that promise to keep your young artist engaged and improving. Whether they're doodling cartoons or sketching nature, these books offer step-by-step guidance tailored just for kids. Keep reading to discover our favorite selections that might just reveal the little Picasso in your family!

Fun How To Draw Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Ed Emberley's Drawing Book: Make a World by Ed Emberley
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This drawing book teaches kids how to draw a wide array of subjects using simple shapes and step-by-step instructions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's incredibly accessible and fun, encouraging creativity with easy-to-follow drawings. Perfect for building confidence in young artists.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love drawing and creating, and those who appreciate visual learning.

• Draw 50 Animals by Lee J. Ames
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: A step-by-step guide to drawing animals, from the lion to the rabbit, aimed at helping beginners master the art of drawing.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a straightforward approach to drawing that can help kids understand animal forms and basic drawing techniques.
  • Perfect for: Young animal lovers and aspiring artists interested in learning to draw wildlife.

• How to Draw Cool Stuff by Catherine V. Holmes
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book provides instructions on how to draw anything from basic geometric figures to more complex images and illusions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with engaging, fun, and slightly challenging projects that help develop drawing skills and boost creativity.
  • Perfect for: Creative kids who want to explore drawing beyond basic shapes and figures.

• The Drawing Book for Kids: 365 Daily Things to Draw, Step by Step by Woo! Jr. Kids Activities
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: Offers a full year of subjects to draw, with easy-to-follow steps tailored for young artists.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides daily drawing challenges that are fun and engaging, keeping young readers interested in practicing their skills every day.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy daily activities and those who like a structured approach to learning and drawing.

• Adventures in Cartooning: How to Turn Your Doodles Into Comics by James Sturm, Andrew Arnold, and Alexis Frederick-Frost
  • Genre(s): Art, Comics
  • Synopsis: This book explores the exciting world of cartooning, teaching kids how to create their comic strips from initial doodles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the joy of drawing with storytelling, enhancing both artistic and creative writing skills.
  • Perfect for: Young storytellers and aspiring comic book artists who love to imagine and create their narratives.

Educational How To Draw Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Drawing for Kids: How to Draw Word Cartoons with Letters & Numbers by Rachel Goldstein
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational
  • Synopsis: This unique book teaches kids how to turn letters and numbers into cartoons, combining drawing skills with an educational twist on typography.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Drawing techniques, alphabet and number recognition, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an innovative approach that integrates literacy skills with art, making learning to draw fun and educational.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy drawing and learning simultaneously, and those interested in a unique artistic challenge.

• Mastering Manga with Mark Crilley: 30 Drawing Lessons from the Creator of Akiko by Mark Crilley
  • Genre(s): Art, Manga
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide offers step-by-step lessons on drawing manga characters and scenes, tailored by popular manga artist Mark Crilley.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Manga drawing techniques, character design, storytelling in art
  • Why we recommend this book: Mark Crilley's expertise and clear instructions make it easy for beginners to start creating their own manga.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring manga artists and fans of Mark Crilley's work who want to learn directly from a master.

• How to Draw Pokemon: 50 Pokemons to Learn to Draw by Tracey West
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This engaging book guides readers through drawing 50 Pokemon characters using simple, step-by-step instructions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Drawing popular characters, attention to detail, following instructions
  • Why we recommend this book: It taps into the popular Pokemon franchise to engage young artists and motivate them to improve their drawing skills.
  • Perfect for: Pokemon enthusiasts and young artists who love following trends and drawing their favorite characters.

• Art for Kids: Drawing by Kathryn Temple
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This book covers the fundamentals of drawing, including shape, line, shading, and composition, tailored specifically for young artists.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic drawing skills, artistic perception, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It lays a solid foundation in drawing techniques, which is essential for any budding artist.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who are new to drawing and need a comprehensive, kid-friendly introduction to the art.

• 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, Instructional
  • Synopsis: Mark Kistler shares his easy-to-follow approach that promises to teach the basics of drawing in just 30 days through fun, engaging lessons.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic and intermediate drawing skills, self-discipline through daily practice
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a structured, time-bound program that makes learning to draw less daunting and more achievable.
  • Perfect for: Kids (and even adults) who appreciate a challenge and want to see noticeable improvements in a short time.

Challenging How To Draw Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Exploring Anatomy & Physiology in the Laboratory: Core Concepts by Erin C. Amerman
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational, Science
  • Synopsis: This book dives into detailed anatomical drawings, focusing on human body systems and their functions.
  • Why this book is challenging: It combines complex biological concepts with the artistic skill required to accurately render human anatomy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It enhances both scientific knowledge and artistic skills, providing a dual learning experience that is rare at this age level.
  • Perfect for: Young artists interested in science and those looking to challenge themselves with technically demanding drawings.

• Perspective Made Easy by Ernest R. Norling
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This book simplifies the concepts of perspective drawing for artists of all ages, focusing on realistic and three-dimensional art.
  • Why this book is challenging: It teaches advanced drawing techniques that require understanding of geometric principles and spatial awareness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's crucial for developing a foundational skill in art that will improve overall drawing ability and lead to more lifelike creations.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring artists who want to take their drawings to the next level by mastering perspective.

• Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards
  • Genre(s): Art, Psychology, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This book offers exercises that shift the way the brain perceives and processes visual information, aiming to improve artistic ability.
  • Why this book is challenging: It involves cognitive exercises that challenge the usual modes of thinking and seeing, which can be complex for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes not only technical skills but also cognitive development in perception and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are serious about enhancing their drawing skills and understanding the psychological aspects of art.

• Figure Drawing for All It's Worth by Andrew Loomis
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: A comprehensive guide to figure drawing that covers various aspects of creating realistic human figures.
  • Why this book is challenging: It requires a deep understanding of human anatomy and proportions, which are typically more advanced topics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides detailed instructions and examples that can significantly improve a young artist's ability to draw human forms accurately.
  • Perfect for: Young artists who are ready to tackle more complex subjects like human figures and want to refine their technical skills.

• Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter by James Gurney
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This book delves into the techniques of using color and light in painting, drawing from the author's experiences as a painter and illustrator.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores sophisticated concepts in painting that go beyond basic color mixing, including atmospheric effects and the impact of different light conditions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers insights into how professional artists use color and light, providing young artists with advanced techniques that can transform their artistic approach.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring painters and illustrators who want to deepen their understanding of color dynamics and light in their artwork.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 10-year-old develop great reading habits, especially when diving into how-to-draw books, here are some fun and effective exercises to try out. These will not only enhance their drawing skills but also boost their love for reading!

• Set a Daily Reading Time
  • What it is: Dedicate a specific time each day for reading drawing books.
  • How it helps: Creates a routine and fosters a habit of regular reading.
  • Tips: Choose a quiet time of day when your child is most alert.

• Create a Drawing-Reading Combo
  • What it is: Pair reading time with a drawing session.
  • How it helps: Reinforces understanding of the material by applying it practically.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to draw something from the book immediately after reading.

• Book Themed Art Projects
  • What it is: Start projects based on the themes or techniques learned from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps in deeper engagement with the content and stimulates creativity.
  • Tips: Let your child choose which project they want to do, giving them control over their learning process.

• Reading Out Loud
  • What it is: Have your child read the drawing instructions out loud before executing them.
  • How it helps: Improves reading fluency and comprehension.
  • Tips: Correct pronunciations and explain meanings as needed to build confidence.

• Share What You Learn
  • What it is: Encourage your child to share newly learned drawing techniques or facts with family or friends.
  • How it helps: Reinforces learning through teaching and boosts confidence.
  • Tips: Organize small family gatherings where your child can present their artwork and what they learned.

These exercises are designed to be enjoyable and educational, making reading and drawing a delightful part of your child’s daily routine. Give them a try, and watch your little artist and reader flourish!