10+ Best How To Draw Books for 11-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to spark creativity in your 11-year-old? Look no further! Our guide on "How To Draw Books for 11-Year-Olds" is packed with top picks that are sure to captivate and inspire young artists. Whether your child is just starting out or looking to refine their drawing skills, we've curated a list that caters to all levels. Keep reading to discover our favorite selections and find the perfect drawing book to light up your young artist's imagination!

Fun How To Draw Books for 11-Year-Olds

• Ed Emberley's Drawing Book: Make a World by Ed Emberley
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Children's Books
  • Synopsis: This book teaches kids how to draw over 400 objects by breaking them down into simple shapes. Ed Emberley's unique drawing style encourages creativity and confidence in young artists.
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies the drawing process, making it accessible and fun, which helps in developing a child's motor skills and artistic expression.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love drawing and those who think they can't draw but want to learn.

• How to Draw Cute Stuff: Draw Anything and Everything in the Cutest Style Ever! by Angela Nguyen
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Children's Books
  • Synopsis: This guide shows how to draw a wide range of adorable subjects from people and animals to objects and scenes, all in an irresistibly cute style.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's engaging and easy to follow, making drawing less intimidating and more enjoyable for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young artists who enjoy adding a touch of cuteness to their creations.

• 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 interactive book combines a story about a knight, a horse, and a dragon with practical lessons on how to create your own comics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It integrates the fun of storytelling with artistic skills, encouraging both reading and drawing in a playful way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love comics and storytelling and are interested in creating their own comic strips.

• Draw 50 Animals: The Step-by-Step Way to Draw Elephants, Tigers, Dogs, Fish, Birds, and Many More... by Lee J. Ames
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Animals
  • Synopsis: This book provides easy-to-follow instructions on how to draw 50 different animals using a step-by-step approach.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps young readers improve their drawing skills while learning about various animals, enhancing both their artistic abilities and their knowledge of nature.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and budding artists interested in learning to draw a wide range of animal species.

• Mastering Manga with Mark Crilley: 30 Drawing Lessons from the Creator of Akiko by Mark Crilley
  • Genre(s): Art, Manga, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide covers everything from basic character drawing to full-comic creation, all in the popular manga style.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers detailed, step-by-step instructions that are perfect for beginners and also challenges more experienced artists to refine their skills.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring manga artists and fans of the manga genre who want to start creating their own stories.

Educational How To Draw Books for 11-Year-Olds

• The Drawing Book for Kids: 365 Daily Things to Draw, Step by Step by Woo! Jr. Kids Activities
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Children's Books
  • Synopsis: This engaging book provides a full year of easy-to-follow drawing lessons, covering a wide range of subjects from animals and plants to vehicles and characters.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Daily drawing practice, creativity, motor skills, and observation skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a structured yet fun approach to drawing, ensuring consistent practice and improvement in a variety of artistic skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy daily challenges and those looking to improve their drawing skills systematically.

• I Can Draw Animals by Phillip Clarke (Illustrated by Amanda Barlow)
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Animals
  • Synopsis: This book teaches children how to draw a range of animals, from simple pets to more exotic wildlife, using simple shapes and clear instructions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Animal anatomy, attention to detail, and hand-eye coordination
  • Why we recommend this book: It's specifically designed to make drawing animals easy and accessible, helping young artists gain confidence in their abilities.
  • Perfect for: Young animal lovers and aspiring artists interested in learning to draw a variety of animal forms.

• Step-by-Step Drawing Book by Fiona Watt
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Children's Books
  • Synopsis: This book guides kids through the process of drawing people, animals, dinosaurs, and more, with each new step shown in color to build their drawing skills.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Sequential thinking, fine motor skills, and visual comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex drawings into simple, manageable steps, making it easier for kids to follow and succeed.
  • Perfect for: Beginners who want a straightforward, step-by-step guide to drawing a wide range of subjects.

• Drawing for Kids: Draw Like an Artist Step by Step by Angela Rizza
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Children's Books
  • Synopsis: This book teaches basic drawing techniques through a series of projects featuring animals, plants, and everyday objects, illustrated in a detailed, realistic style.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Realistic drawing skills, concentration, and patience
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages precision and attention to detail, helping young artists develop a keen eye for realism in their drawings.
  • Perfect for: Kids who have a keen interest in drawing realistically and want to develop their technical skills.

Challenging How To Draw Books for 11-Year-Olds

• Exploring Anatomy & Perspective in Art: Advanced Techniques for Young Artists by Isabella Kung
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Anatomy, Perspective
  • Synopsis: This book delves into advanced drawing techniques focusing on human anatomy and perspective, tailored for young artists looking to enhance their skills.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers complex subjects like human anatomy and perspective, which require a deeper understanding and precision in drawing.
  • Why we recommend this book: It pushes young artists beyond basic drawing techniques, helping them to understand and master more complex concepts that are crucial for advanced artistry.
  • Perfect for: Young artists interested in exploring more complex subjects and enhancing their technical skills in art.

• Creative Illustration Workshop for Mixed-Media Artists: Seeing, Sketching, Storytelling, and Using Found Materials by Katherine Dunn
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Mixed Media
  • Synopsis: This book explores creative illustration techniques using various media and encourages storytelling through art.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces mixed-media techniques that combine different artistic elements and materials, which can be complex for younger artists to master.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and experimentation with different materials, broadening the artistic horizons of young readers.
  • Perfect for: Artists who enjoy experimenting with different materials and styles and are looking to expand their creative expression.

• The Art of Drawing Optical Illusions: How to Draw Mind-Bending Illusions and Three-Dimensional Trick Art by Jonathan Stephen Harris
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Optical Illusions
  • Synopsis: This guide teaches how to create mind-bending optical illusions and 3D trick art through step-by-step instructions.
  • Why this book is challenging: Drawing optical illusions requires understanding of perspective, shading, and precise execution, which are advanced skills for young artists.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fun and unique challenge that enhances spatial thinking and technical drawing skills.
  • Perfect for: Young artists who love puzzles and challenges and are keen on mastering illusionary art techniques.

• Figure Drawing for Kids: A Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing People by Angela Rizza
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Figure Drawing
  • Synopsis: This book provides a comprehensive guide to drawing human figures for kids, emphasizing proportion, movement, and realistic features.
  • Why this book is challenging: It focuses on accurately capturing human anatomy, which is a sophisticated skill in art.
  • Why we recommend this book: It systematically breaks down the complexities of figure drawing, making it accessible yet challenging for young artists.
  • Perfect for: Young artists who are serious about learning to draw people accurately and artistically.

• Advanced Drawing Skills: A Course in Artistic Excellence by Barrington Barber
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: Aimed at those who are looking to advance their drawing skills, this book covers a wide range of techniques and challenges the reader with more complex projects.
  • Why this book is challenging: It assumes a basic understanding of drawing and pushes the reader towards mastering advanced techniques and concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides detailed, professional advice and exercises that promote artistic growth and excellence.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring artists who are ready to take their basic skills to the next level and seek professional guidance in doing so.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 11-year-old dive into the world of drawing books, fostering good reading habits is a great way to start. Below are some fun and effective exercises that can make reading more engaging and beneficial for young artists. Let's check them out!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and helps complete books in a manageable way.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Designate a special place at home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and makes reading time something to look forward to.
  • Tips: Make the space cozy with good lighting and minimal distractions.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book after reading.
  • How it helps: Reinforces comprehension and allows creative expression.
  • Tips: Use a variety of materials like pencils, crayons, or markers to keep it exciting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are also reading it.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and memory of the story.
  • Tips: Try to express what you liked about the story or what surprised you.

• Book Themed Days
  • What it is: Dedicate a day to activities and meals related to what you're reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a multisensory experience and deepens engagement.
  • Tips: Plan ahead and involve your child in the planning process.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Take turns reading pages or chapters aloud to each other.
  • How it helps: Enhances pronunciation skills and builds confidence in reading.
  • Tips: Use expressive voices to make the session more entertaining.

• Book Review Blog
  • What it is: Start a blog or a journal where your child can write reviews of the books they read.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and helps retain information from the books.
  • Tips: Share the reviews with family and friends to motivate your child.

These exercises are not only fun but also incredibly beneficial in developing a lifelong love for reading and drawing. By integrating these activities into your child’s routine, you’ll help them enhance their comprehension skills and unleash their creativity. So, grab some books, and let's make reading a thrilling adventure for your young artist! Happy reading and drawing!