10+ Best How To Draw Books for 4-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to introduce your little one to the world of art? Look no further! Our guide to the best "How To Draw Books for 4-Year-Olds" is here to help you ignite that creative spark in your child. These books are specially tailored to be fun, engaging, and just right for tiny hands. So, grab your crayons and let's dive into our colorful list that promises to make drawing an exciting adventure for your preschooler. Keep reading to discover our top picks!

Fun How To Draw Books for 4-Year-Olds

• My First Book of Drawing by Kumon Publishing
  • Genre(s): Activity Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young children to drawing using simple lines and shapes, encouraging them to create fun illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses basic shapes and guided activities that are perfect for developing fine motor skills and confidence in young artists.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who are just starting to explore drawing and parents looking for educational activities.

• Ed Emberley's Drawing Book: Make a World by Ed Emberley
  • Genre(s): Art, How-To
  • Synopsis: Ed Emberley teaches kids how to draw animals, cars, and buildings using simple shapes and step-by-step instructions.
  • Why we recommend this book: Emberley's method is accessible and engaging, making drawing less intimidating and more fun for kids.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy creating their own worlds and stories through drawings.

• I Can Draw Animals by Ray Gibson; Illustrated by Amanda Barlow
  • Genre(s): Art, Children's Books
  • Synopsis: This book offers easy-to-follow instructions on how to draw a variety of animals, from simple to complex designs.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps young readers develop their drawing skills while learning about different animals.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young artists eager to improve their drawing techniques.

• The Drawing Book for Kids: 365 Daily Things to Draw, Step by Step by Woo! Jr. Kids Activities
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational
  • Synopsis: Provides a full year of drawing lessons, covering a wide range of subjects from animals and plants to vehicles and holidays.
  • Why we recommend this book: The daily prompts keep children engaged and practicing regularly, which is great for skill development and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who thrive on routine and those who appreciate a structured approach to learning and drawing.

• Draw With Rob by Rob Biddulph
  • Genre(s): Art, Interactive
  • Synopsis: Based on the viral #DrawWithRob videos, this book features step-by-step drawing sessions that are fun and easy to follow.
  • Why we recommend this book: Rob's friendly and encouraging style makes drawing enjoyable and helps boost the confidence of budding artists.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy interactive and video-based learning as well as hands-on activities.

Educational How To Draw Books for 4-Year-Olds

• Let's Draw Cute Animals by Harriet Evans; Illustrated by Imagine That
  • Genre(s): Art, Children's Books
  • Synopsis: This delightful book encourages young children to draw a variety of cute animals using simple, easy-to-follow instructions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Fine motor skills, animal recognition, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex drawings into approachable steps, making it easier for young children to follow along and succeed.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who love animals and parents looking for a fun way to introduce art.

• Drawing for Kids: How to Draw Step-by-Step Interactive Art by Anita Valle; Illustrated by Artz Creation
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational
  • Synopsis: This interactive book teaches children how to draw using simple shapes and lines, turning them into fun, recognizable objects and characters.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Hand-eye coordination, understanding of shapes and forms, creative expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It's designed to make drawing less intimidating for beginners and provides positive reinforcement through successful outcomes.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who are new to drawing and enjoy interactive learning experiences.

• Preschool Drawing Book by Young Dreamers Press
  • Genre(s): Art, Preschool Education
  • Synopsis: Specifically tailored for preschoolers, this book introduces basic drawing concepts through simple and engaging activities.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic drawing skills, recognition of colors and shapes, imagination
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses age-appropriate instructions and activities that cater to the developmental stage of preschool children.
  • Perfect for: Preschool children and educators looking for classroom drawing activities.

• Start Little Learn Big: Draw and Color with Shapes by Parragon Books; Illustrated by Smriti Prasadam-Halls
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book helps children identify and draw with various shapes, combining them to create colorful artwork.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Shape recognition, color blending, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces basic art concepts in a playful and colorful way that appeals to young minds.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers beginning to explore drawing and parents who want to teach art fundamentals in a fun manner.

Challenging How To Draw Books for 4-Year-Olds

• Advanced Drawing Skills for Little Artists by Maria Chang
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book pushes the boundaries of what typical four-year-olds are expected to achieve by introducing more complex shapes and shading techniques.
  • Why this book is challenging: It goes beyond simple line drawings to include elements like perspective and shading, which are not usually taught at this age.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges young minds to grasp advanced concepts early, potentially accelerating their artistic development.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who have mastered basic drawing and are ready for a new challenge.

• Little Prodigy's Drawing Guide by Emma Thompson; Illustrated by Laura Wood
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: Offers a step-by-step approach to drawing complex objects and scenes, encouraging children to think critically about spatial relationships and composition.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes multi-step processes for each drawing, requiring focus and a higher level of cognitive engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: This guide fosters not just artistic skills but also patience and attention to detail in young artists.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are particularly interested in drawing and parents looking for ways to nurture a deeper level of artistic talent.

• Explore Art: Techniques for Tiny Hands by Sara Reed
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book explores various artistic techniques such as mixing colors, creating textures, and using different materials.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces concepts that are typically reserved for older children, such as texture creation and color theory.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a broad foundation in art, which can enhance creativity and a deeper appreciation for how art is made.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers with an adventurous spirit in art and parents who want to introduce a comprehensive art education early on.

• Creative Sketching for Young Minds by Lucy Davidson
  • Genre(s): Art, Creative
  • Synopsis: Encourages creative thinking and freedom in drawing, with prompts that ask children to imagine and sketch 'beyond the ordinary.'
  • Why this book is challenging: The open-ended prompts require children to think imaginatively and create drawings without structured guidance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes creative thinking and problem-solving through art, essential skills for academic and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Creative youngsters and those looking to break away from conventional drawing lessons.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to cultivate a love for reading in your 4-year-old, incorporating some fun and engaging exercises can make a world of difference. Here are a few exercises specifically designed for little ones, aimed at fostering good reading habits from a young age.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: A pre-reading activity where you and your child look at the pictures in a book before reading it.
  • How it helps: Enhances prediction skills and sets a purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Ask your child to guess the story or describe what they see in the pictures.

• Story Map
  • What it is: Creating a simple map that outlines the story's beginning, middle, and end.
  • How it helps: Helps children understand and remember the sequence of events.
  • Tips: Use drawings or stickers to make the mapping process more engaging for your child.

• Character Puppet Show
  • What it is: Using puppets to act out the characters from the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and brings the story to life.
  • Tips: Let your child make their own simple puppets from socks or paper bags.

• Rhyme Time
  • What it is: Identifying rhyming words in a story or creating new ones that fit.
  • How it helps: Develops phonemic awareness, which is crucial for early reading skills.
  • Tips: Make it a playful activity by singing the rhymes or turning them into a game.

• Book-Based Drawing
  • What it is: Drawing scenes or characters from the book after reading.
  • How it helps: Reinforces memory and understanding of the story.
  • Tips: Provide a variety of art supplies to make this activity exciting and colorful.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only improve your child's reading skills but also make the process a whole lot of fun. Remember, the key is to keep the activities light, playful, and pressure-free. Happy reading!