10+ Best How To Draw Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for the perfect way to nurture your 7-year-old's artistic talent? Our guide on the best How To Draw Books for 7-Year-olds is just what you need! These books are tailor-made to make learning art fun and accessible for young creative minds. Keep reading to discover our curated lists that will help your child embark on a journey of artistic exploration and skill-building.

Fun How To Draw Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Ed Emberley's Drawing Book: Make a World by Ed Emberley
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Children's Books
  • Synopsis: This book teaches children how to draw a wide array of subjects using simple shapes. Ed Emberley offers easy-to-follow steps that turn basic lines and circles into detailed drawings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's fantastic for boosting confidence in drawing skills with simple, clear instructions that are easy to follow. It encourages creativity and helps in developing fine motor skills.
  • Perfect for: Young artists who enjoy creating and want to learn how to draw practically anything with basic shapes.

• Adventures in Cartooning: How to Turn Your Doodles Into Comics by James Sturm, Andrew Arnold, and Alexis Frederick-Frost
  • Genre(s): Comics, How-To, Children's Books
  • Synopsis: This engaging book combines a hilarious story with step-by-step instructions on how to create cartoons. It follows a knight on a quest who learns to tell his story in comic form.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes the process of drawing cartoons accessible and fun, blending storytelling with artistic instruction. This approach keeps the reader entertained while they learn.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories and comics and are eager to tell their own stories through drawings.

• Draw 50 Animals by Lee J. Ames
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Children's Books
  • Synopsis: This book provides a step-by-step guide to drawing animals from the jungle, farm, ocean, and more. Each project starts with basic shapes and progresses to a finished detailed drawing.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's great for helping kids understand the structure of different animals and improving their ability to observe and replicate forms.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers who want to learn how to draw their favorite creatures accurately and creatively.

• The Drawing Book for Kids: 365 Daily Things to Draw, Step by Step by Woo! Jr. Kids Activities
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This book offers a full year of subjects to draw, providing simple step-by-step instructions for each one. It covers a wide range of topics from animals and plants to vehicles and holidays.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides daily drawing challenges that are not only fun but also educational, enhancing both drawing skills and creativity all year round.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy daily activities and challenges, helping them stay engaged and excited about drawing every day.

• How to Draw Cute Stuff: Draw Anything and Everything in the Cutest Style Ever! by Angela Nguyen
  • Genre(s): Art, How-To, Children's Books
  • Synopsis: This book teaches how to draw a variety of objects and characters in an adorable, simplistic style. It breaks down complex drawings into easy steps.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's perfect for inspiring creativity and adding a touch of cuteness to any drawing, making the art of drawing very approachable and enjoyable.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are fans of kawaii culture or anyone who loves to add a bit of cuteness to their artwork.

Educational How To Draw Books for 7-Year-Olds

• How to Draw Animals by Jack Hamm
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Children's Books
  • Synopsis: This book offers easy-to-follow instructions on how to draw a variety of animals, from domestic pets to wild animals, using simple shapes and lines.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Drawing techniques, understanding animal anatomy, hand-eye coordination
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex animal shapes into simple components, making it easy for young artists to grasp and replicate.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love animals and are eager to learn how to draw them realistically.

• Drawing for Kids: How to Draw Number Cartoons Step by Step by Rachel Goldstein
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This creative book teaches children how to turn numbers into cartoons, combining basic math skills with art.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Numeracy, creativity, drawing skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It uniquely integrates drawing with learning numbers, making both activities more enjoyable and educational.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy drawing and need a fun way to practice their numeracy skills.

• My First I Can Draw by Thomas Nelson
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Children's Books
  • Synopsis: Designed specifically for young children, this book uses simple illustrations and easy instructions to help kids draw everything from animals to vehicles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Fine motor skills, following instructions, basic drawing techniques
  • Why we recommend this book: It's tailored to beginners and uses very basic shapes, making it perfect for young learners.
  • Perfect for: Very young artists just starting to explore drawing.

• How to Draw Cool Stuff: A Drawing Guide for Teachers and Students by Catherine V. Holmes
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational, How-To
  • Synopsis: This guide covers a wide range of drawing techniques and subjects, aimed at improving drawing skills through fun, engaging exercises.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Advanced drawing techniques, creativity, visual learning
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a structured approach to learning how to draw, which can be beneficial in both classroom settings and at home.
  • Perfect for: Students and teachers looking for a comprehensive drawing resource that is both educational and entertaining.

• Learn to Draw... Unicorns, Mermaids & More by Rosa M. Curto
  • Genre(s): Art, Fantasy, Children's Books
  • Synopsis: This book provides step-by-step instructions on how to draw fantastical creatures like unicorns and mermaids.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, fine motor skills, understanding of mythical creatures
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to use their imagination to create whimsical, magical creatures.
  • Perfect for: Young artists interested in fantasy and storytelling through art.

Challenging How To Draw Books for 7-Year-Olds

• 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 provides step-by-step lessons on how to draw manga characters and environments, authored by popular manga artist Mark Crilley.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers advanced techniques in manga art, including proportion, character poses, and complex expressions, which are typically challenging for younger artists.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers detailed, professional insights into manga drawing from a renowned artist, making it a valuable resource for serious young artists.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring manga artists and fans of Mark Crilley's work who are ready to take their drawing skills to the next level.

• Drawing School: Fundamentals for the Beginner by Jim Dowdalls
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Educational
  • Synopsis: A structured course in drawing fundamentals that covers everything from basic shapes to more detailed human and animal forms.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces technical aspects of drawing, such as perspective and shading, which require a higher level of skill and concentration.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a solid foundation in drawing, which is essential for any young artist looking to develop their skills comprehensively.
  • Perfect for: Young artists who are serious about learning the fundamentals of drawing and committed to practicing regularly.

• 1-2-3 Draw Knights, Castles and Dragons by Freddie Levin
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A guide to drawing medieval scenes featuring knights, castles, and dragons using simple steps.
  • Why this book is challenging: The themes require attention to historical and fantasy details, pushing young artists to expand their creative and technical skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the fun of drawing with the intrigue of medieval fantasy, encouraging both artistic skills and a love for historical and mythical subjects.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are fascinated by knights and dragons and enjoy stories or games set in medieval times.

• Exploring Color Workshop, 30th Anniversary Edition: With New Exercises, Lessons and Demonstrations by Nita Leland
  • Genre(s): Art, Color Theory, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This updated edition teaches the principles of color with practical applications and creative exercises.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves deeply into color theory, an advanced topic that involves understanding the visual and emotional impacts of color.
  • Why we recommend this book: It is an excellent resource for young artists to explore and master the use of color in their artwork, enhancing both their technical skills and artistic expressions.
  • Perfect for: Young artists interested in expanding their knowledge and use of color in their drawings and paintings.

• How to Draw Plants: The Techniques of Botanical Illustration by Keith West
  • Genre(s): Art, Botanical, Instructional
  • Synopsis: A detailed guide on how to draw various plants accurately, focusing on botanical illustration techniques.
  • Why this book is challenging: It requires precision and an understanding of plant anatomy, which can be quite complex and detailed.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches patience and precision in art, while also educating about different plant species and their structures.
  • Perfect for: Young artists with an interest in nature and science, looking to combine these with their drawing skills.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-year-old develop great reading habits with some fun drawing books, you're in the right place. Here are a few exercises that can make reading more engaging and enjoyable for them. These activities not only enhance their reading skills but also spark their creativity!

• Create a Storyboard
  • What it is: Draw a sequence of pictures that tell a story from a book.
  • How it helps: Encourages comprehension and recall of the story.
  • Tips: Let them use their imagination to add elements or change scenes.

• Character Sketches
  • What it is: Draw favorite characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps in paying attention to descriptions and details in the text.
  • Tips: Discuss the character's traits and actions as they draw.

• Design a Book Cover
  • What it is: Create a new cover for their favorite book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the main themes and mood of the book.
  • Tips: Encourage them to explain why they chose certain elements for the cover.

• Map the Story World
  • What it is: Draw a map based on the setting of the book.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize and connect with the book’s environment.
  • Tips: Include key locations from the story and any imaginative places they think up.

• Comic Strip Summaries
  • What it is: Summarize the book in a series of comic strips.
  • How it helps: Encourages summarization and sequencing skills.
  • Tips: Keep the strips simple and focus on main events.

Incorporating these drawing exercises into reading time can transform it from a chore into a delightful adventure. They not only reinforce what your child reads but also make the experience interactive and fun. Give these exercises a try and watch your child's love for books grow along with their creativity!