10+ Best Learn To Draw Books for 8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for the perfect way to nurture creativity in your young artist? Discovering the best learn to draw books for 8-year-olds can be a game changer, sparking both imagination and skill. Whether your child is just starting out or looking to enhance their drawing abilities, the right book can make all the difference. Keep reading to explore our top picks of learn to draw books that are sure to captivate and educate your budding artist!

Fun Learn To Draw Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Ed Emberley's Drawing Book of Animals by Ed Emberley
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This book teaches kids how to draw a wide range of animals using simple shapes and step-by-step instructions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's great for boosting creativity and confidence in drawing with easy techniques that make complex images simple.
  • Perfect for: Young artists who love animals and are eager to learn how to draw them.

• 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 the fun of storytelling with easy-to-follow artistic advice to help kids create their own cartoons.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages both reading and drawing skills by integrating them into comic creation.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love cartoons and are interested in making their own comic stories.

• Draw 50 Animals by Lee J. Ames
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: Provides a step-by-step approach to drawing various animals, from lions to kangaroos, using basic shapes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps refine motor skills and attention to detail through repetitive practice of the drawing techniques.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy learning through repetition and are fascinated by the animal kingdom.

• 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 for children to draw, providing daily prompts and simple instructions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun way to make drawing a daily habit, which can improve patience and persistence.
  • Perfect for: Young sketchers looking for daily inspiration and a structured way to improve their drawing skills.

• How to Draw Cool Stuff: A Drawing Guide for Teachers and Students by Catherine V. Holmes
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational
  • Synopsis: Teaches basic drawing concepts and techniques through a series of fun, engaging lessons.
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex drawings into simple steps, making the learning process accessible and enjoyable.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring artists who appreciate a structured approach and those who enjoy drawing as part of their learning process.

Educational Learn To Draw Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Step-by-Step Drawing Book by Fiona Watt
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This book guides children through the process of drawing people, animals, dinosaurs, and more, using simple, step-by-step instructions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Fine motor skills, creativity, observational skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's designed to help kids build confidence in their drawing abilities, starting with simple shapes and progressing to more complex drawings.
  • Perfect for: Young beginners who want a gentle introduction to drawing.

• Drawing for Kids: How to Draw Word Cartoons with Letters & Numbers by Rachel Goldstein
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational
  • Synopsis: This unique book teaches children how to turn letters and numbers into cartoons, combining drawing skills with alphabet and number recognition.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Alphabet and number familiarity, creativity, drawing skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively integrates literacy and art, making it a fun, educational activity that enhances both drawing and reading skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy drawing and are learning their letters and numbers.

• Drawing School: Fundamentals for the Beginner by Jim Dowdalls
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: A comprehensive drawing guide that covers various fundamentals, from basic shapes to more detailed drawings of animals and people.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic and advanced drawing techniques, attention to detail
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a structured path for learning to draw, suitable for children who are serious about developing their artistic skills.
  • Perfect for: Young artists looking for a more in-depth approach to drawing.

• I Can Draw Animals by Philippe Legendre
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: Shows kids how to draw animals using simple shapes, with each new shape colored to guide the young artist through the steps.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Shape recognition, color use, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses a color-coded method that makes it easy for children to follow along and learn how to draw their favorite animals.
  • Perfect for: Children who love animals and enjoy learning through visual aids.

• My First I Can Draw by Thomas Nelson
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This book makes drawing accessible to young beginners by breaking down illustrations into simple, manageable steps.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Motor skills, creativity, confidence in art
  • Why we recommend this book: It's specifically tailored for young children, with easy-to-follow instructions and cheerful illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Very young children just starting out with drawing.

Challenging Learn To Draw Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Mastering Manga with Mark Crilley by Mark Crilley
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Manga
  • Synopsis: This detailed guide offers step-by-step instructions on drawing manga characters and scenes, covering everything from basic shapes to complex expressions and poses.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into intricate details of manga art, such as facial expressions and dynamic poses, which require a higher level of skill and concentration.
  • Why we recommend this book: Mark Crilley provides expert advice and detailed tutorials that can significantly improve a young artist’s ability to create engaging manga characters and stories.
  • Perfect for: Young artists interested in manga and looking to advance their drawing skills.

• The Drawing Lesson: A Graphic Novel That Teaches You How to Draw by Mark Crilley
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: This unique graphic novel combines a compelling story with hands-on drawing lessons, as it follows the adventures of a young aspiring artist learning from a seasoned mentor.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative format requires readers to engage with both the story and the drawing lessons simultaneously, enhancing their comprehension and multitasking skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an innovative approach that makes learning to draw more interactive and fun, which can help maintain the interest and dedication of young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories and are motivated to learn drawing through an engaging, narrative format.

• 1-2-3 Draw Knights, Castles and Dragons by Freddie Levin
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: A step-by-step guide to drawing medieval scenes, including knights, castles, and dragons, using simple numbers and letters as starting points.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces concepts of perspective and proportion in the context of complex historical and fantasy scenes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the excitement of drawing fantastical and historical elements with educational content, enhancing both artistic and historical knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Children fascinated by history and fantasy who want to explore these interests through drawing.

• Draw Like an Artist: 100 Flowers and Plants by Melissa Washburn
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Botanical
  • Synopsis: Teaches how to draw 100 different flowers and plants with a step-by-step, easy-to-follow approach.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a wide range of botanical drawings that require attention to detail and an understanding of subtle differences in plant forms.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps develop a careful observation of nature, fostering both artistic skills and an appreciation for the natural world.
  • Perfect for: Young nature lovers who are eager to learn more about plants and flowers through the art of drawing.

• How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps by Jared Blando
  • Genre(s): Art, Instructional, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This guide provides detailed instructions on creating fantasy maps and art, including landscapes, buildings, and creatures.
  • Why this book is challenging: It requires the integration of artistic skills with imaginative world-building, challenging young artists to create detailed and coherent fantasy worlds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s perfect for developing creativity and artistic skills while engaging in the fun and imaginative process of RPG map making.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring artists and gamers who enjoy role-playing games and want to create their own fantasy worlds and maps.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-year-old develop great reading habits while exploring learn-to-draw books, you've come to the right place. These exercises are designed to be fun and educational, enhancing both their reading and artistic skills. Let's dive in!

• Set a Daily Reading and Drawing Time
  • What it is: Dedicate a specific time each day for reading and drawing.
  • How it helps: Creates a routine that enhances consistency and discipline.
  • Tips: Choose a time when your child is usually relaxed and not rushed, such as after dinner or before bed.

• Create a Drawing-Inspired Storybook
  • What it is: Encourage your child to create a storybook based on drawings they make.
  • How it helps: Integrates reading and art, boosting imagination and comprehension.
  • Tips: Help them start with simple stories, gradually increasing complexity as they get more comfortable.

• Pair Books with Drawing Challenges
  • What it is: After reading, challenge your child to draw something related to what they've read.
  • How it helps: Reinforces what they've read by translating it into a visual format.
  • Tips: Keep the challenges fun and relevant to the story to maintain their interest.

• Discuss and Draw
  • What it is: Discuss the book's themes, characters, and settings, then draw them.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of the reading material.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions to encourage deeper thinking and detailed drawings.

• Design a Book Cover
  • What it is: Have your child design a new cover for each book they finish.
  • How it helps: Encourages them to think critically about the main ideas of the book.
  • Tips: Provide them with various art materials to explore different mediums.

In conclusion, combining reading with drawing not only makes the process more enjoyable but also helps in developing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the content. These exercises are a great way to keep your young reader engaged and eager to learn. So, grab some books and drawing supplies, and let the creativity flow!