Alphabet Monsters drawing books: step by step or grid?

Two books, one cast of Alphabet Monsters characters by cartoonist Kevin Coulston. Best for early readers: a monster for every letter of the alphabet.

Ages 5+
By Kevin Coulston
2 books

Step by step · a great first book

How to Draw: Alphabet Monsters

Alphabet Monsters transforms familiar letters and numbers into quirky drawing subjects. The 106-page book shows kids how to build cartoon characters around recognizable shapes.

The step-by-step lessons are intended for children who like to draw and invent. A letter can gain eyes, a mouth, or an unexpected body, giving the child a way to experiment with character design after following the example.

See it on Amazon More about this book on FirstArtBooks.com

Grid · for careful, puzzle-loving kids

Draw by Grid: Alphabet Monsters

Alphabet Monsters turns letters and numbers into cartoon characters for children to draw. The grid helps them copy each design in small, observable parts rather than trying to reproduce the entire character at once.

With 50 subjects, this book offers a playful grid drawing challenge for kids. It suits children who recognize familiar symbols and enjoy seeing how a face or body can transform them into art.

See it on Amazon More about this book on FirstArtBooks.com

Look inside

Real pages from the books. Swipe or scroll for more.

A page from How to Draw: Alphabet Monsters — How to Draw: Alphabet Monsters, page sample 1

A page from Draw by Grid: Alphabet Monsters — Draw by Grid: Alphabet Monsters, page sample 1

More free sample pages →

Which one should you get?

Same characters, different kinds of practice. Pick step by step for a first drawing book. Pick grid for a kid who likes puzzles, or who already has the step-by-step book.

	Step by step (How to Draw)	Grid (Draw by Grid)
What your kid does	Adds one new line or shape at a time, in six steps, then draws the whole character again.	Copies the picture one lettered square at a time onto a matching blank grid.
Feels like	Learning how a cartoonist builds a character.	A calm drawing puzzle.
Best for	A first drawing book, ages 5 and up.	Careful, patient kids and anyone who likes accuracy.
Builds	Seeing shapes inside characters, following directions, confidence.	Observation, proportion and pencil control.

Getting both? Many families start with the step-by-step book, then add the grid book when their kid wants a calmer challenge with the same characters.