Two books, one cast of Cartoon Dinosaurs characters by cartoonist Kevin Coulston. Best for dinosaur fans who want a T. rex they drew themselves.
Cartoon Dinosaurs turns prehistoric favorites into 50 playful six-step drawing projects. The characters give dinosaur fans a route from the first simple marks to a finished cartoon.
This dinosaur drawing book is intended for ages 5 and up. A child can follow the stages and then give a T-Rex or other creature an expression, pattern, or imagined personality of their own.
See it on AmazonMore about this book on FirstArtBooks.com
Cartoon Dinosaurs makes prehistoric shapes a square-by-square drawing activity. Kids can look at one part of a dinosaur at a time as they recreate 50 playful characters.
Intended for ages 5 and up, this grid drawing book suits a child who likes dinosaurs and a little visual puzzle. After completing the pencil lines, they can add patterns and colors to distinguish their creature.
See it on AmazonMore about this book on FirstArtBooks.comSame 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.
Under 5? Tracing comes before drawing. Trace Then Color: Cartoon Dinosaurs (ages 3+) is on our coloring site →
Best for kids who love cuddly animals and want an easy first win.
Best for a very first drawing book: round, friendly animals that still look right when the lines wobble.
Best for pet lovers who want to draw a dog or cat that looks like their own.
Featured in: The best first drawing books for kids 5 to 8, The best animal drawing books for kids, The best robot and dinosaur drawing books for kids, The best grid drawing books for kids.
