Two books, one cast of Silly Faces characters by cartoonist Kevin Coulston. Best for practising expressions: eyes, mouths and hair in endless combinations.
An eyebrow, mouth, or set of eyes can change a whole cartoon expression. How to Draw: Silly Faces turns that discovery into 50 six-step face lessons for young artists.
Intended for ages 5 and up, this book makes funny faces a manageable drawing subject. Children can follow the stages, then alter the features to make a character look surprised, mischievous, or even sillier.
See it on AmazonMore about this book on FirstArtBooks.com
Silly Faces asks kids to pay attention to expressions one square at a time. A small change in an eye or mouth can make one of the 50 cartoon faces look even more ridiculous.
This grid drawing book is intended for ages 5 and up. It fits a young artist who likes funny characters and enjoys the challenge of placing features carefully before adding their own twist.
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: Silly Faces (ages 3+) is on our coloring site →
Best for a second mixed bag: dinosaurs, people, animals and more.
Best for kids who love funny expressions and want to draw people.
Best for kids who find grumpy funnier than happy.
Featured in: The best drawing books for cartoon faces and people.
