How to Draw Cool Stuff is a simplified tutorial drawing guide aimed at young readers by Catherine V. Holmes. Originally published in 2017, this reformat and re-release from Library Tales is 253 pages and is available in hardcover format in this edition, other formats available in other editions. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free, (as are the companion books in the series).
I'm an earnest beginner with drawing, sketching, doodling, and other graphic arts. Although firmly outside the target audience (young student and their facilitators), I found quite a lot of useful information here. The book has an accessible and direct style with information presented in an easy to understand format. Most of the lessons are divided into concepts (know), information (understand), and tutorials (do). Vocabulary and ancillary information are provided in each tutorial segment under their own headings.
The concepts are very simple and the tutorial lessons include blank areas on each page for students to practice and master specific techniques. The tutorials are grouped into thematic chapters: basic elements of design, human faces, perspective, holidays & seasons, animals & creatures, and cool stuff (treasure chest, skeletal pirate, pool of water, etc).
The book is laid out as, and would work very well as, lesson plan hand-outs for workshop or classroom use. This would also be a good choice for adults who spend time with young kids to improve their "draw with me" skills.
Four stars. Very simple but useful for classroom and home use.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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