SCRACE, Carolyn

This series offers simple steps for drawing easy shapes with crayons and felt-tip pens. Circles, zigzags, curves, and squares, with some suggested coloring-in ideas, become monsters, robots, mermaids, fairies, vehicles, and other child favorites. The most basic supplies, few lines, and finished projects that actually look child-rendered will delight little brand-new artists; kids with any existing skills will be unimpressed. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Art Works titles: Drawing Animals, Drawing Dinosaurs, Drawing Fairies and Mermaids, Drawing Monsters, Drawing Robots, and Drawing Things That Go.

"Art doodle" refers to tightly spaced, ornate patterns made with pens and color media (paint, markers, etc.) that add texture and depth to art projects. Each volume introduces a few projects and techniques (e.g., printing, collage) for young creators. Some volumes are basic (Color Patterns); some more difficult (Portraits); none are for beginners as the directions and examples are too general. Glos., ind. Review covers the following How to Art Doodle titles: Color Patterns, Fabulous Things, Optical Illusions, Portraits & Animals, Printing & Other Amazing Techniques, and Simple Pattern Building Techniques.