Learn to Draw Animals

Gr 1—4—The first page of each of these books (which lack tables of contents) enables readers to grasp the concept of how basic shapes are the building blocks of form. Circles can be used for heads, chests, and hips. Ovals eventually become animal bodies and triangles serve as hooves, beaks, and ears. By refining and adding to these shapes, practically all the figures described here can be accomplished within four-to-six steps. Although there aren't overt instructions on when and where to erase pencil lines or further demonstration on how to achieve the final product that is featured in color with added shading and depth, children will get the idea and, with practice, can master their chosen drawing. Further learning will be sparked by facts that appear on each spread, and encouragement for creativity comes from the suggestion to draw the animals in specific settings or in action so that they will not stand alone. With so many animals featured in each title, readers will easily stumble upon a favorite subject. Students may even be inspired to do their own illustrations for animal reports.