This latest book from cartoonist Christopher Hart begins with the basics of drawing a cartoon – be it a penguin, horse, teen, panda, angry waitress, pretty woman or college freshman. Then he concentrates on various expressions and clothing. There’s even a chapter on cartoon calligraphy.

Completing cartoons is a constant theme throughout the book. Hart provides the basic scene and the reader is asked to complete the pages. These are both challenging and fun exercises for the budding cartoonist. The interactive format is one of the main strengths of the book. You learn by doing and by doing show your understanding of the art of cartooning and learn a few tricks of the trade at the same time. It’s an enjoyable way to spend a winter afternoon or evening.

160pgs, softcover. Available from all online booksellers and Watson-Guptill Publications.

Reprinted with permission from Doodletopia: cartoons by Christopher hart. Copyright 2015. Published by WATSON-GUPTILL PUBLICATIONS, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.

Review copyright Paul Green (Weird Westerns) 2015.