Drawing Is ...: Your Guide to Scribbled Adventures

by Elizabeth Haidle

An inspiring and affirming book on drawing and creativity for kids and their grown-ups ages 8 and up. For fans of Wreck This Journal, Wreck This Picture Book and Making Comics.

What happens when you pick up a pencil? How do you talk to yourself about drawing while you're drawing? Where do your scribbles start and where do they lead? 

Are you ready to find out?

With acclaimed art and editorial director of Illustoria and author-illustrator Elizabeth Haidle as your guide through the world of art, Drawing Is . . . is an essential and captivating guide to drawing, brimming with artful exercises and perfect for anyone seeking a creative adventure.

If you've ever picked up a pencil, drawn, stopped drawing, started again, doodle without purpose, sketched with intention, been disappointed with your art and thrown it out, yet turned the page to try a new experiment . . . this book is for you.

All you need is a drawing surface. A drawing tool. A dot. And a line. Whatever your skill level, you're invited to draw along.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Picture Books, Juvenile, Childrens

72 pages, Hardcover

Published May 6, 2025

About the author

I am an illustrator of non-fiction—biographical, historical, political & sometimes poetical-philosophical.

I am also the art + editorial director at Illustoria magazine, published by McSweeney’s. Inside its colorful, curiosity-inducing pages, we celebrate comics, stories & DIY.

I live in Portland, Oregon, even though I left my heart in Taos, New Mexico.
(I go back there often to retrieve bits of it)

Reviews

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drawing is.. Wow, what a feat this one is. I've always found books on sketching to be so intimidating or so full of technique jargon that I get nervous. As an adult this feels like a book I would have loved to have growing up, and honestly as an adult I found it just as inspiring and useful. Drawing is growing, drawing is attempting. Maybe it's just trying something challenging or different just to see what comes of it. Honestly, this is a favorite of the year for me. Beautiful and encouraging, filled with historic artists, and the reminder that there is not such thing as perfect art.

[Vera Godley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very attractive, well done book. There are lots of drawings - from first a dot or line to shadings and various other enhancements. Modern cube-style drawings to draw what you're thinking or feeling in your mind. A bit on lines that show speed and how smudging and shadows help. It is a book of some limited "how-to" and some definite "you-need-to-try-this" encouragement. It is probably for ages 10 and up (yes, even adults) to browse and learn from.

However, I have rather mixed feelings about this book. As a non-artist, non-sketcher, non-drawer but one who as a teen desired to be somewhat of an artist but was told "you can't draw," I don't see how this particular book would help me in the pursuit of becoming creative or artistic. I see it basically as an accomplished artist showing how one can simply pick up a pencil and begin to make lines, dots, circles that have the potential to eventually become drawings. Drawings that can take form from his or her traveling either physically, mentally, or emotionally; and the drawings can take any shape, become indicative of speed, stationary, or slowly evoke any and everything.

I don't see this as a pure "how-to" book about shaping a flower, drawing a box, mastering a still life or landscape, showing dimension, etc. I see it as an encouragement to simply pick up a pencil and get started of your journey to transpose your journey from mind to sketchbook. So be brave and get a sketchbook, some artist's pencils, and get doodling.

I won a copy via the LibraryThing.com Early Reviewers Program. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

[Karla Fasso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haidle contemplates drawing as a two-dimensional travel experience; while diving inward and traveling far away, you create a home or a place of belonging. Through step-by-step tutorials and exercises, readers are invited to open a sketchbook and experiment with this creative journey. The seven thematic chapters elaborate on distinct aspects of the drawing experience, with various techniques sprinkled throughout. The art of the pencil shines through the primarily monochrome illustrations with incidental use of color, alongside a mix of hand lettering and digital print. With information-packed pages and lessons, the text could at times feel overwhelming, yet Haidle strategically places a midway break to self-check and energize – showcasing another important aspect of the creative process, that of rest and reflection. Similarly, the well-being of the creative mind is delicately addressed throughout the book. With samples of Haidle's own drawing journey and perspectives of influential artists and writers, this how-to book displays the experience, knowledge, passion, and sensitivity of the creative mind by the author, resulting in an uplifting tool that can inspire both new and seasoned artists. This book sets readers out for daily practice, artistic independence and the certainty that drawing is for all. In the back of the book six additional, developmental exercises are found. A highly recommended book!

Reading age: 8-12
Out May 6, 2025. Thank you to Netgalley and Tundra Books for sharing an advanced digital copy with me to review. All opinions are my own.

[Andi Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

*sigh* This book is beautiful and I wish I’d had something like this as a 9 yo “weirdo” who’d rather create than follow the early clique days in elementary school. Presented somewhat like a sketchbook, it’s full of little facts and prompts and each page is laid out differently. IMHO it’s not meant to be read in one sitting, though one could if they wanted. It can be pulled off the shelf over and over in a time when we’re encouraging our kids to allow boredom so their developing brains can practice creating something amazing. It’ll be joining my personal library, grown ups could get a lot out of it too!

[Larissa Fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely guide to the process and inspiration for drawing. Although it does introduce some concepts such as pattern, scale, and contrast, the focus isn't on technique. It's more of a guide as to how to first get started, and then how to approach drawing in a playful, exploratory, and personal way. The drawings throughout are charming, and children (and perhaps adults!) will find inspiration in the exercises at the back of the book.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read about drawing and creativity. I would say that the intended audience is primarily for children, but adults may enjoy the book as well. The book has several techniques and exercises to try. This felt more like a guide rather than simply a book about drawing and creativity (if that makes sense).

*Thank you, NetGalley, for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.*

[Alexis Berman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to LibraryThing for my Early Reviewers copy of this book.

I love this book. Even as an adult, I don't draw because "I'm not good at it" and "I don't know how." This book makes it very clear that drawing is easy and fun once you get over being scared by it. With many tutorials throughout the book, honestly, this book would be great for anyone of any age who wants to start to draw. I highly recommend it.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

We will be purchasing this book for use in our art club, due to its interesting and useful advice to young artist. The illustrations are interesting and demonstrate the concepts explained in the text, although I could have used a bit more color. The author addresses many of the issues younger artist have, not being perfect, not having ideas, and gives good advice to overcoming them.

[Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Netgalley ARC - The exercises in this book seem very accessible and creatively inspiring. I think young budding artists will thrive with these ideas in their brains!

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

My art-loving 10 year old really liked this book. She is ready to do all the exercises!
Lots of encouragement to feel free to draw whatever we want.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful and inspiring book that I will return to again and again! I can't wait to share it with my kids too 💕

[Arizona Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must have book, whether you're an adult of kid!! As long as you're a beginner artist or just want a fresh insight!

[skcocnaH · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like how accessible Haidle makes art.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a picture book experience for the older elementary through adult audience. An engaging art experience for those looking to deepen their talents and perspectives.

[John Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though written for kids, this book is a great tool to get anyone sketching and get their creative juices flowing.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of pictures, encouragements, suggestions, and examples demonstrate ways to begin drawing. This is very positive.
I can imagine older readers finding this even as useful as younger ones.

[Kate Callen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good there was just a lot of words and I got confused