Using just 9 shapes and things, Ed Emberley shows would-be artists how to draw a variety of animals, people, assorted monsters (such as Dracula and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde), and more, and everything is GREEN! This hefty 96-page book is packed with fun things that kids-and not a few adults-really want to draw. Easy and fun, the book provides hours of art-full fun.
I loved this book so much -- so much fun! Lots of great ideas in here for adorable critters. Some of them look like relatives of some of the creatures I draw. I love the big green dragon on the front cover. So much cute!
If your child understands how to draw 9 simple shapes, they can draw a ton of things. I remember working my way through this book as a kid drawing the various creatures. These are great books for your young artist.
Ed Emberley starts where most elementary-aged kids are at (stick figures) and brings drawing to the next immediate level of complexity. No shading, still just two-dimensional, but able to capture more of the world. Children tend to be very methodical and formulaic in their drawing--what they haven't seen others draw before, they tend to lack the imagination and talent to figure out (on their own) the technique for rendering it in a recognizable form. What most need is an engaging mentor that will help them simplify the complexity down to something they can comprehend and replicate. Children naturally enjoy creating their own worlds and stories through art, and this author-illustrator increases their repertoire, bringing more joy to their fingertips. While a natural artist who wants to make things look realistic may feel stifled by the approach, it will teach him/her to use basic shapes to create forms, to have an eye for detail, and to use boldness in graphic art to create impact and communicate clearly one's ideas. I would strongly recommend each of his color-themed titles (orange, purple, green, etc.), as well as his finger/thumbprint books and his "make a world" book. All will bring smiles and inspiration to young artists ages 5-12.
This is a great book to teach drawing with. Students can draw any number of creatures (cats, dogs, dragons, monsters,) easily with the step by step directions. This would be useful in a center, or for a quick drawing lesson. These would be great for creating comic books, or graphic novels with your students. There are other books by this author just like this one. I have had a blast drawing little pictures with my own two children.
OK, I have not tested this on the kids yet, and I DO think they will find it intriguing what a few shapes can turn into. Hopefully, when you know a few basics a child will let their own imagination take off. I cannot say that the book really excites me, but maybe with a little guidance children can see it as a starting point for their own drawing. Maybe.....
My son tore through these books and drew up a storm. These were the best investment in drawing books that I made when he was young - absolutely worth every cent! My son is now an artist and Ed Emberly is part of that beginning.
A great "how to draw" people, dragons, Halloween characters, space ships, aliens, race cars, animals, schooners, light houses and more. Excellent for the professional (or the beginner) doodler!