Chunky Badger

The Best How to Draw Books

Unleash creativity and build confidence with our step-by-step drawing guides. Perfect for beginners, our books make learning to draw an exciting, screen-free adventure.

Happy Cat drawing Cute Squirrel drawing

Simple, Visual, and Fun!

Finding the right how to draw books can be overwhelming. Many are too complex, frustrating young artists before they even begin. That's why Chunky Badger books are different.

We use a proven 6-step visual method that guarantees success. By breaking down complex shapes into simple lines and curves, anyone can learn to draw their favourite animals, vehicles, and characters.

Key Features:

  • Clear 6-Step Instructions: Easy for beginners to follow without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Practice Space Included: Draw directly in the book! No extra paper required.
  • Builds Essential Skills: Improves fine motor skills, focus, and hand-eye coordination.
  • Perfect for Screen-Free Time: Engaging activities for travel, rainy days, or quiet afternoons.
Inside a Chunky Badger how to draw book Robin colored with felt tip

How Kids Learn to Draw in 6 Simple Steps

Chunky Badger's approach to helping kids learn how to draw removes the barriers that usually discourage young artists. No rules. No frustration. Just six simple shapes that build into something brilliant.

1

Start with a Basic Shape

Every drawing starts with a simple circle, oval, or blob. This first shape forms the body — and it's so easy that any child can do it.

2–4

Build Up the Features

One step at a time, features are added — legs, ears, tail, eyes. Each step is shown as a picture so kids can see exactly what to draw without any confusing instructions.

5–6

Add Detail & Colour

The final steps add all the personality: fur texture, face details, and a full practice box to colour and customise. The result is a drawing children are genuinely proud of.

Give Your Child the Gift of Drawing

Whether it's a birthday, Christmas, or a treat for a rainy day, a Chunky Badger book is the perfect way to get children into drawing. Available on Amazon with next-day delivery.

British Animals African Animals

What Makes a Great How-to-Draw Book for Kids?

Not all drawing books are created equal. Here's what to look for when choosing the right one for your child.

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Simple, Visual Steps

The best how-to-draw books break every subject down into clear, numbered visual steps — not long written instructions. Young children are visual learners, and a well-designed step-by-step guide lets them follow along independently, building confidence with each line they draw.

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Built-in Practice Space

A great drawing book includes space to practise right on the page — so kids can attempt each animal alongside the guide, not after flipping pages or fetching a separate sketchbook. The immediacy keeps them engaged and removes friction from the creative process.

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Subjects Kids Love

Children are far more motivated to practise when they're drawing something they genuinely love. Animals are perennially popular — from woodland foxes and badgers to majestic lions and elephants. Choosing a book themed around animals your child is passionate about makes all the difference.

How to Draw Books by Age

Children develop at different rates, so the right drawing book depends on your child's age and confidence. Here's a quick guide:

Ages 4–5

Look for chunky shapes, very few steps, and plenty of colour-in space. Simple animals like fish, cats, or birds work best.

Ages 6–7

Children this age can handle 5–8 steps and begin adding details like eyes, fur texture, and simple shading.

Ages 8–9

More complex subjects, longer step sequences, and opportunities to add backgrounds and habitats to their drawings.

The Chunky Badger 6 Simple Steps method is carefully calibrated for this entire range — simple enough for a 4-year-old to follow independently, yet satisfying enough to keep a 9-year-old engaged. Browse our books to find the perfect match.

How to Choose the Right Drawing Book for Your Child

With so many options available, here's our simple checklist for finding the best drawing book for your child:

  • Age-appropriate: Look for books that match your child's current skill level — not too easy (boring) and not too hard (frustrating).
  • Subjects they love: A child who loves animals will stay far more engaged with an animal drawing book than a generic shapes workbook.
  • Practice space included: The best books let kids draw right inside, without needing extra paper or supplies.
  • Variety of subjects: More animals means more sessions — and more chances to practise and improve.

Chunky Badger books tick every box — and with over 45 British animals and over 40 African animals, there's enough variety to keep young artists busy for months. Explore the British Animals book →

Tips for Parents: Getting the Most from a Drawing Book

  • 🕐
    Set aside a regular drawing time — even 15 minutes a day builds skill rapidly and gives children something to look forward to.
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    Keep supplies simple — a pencil, eraser, and a set of coloured pencils is all you need. No special art supplies required.
  • 🌟
    Celebrate every attempt — progress matters more than perfection. Praising effort encourages children to keep going and try harder subjects.
  • 📱
    Go screen-free — drawing is a wonderful alternative to devices. It builds fine motor skills, patience, and creative thinking all at once.

The Real Benefits of Kids' How to Draw Books

Drawing is far more than just a fun activity — it's a powerful tool for child development. Here's why parents and teachers love it.

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Fine Motor Skills

Holding a pencil, controlling lines, and tracing shapes all strengthen the small muscles in children's hands. This directly supports handwriting, dexterity, and coordination — skills they'll use every day at school and beyond.

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Focus & Patience

Following a step-by-step method requires children to slow down, pay attention, and follow a sequence — all key executive function skills. Unlike passive screen time, drawing actively engages the brain and builds the habit of focused work.

Confidence & Self-Esteem

There's real magic in the moment a child looks at what they've drawn and thinks "I did that!" The step-by-step method is specifically designed to guarantee a result that kids are proud of — turning every drawing session into a confidence boost.

The Perfect Screen-Free Activity

In a world where children spend more time than ever in front of screens, learn to draw books offer a genuinely engaging offline alternative. Whether it's a rainy afternoon, a long car journey, or a quiet Saturday morning, a drawing book gives children something absorbing and purposeful to do.

Unlike apps or videos, drawing books don't require wifi, batteries, or supervision. They're always ready, always available, and they get better with practice — each session builds on the last.

They're also brilliant for homeschooling families — our books build art skills, fine motor development, and a love of nature all at once.

See Our Books

What parents say

"My 6-year-old spent two hours drawing every animal in the book. The 6-step method is genius — she got it immediately and couldn't stop."

— Sarah, parent of a Chunky Badger fan 🦡

Available Now

Learn to Draw British Animals book cover mockup by Chunky Badger

British Animals

Learn to Draw:
British Animals

  • 45+ animals from woodland, farm & seaside
  • 6 simple steps per animal — no reading needed
  • Draw & colour right inside the book
Learn to Draw African Animals book cover mockup by Chunky Badger

African Animals

Learn to Draw:
African Animals

  • 40+ animals from savanna, jungle & rivers
  • 6 simple steps per animal — no reading needed
  • Draw & colour right inside the book
Fox illustration