The Drawing Lesson (A Graphic Novel that Teaches You How to Draw) by Mark Crilley

My fourteen-year-old niece struggles with school. Spelling, math, and reading are challenging for her. Thankfully, over the years, a few of her teachers have clued into the fact that this girl has an artist’s heart.

She loves to draw (and, I may be biased here, she’s good at it). I’m sure she inherited her talent from my sister who ended up with all our family’s artistic genetics. I mean, I draw one thing semi-decently and it’s the one thing I return to whenever I’m doodling—a lone flower.

It was with my niece in mind when I decided to review The Drawing Lesson by Mark Crilley. This unique graphic novel teaches young artist the basics of drawing—things such as light and shadow, proportions, and negative space.

What’s great about this approach to learning to draw is the simplicity. And, to be honest, the graphic novel approach is entertaining—I chuckled a few times at Becky’s reaction to the boy who is so eager to learn to draw. Young artists will be engaged as they learn and the book provides them with something they may not find otherwise, a sort of mentor.

If you’ve noticed creative tendencies in the young ones in your life or if you’re interested in taking up a new hobby for yourself, this primer is the perfect place to begin.

***Blogging for Books provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.