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Ed Emberley Drawing Books
Ed Emberley's Drawing Book of Animals
Using simple shapes, Ed Emberley shows would-be artists how to draw a variety of animals, including lions, frogs, mice, birds, dragons, and more! This classic book is packed with cool things that kids-and not a few adults-really want to draw. Easy and fun, the book provides hours of art-full entertainment.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1970
About the author
Ed Emberley
144 books84 followers American artist and illustrator, best known for children's picture books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 16, 2021
I love how Ed Emberley starts with the simplest of shapes, or even just a dot and builds slowly, adding shapes and embellishments until a recognizable animal appears. The resulting animal pictures are truly fun! The beauty of it all is that a child, or an adult can achieve these pictures by building step by step using the easy to follow directions.
I chose to draw a fox, as they are one of my favorite animals. It was amazing to experience the fox gradually appear, as I progressed and provided me with a new sense of accomplishment. Before reading this book I wouldn't have known where to begin.
Final note, I loved the postscript at the end of the book, which reads: "For the boy I was, the book I could not find."
I chose to draw a fox, as they are one of my favorite animals. It was amazing to experience the fox gradually appear, as I progressed and provided me with a new sense of accomplishment. Before reading this book I wouldn't have known where to begin.
Final note, I loved the postscript at the end of the book, which reads: "For the boy I was, the book I could not find."
July 11, 2015
If you have a young child in your life you should check out this (one of many) drawing book by Ed Emberely. Step by step directions, starting with basic shapes which can be completed to any level, this book is so fun . I actually bought this for my own kids sometime in the early 1980's and now it's being enjoyed by their children. A great "off screen " activity for summer. 5 stars
December 25, 2021
A classic book showing how to draw animals using circles, squares, and letter shapes. I love Ed Emberley!
December 9, 2021
Reading this was a blast from the past! Wow, I loved looking through the pages at the cute drawings, remembering how much fun I had with this book when I was a kid. The perfect book for those who like to draw. My only complaint is that I wish it had pandas and sea otters.
February 18, 2020
Using very simple shapes and approaches, the author teaches us how to draw all sorts of animals. You start, say, with a circle and then keep adding basic shapes to end up with a fox. My daughter liked it. I am not good at drawing and even I was able to draw nice looking birds. Good stuff. I highly recommend it.
July 25, 2010
very very very very very very very very very very very very fun ;]
February 14, 2021
I’m working my way through Emberley’s drawing books, like like his others, this if a terrific guide not only to basic and exotic animals but also fun riffs on those animals. This would be great for retelling after a trip to the zoo.
May 3, 2019
This is a step-by-step book to show you how to draw just about any animal you might want to draw.
It's very simply done, so any beginner can be successful!
It's very simply done, so any beginner can be successful!
October 4, 2019
I love this book. How to draw with simple shapes and lines plus a few letters and numbers, but add a little sense of humor. This kind of drawing is perfect for K, 1st, and 2nd graders.
Want to read
March 1, 2021Can anyone help me to open this book on this app
March 14, 2017
I got this from the Little Free Library box in my neighborhood just because I liked the illustration style, but I went through each page and really enjoyed his perspective that one of the main keys to drawing is realizing every complex form is made up of other simple shapes. I even dug up some markers and tried a couple of the exercises! This is a really sweet book to help kids (or adults!) conquer drawing-anxiety, and I'll definitely be holding onto it.
September 5, 2009
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.
July 23, 2016
Okay, this book is the best thing ever. Three-year-olds can use this to draw animals they could never muster up otherwise. And they get so proud of themselves. They focus and plot and plan and then have pride in what they made, and that's just so so so wonderful. So many books out there are just not for the youngest kiddos. But this book is. And it's for older kiddos. And adults!
And this book has the best dedication I have ever seen. "For the boy I was, the book I could not find." It makes my throat close up reading that and thinking about that idea: wanting something so badly that you have to make it yourself, but only once it's no longer just right for you. It's sad and lovely.
(My used copy had written in it: Jenny, but I erased it. Sorry, Jenny. But I suspect you did not quite "get" the book since I also had to erase a pencil drawing of a pelican that was clearly you just copying the final product. I kid! Much love, Jenny. Thanks for the book.)
And this book has the best dedication I have ever seen. "For the boy I was, the book I could not find." It makes my throat close up reading that and thinking about that idea: wanting something so badly that you have to make it yourself, but only once it's no longer just right for you. It's sad and lovely.
(My used copy had written in it: Jenny, but I erased it. Sorry, Jenny. But I suspect you did not quite "get" the book since I also had to erase a pencil drawing of a pelican that was clearly you just copying the final product. I kid! Much love, Jenny. Thanks for the book.)
March 19, 2011
We've really enjoyed Ed Emberley's Monster books like Go Away, Big Green Monster!, so we were excited to find some books about drawing by this author. Our oldest loves to practice her drawing skills and she is always trying to help her little sister too; this is a good book that shows a step-by-step method to drawing fun creatures. It uses basic shapes and simple additive layers of detail to make fun animal shapes and cartoonish creatures.
December 6, 2013
Phoenix loves his books and since our local library only has a limited variety of his books she was so sad. Then I found this book and it has really really been great! We go to a lot of museums and a couple of weeks ago she said that is she an ARTIST! So we have been exploring more drawing styles and this one is perfect because it show step by easy step how to draw. Each day or week I try to focus on one or two animals to draw and she has picked how to draw a pig, spider, porcupine and octopus all by herself! Yippee..I'll definitely buy a copy for our home library.
February 26, 2011
Ed Emberly is an awesome human being. This book taught me how to draw when I was 6. When I was 39, I bought another copy and Ed signed it with a personalized drawing. My sister bought a print of his for her son's room, and Ed signed it, drew two personalized sketches for Aidan, and posed for a picture with Aidan on his lap. He is an amazing artist, and a true fan of his community. I am a huge fan. Bonus that he is an amazingly nice guy
June 15, 2013
This is the French edition of Ed Emberley's Animals drawing book. While we do not speak any French the book was still usuable for us as it is 90% visual. This is simply a fabulous book to teach both the very young and anyone else, regardless of age, the basic rudimentary drawing skills of animals. Using just a handful of basic shapes, lines and squiggles you will be able to draw pages and pages of different animals. Recommended!
November 13, 2008
I found an old print of this at the library and picked it up for Xander, who loves to draw. Greg remembered using the same books when he was growing up. Its has been great. The steps are so easy to follow and Xander is having fun drawing all kinds of animals. I'd love to find more of this style for our collection at home.
June 3, 2016
Emberley's simple drawing style encourages those who believe drawing is too hard for them. His step by step instructions will have children creating art in no time at all. The drawings are created using a specific set of shapes, letters, etc. Below each step, Emberley includes the shapes added to the drawing making it easy to follow along.
December 13, 2007
One of the first drawing books I had and also one of my favorites as a kid. It really teaches you to see how to make whatever you want out of basic shapes. Excellent resource for teaching children art.
August 11, 2010
I LOVED this book myself as a kid, and spent many happy hours drawing animals, Emberley-style. And then guess what? I got it for my daughter, who then also spent many (I hope happy) hours drawing animals Emberley style. Long may Emberley reign!
November 29, 2011
Anyone can draw! This book was perfect for my 6 year old, who loves to draw. It gave him confidence that he could draw amazing, creative things. We've gotten several others from the library since this one.
April 27, 2008
My original hardcover edition is falling apart. I loved this book with heart, soul, and fingerprints. Simple, easy to follow, and fun!
October 7, 2008
This is a great book for a 5 year old to use to begin drawing. The book shows you step by step how to use simple shapes to draw animals. My daughter loved using it to draw pictures and make cards.
July 4, 2016
LOVED this book as a kid - had many hours of drawing fun using it. Hmmmm...wonder if the folks still have it in a bookcase somewhere...gotta check on that!
Want to read
June 13, 2010Must see if my nephews have this book. Might inspire them to sketch a bit. Maybe they'll have some of their mother's raw talent.
February 17, 2011
Took this book out of the library as a kid literally dozens of times. I snagged it for my daughter and she loved it as much as I did. Ed Emberley rocks!
March 19, 2011
This is a great book to show children how to use simple shapes to make the whole.
June 15, 2011
One of my favorite drawing books from my childhood! Now my daughters are enjoying it as much as I did.
January 10, 2016
Ed Emberley's Drawing Book of Animals
Emberley, Ed
cute simple drawings using shapes, and simple lines may help children build confidence in art
Emberley, Ed
cute simple drawings using shapes, and simple lines may help children build confidence in art
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews