How to Draw Pets
Dover How to Draw Series
on Goodreads (97)
What’s inside...
Easy-to-follow directions make it a snap to draw portraits of favourite animals. Step-by-step diagrams show how to join circles, ovals, and other shapes to create likenesses of 30 adorable creatures—from a mouse, parakeet, and potbelly pig to tropical fish, a hermit crab, and a sugar glider. Finished drawings are also fun to colour!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-9
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite pet to draw in the book, and why do you think you liked drawing it the most?
How do you think the pets feel in the pictures we created? Can you describe their emotions?
If you could add a new pet to the book, which animal would you choose and how would you draw it?
How does drawing the different pets make you feel? Do you notice you feel differently when drawing a cat compared to a dog?
What new drawing skills have you learned from this book, and how would you use these skills to draw other things?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their creativity freely while discussing the different styles and colors they use for each pet.
Validate your child's feelings and perspectives as they discuss the emotions of the pets they draw, emphasizing the connection between art and emotion.
Discuss the characteristics that make each pet unique in their drawings, fostering attention to detail and observational skills.
Show genuine interest in their learning process by asking them to teach you to draw a pet from the book, reinforcing their confidence and skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: This book encourages children to explore their artistic skills by teaching them how to draw various pets. It provides step-by-step instructions that make drawing accessible and enjoyable.
Real-World Application: Children can use these skills to express themselves through art in school projects or personal hobbies, enhancing their creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Example Lesson: Patience and Focus
Explanation: Drawing requires attention to detail and patience to complete each step. This book fosters these qualities by guiding children through intricate drawings.
Real-World Application: By practicing drawing, children learn to concentrate and remain patient, skills that are beneficial in academic settings and in accomplishing any detailed task.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As children learn to draw different pets, they also learn about their characteristics and needs, fostering a sense of empathy and care.
Real-World Application: This understanding can translate to better interpersonal relationships as children learn to appreciate differences and the needs of others, whether they are pets or people.
Example Lesson: Observation Skills
Explanation: Drawing accurately requires keen observation to capture the essence of the subject. This book enhances observational skills.
Real-World Application: Improved observation skills can help children in academic settings, such as in science classes, and in everyday life by enhancing their attention to detail.
Example Lesson: Pride in Accomplishments
Explanation: Completing a drawing gives a sense of achievement. This book helps children experience success as they master new skills.
Real-World Application: This can boost their self-esteem and encourage a positive mindset towards learning and trying new activities.