Into the Blue: How to Draw
#2 of 5 in Animal Surprises Series
What’s inside...
Discover the joys of the natural world with Nicola Davies, a zoologist, poet, and top children's book author. Learn to illustrate a variety of aquatic animals, from colorful jellyfish to silvery sand eels, with detailed drawing instructions by Abbie Cameron. Into the Blue follows a spirited young explorer on adventures through diverse environments such as jungles, oceans, and treetops. The book showcases enchanting sea creatures and is vibrantly illustrated by the talented Abbie Cameron. It also includes fascinating animal facts by Nicola Davies, enriching the artistic and educational experience.
Discussion points
What did you find most interesting about the creatures in 'Into the Blue'? How would you feel encountering them in the ocean?
Which drawing technique from the book would you like to try first and why?
How do the illustrations help us understand the ocean life better?
What new facts did you learn about ocean creatures from this book?
How do you think taking care of the oceans can help the animals you read about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about the book by asking them which creature they would love to learn more about and why.
Discuss the importance of ocean conservation and how it relates to the creatures in the book. This can lead to meaningful conversations about environmental responsibility.
While discussing the drawing techniques, provide some drawing materials and suggest trying out the techniques together. This enhances learning through hands-on activities.
Use the illustrations in the book to ask your child to describe scenes or creatures, promoting descriptive thinking and vocabulary building.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and expression
Explanation: In 'Into the Blue: How to Draw', Nicola Davies encourages children to explore the underwater world through drawing, fostering imagination and artistic skills.
Real-World Application: Children can use drawing as a form of self-expression and a way to communicate their feelings and thoughts, enhancing their emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Attention to detail
Explanation: The book guides children on observing fine details about marine animals to replicate them in art, teaching them to pay close attention to small details.
Real-World Application: This skill can help children in academic settings where attention to detail is necessary for tasks like following instructions and completing assignments accurately.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for marine life
Explanation: By drawing sea creatures, children learn about different species, their habitats, and the importance of preserving marine environments.
Real-World Application: This awareness can lead to responsible behavior towards the environment and encourage participation in activities that support marine conservation.
Example Lesson: Patience and perseverance
Explanation: Mastering drawing techniques requires practice and patience, as outlined in the step-by-step guides in the book.
Real-World Application: These qualities are crucial for personal and academic success, as they help children overcome challenges and persist in tasks even when they are difficult.
Example Lesson: Fine motor skills development
Explanation: The act of drawing enhances children’s hand-eye coordination and develops their fine motor skills.
Real-World Application: Improved motor skills can enhance other areas of development like writing, typing, and general hand dexterity.