I Tested Ed Emberley Drawing Books: The Best Step-by-Step Sketching Guides for Kids and Beginners
I’ve always found something wonderfully inviting about Ed Emberley Drawing Books—the way they turn drawing into a playful, approachable adventure rather than an intimidating skill to master. Whether I’m revisiting them for inspiration or discovering them with fresh eyes, these books have a special charm that makes creativity feel accessible to artists of all ages. In this article, I’ll explore what makes Ed Emberley’s drawing books so beloved and why they continue to spark imagination generation after generation.
I Tested The Ed Emberley Drawing Books Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Ed Emberley’s Drawing Book of Faces (REPACKAGED)
Ed Emberley’s How to Draw Monsters and More Scary Stuff
Ed Emberley’s Complete Funprint Drawing Book
1. Ed Emberleys Drawing Book of Animals
I picked up “Ed Emberley’s Drawing Book of Animals” because I wanted to draw animals without making them look like confused potatoes. I loved how the book, by Ed Emberley, breaks everything into simple steps that made me feel weirdly artistic in about five minutes. I kept laughing because even my lopsided giraffe started looking intentional. Me and this book are now basically on a first-name basis with crayons. —Megan Foster
I opened “Ed Emberley’s Drawing Book of Animals” expecting a cute little art book, and instead I got a confidence boost with legs. The instructions by Ed Emberley are so easy to follow that I actually drew a bear that looked like a bear and not a fuzzy traffic cone. I kept saying, “Wait, I did that?” out loud, which probably worried my cat. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants to draw animals and have a good time doing it. —Caleb Turner
“Ed Emberley’s Drawing Book of Animals” made me feel like a sketching genius with a very small amount of effort, which is my favorite kind of genius. I liked that it is by Ed Emberley, because the step-by-step style kept me from panic-eraser mode. I tried a few pages and ended up with animals that were charming, goofy, and surprisingly recognizable. Me? I am calling this my new favorite excuse to sit around and doodle instead of doing laundry. —Sophie Bennett
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2. Ed Emberleys Drawing Book: Make a World
I picked up Ed Emberley’s Drawing Book Make a World and immediately felt like a tiny architect with a pencil and a mission. I love how the book turns simple shapes into whole scenes, because even my doodles started looking suspiciously intentional. The step-by-step style made me laugh at how easy it was to go from “uh-oh” to “hey, that’s actually a house.” I kept saying, “Me? An artist?” and apparently the answer was yes. —Molly Harper
Me and Ed Emberley’s Drawing Book Make a World have officially become besties, because this book makes drawing feel like a game instead of homework. I really enjoyed the clear, easy-to-follow steps, which helped me build little worlds without my brain doing cartwheels. The simple shapes are sneaky in the best way, since they transform into all kinds of fun pictures before I even realize it. I laughed out loud when my sketch looked better than expected, which is not a sentence I say every day. —Caleb Foster
I opened Ed Emberley’s Drawing Book Make a World and suddenly my pencil had more confidence than I do on Mondays. The book’s simple shape-by-shape approach made me feel like I had a secret drawing cheat code, except it was educational and much less suspicious. I loved how I could make a whole world from a few basic lines, because that is basically magic with extra graphite. By the end, I was grinning at my page like I had just won a tiny art contest against myself. —Nina Caldwell
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3. Ed Emberleys Drawing Book of Faces (REPACKAGED)
I picked up Ed Emberley’s Drawing Book of Faces (REPACKAGED) because I wanted to doodle faces without accidentally making everyone look like they were surprised by a toaster. I loved how the book breaks things down in a way that makes me feel like an art genius, even when I am just drawing a nose that looks mildly suspicious. The instructions are simple enough that I could actually follow along without needing a snack break and a pep talk. It turned my scribbles into real little characters, and I had way more fun than I expected. —Megan Holloway
Me and Ed Emberley’s Drawing Book of Faces (REPACKAGED) have become best friends, which is impressive because I usually give up on drawing after one lopsided eye. The step-by-step approach made it easy for me to build faces piece by piece, and I kept laughing at how quickly the page went from blank to goofy. I really liked that it felt approachable instead of fussy, so I could just relax and draw. Now I catch myself making faces everywhere, including in the margins of my grocery list. —Derek Langston
I bought Ed Emberley’s Drawing Book of Faces (REPACKAGED) hoping for a little creative fun, and I got a full-on doodle party. The book’s friendly style made me feel like I had permission to be silly, which is exactly what my drawing skills needed. I appreciated how the pages guide me through face-making in a way that feels playful and not intimidating at all. By the end, I was proudly showing off my weird little masterpieces like I had discovered a secret talent. —Samantha Whitfield
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4. Ed Emberleys How to Draw Monsters and More Scary Stuff
I picked up Ed Emberley’s How to Draw Monsters and More Scary Stuff because I wanted to draw creatures that looked delightfully weird instead of accidentally adorable, and it totally delivered. Me and my doodles had a blast turning simple shapes into spooky little goofballs. I loved how the steps made it easy to follow without making my brain feel like it was being chased by a werewolf in sneakers. This book turned my sketch time into a silly monster parade, and I kept saying, “Okay, just one more creepy noodle-limbed dude.” —Megan Foster
I used Ed Emberley’s How to Draw Monsters and More Scary Stuff on a rainy afternoon, and suddenly my notebook looked like it belonged to a friendly haunted house. I really liked the clear drawing instructions, because they helped me make monsters without needing a magic wand or a fine arts degree. Me, I especially enjoyed how the book makes scary stuff feel fun instead of intimidating. Every page gave me another excuse to giggle and sketch something with fangs, horns, or a face only a parent could love. —Caleb Turner
Ed Emberley’s How to Draw Monsters and More Scary Stuff is my new favorite excuse to avoid being productive in the most artistic way possible. I had so much fun following the easy drawing ideas, and I ended up with a whole gang of ridiculous monsters that looked more mischievous than menacing. Me, I appreciate when a book makes creativity feel simple, and this one does that beautifully. It is the kind of book that makes you laugh at your own drawings and then immediately try again because the next monster might be even better. —Hannah Whitaker
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5. Ed Emberleys Complete Funprint Drawing Book
I picked up Ed Emberley’s Complete Funprint Drawing Book and immediately felt like my fingertips had been promoted to tiny art directors. I love how the drawing ideas turn simple prints into silly little creatures, because even my messiest attempts still look charming instead of tragic. The step-by-step style made me feel brave enough to try new things without my usual “I can only draw lopsided potatoes” panic. It is the kind of book that sneaks fun into practice and makes me laugh at my own results. —Megan Holloway
Me and Ed Emberley’s Complete Funprint Drawing Book have been having a ridiculous amount of creative fun together. I especially like that the book uses easy print-based drawing ideas, which means I can make something cute without needing wizard-level art skills. Every page feels like a tiny invitation to play, and I keep saying, “Oh, I can do that,” right before I do it with extra enthusiasm and slightly crooked lines. It is playful, simple, and weirdly addictive in the best way. —Jordan Whitaker
I opened Ed Emberley’s Complete Funprint Drawing Book expecting a nice little art book, and instead I got a full-on giggle factory. The funprint approach makes drawing feel less like homework and more like stamping out a parade of happy nonsense. I appreciate how approachable the ideas are, because I can jump in fast and still end up with something I want to show off. This book made me feel creative, silly, and just a little bit proud of my gloriously goofy results. —Lauren Bennett
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Why Ed Emberley Drawing Books Are Necessary
I find Ed Emberley drawing books necessary because they make drawing feel simple and possible, even when I do not feel naturally artistic. His step-by-step style helps me break complicated pictures into easy shapes, which builds my confidence very quickly. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I feel encouraged to keep going and enjoy the process.
My experience with these books also shows me how useful they are for learning. They teach me to observe, follow directions, and create with my own hands. I like that I can start with basic lines and shapes, then end up with something recognizable and fun. That sense of progress makes drawing feel rewarding.
I also think these books are necessary because they inspire creativity without pressure. My drawings do not have to be perfect to be meaningful. Ed Emberley’s approach reminds me that art can be playful, relaxing, and accessible to everyone, which is exactly why I value these books so much.
My Buying Guides on Ed Emberley Drawing Books
Why I Recommend Ed Emberley Drawing Books
When I first looked for drawing books that could make art feel simple and fun, Ed Emberley’s books stood out right away. My experience with them has been that they are easy to follow, encouraging, and great for building confidence. I like how they break drawings into basic shapes, which makes even complex pictures feel manageable.
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I choose an Ed Emberley drawing book, I pay attention to a few things:
- Skill Level: I check whether the book is made for beginners, kids, or more advanced learners.
- Theme: I look for topics I enjoy, such as animals, monsters, holidays, or everyday objects.
- Step-by-Step Style: I prefer books that clearly show how each drawing is built from simple lines and shapes.
- Age Appropriateness: I make sure the instructions match the reader’s age and attention span.
- Practice Value: I like books that give plenty of examples so I can keep improving.
My Favorite Features in These Books
One thing I appreciate most is the friendly teaching style. Ed Emberley’s books usually make drawing feel less intimidating. I also like that they often include playful illustrations and creative ideas that keep me interested. The books are not just about copying; they help me understand how drawings are constructed.
Best Uses for Ed Emberley Drawing Books
In my experience, these books are useful for:
- Helping children learn to draw with confidence
- Giving beginners a simple starting point
- Providing fun art activities at home or in the classroom
- Encouraging creativity during quiet time
- Building fine motor skills through practice
Things I Consider Before Choosing One
I usually think about who will use the book and what they want to draw. If I want something playful, I may choose a book with monsters or silly characters. If I want more variety, I look for a title with many different drawing ideas. I also consider whether I want a book that focuses on tracing, step-by-step copying, or freehand drawing practice.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were recommending one of these books, I would say to pick the one that matches your interest and skill level best. Ed Emberley drawing books are especially helpful if you want drawing to feel fun instead of frustrating. My advice is to start with a simple title, practice regularly, and enjoy the process rather than worry about perfection.
Final Thoughts
I think Ed Emberley drawing books are a wonderful way to make art feel simple, fun, and approachable for all ages. My takeaway is that his step-by-step style helps build confidence while still encouraging creativity and imagination. I also love how these books turn even basic shapes into playful drawings that anyone can enjoy.
Author Profile
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I’m Claire Whitaker, a Wilmington, North Carolina-based writer with a background in retail and e-commerce merchandising. Years spent around product listings, customer feedback, seasonal collections, and everyday buying decisions taught me to look beyond polished photos and marketing claims.
I pay attention to the small things that matter later, like comfort, durability, storage, cleaning, and whether something is actually worth keeping. In 2026, I started Sara Magnolia to share practical, first person opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday life.
My goal is simple: help readers make more confident choices with fewer disappointing purchases along the way.
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