Ed Emberley's books teach kids a step-by-step process for using circles, triangles and other basic shapes--the drawing alphabet--to draw most anything, from cats to dragons to pirate ships complete with cannons and flags. The appeal of this approach is that it allows them to draw things they didn't think they could. A picture that seems too complicated or hard to draw becomes instead a series of manageable chunks. Putting those chunks together gives a young artist a great feeling of accomplishment.

Look over Ed's drawing alphabet, then pull out some markers and paper and dive right in. After your kids give his projects a try, encourage them to change the shapes and colors to make them their own. These are just starting points: The drawing alphabet and their own imaginations will let them head off on other creative adventures.

Ed Emberley is the author and illustrator of GO AWAY, BIG GREEN MONSTER!, ED EMBERLEY'S BIG GREEN DRAWING BOOK, and many other books for children.