Two new titles from Peel Productions introduce a new author, and promise learning fun for young artists. Written instructions are kept to a minimum, mostly serving as a checklist of additions at each stage of the drawing, while many steps include arrows to draw a young artist's eye to subtleties. An art teacher who works with students in kindergarten through eighth grade in Chicago public schools, Ms. Levin knows the excitement children feel as a drawing develops before their eyes. Equally important, her carefully crafted projects give them a chance to win praise for their finished drawings in the eyes of others. Facts about the animals enhance the drawing instructions.
Gerbils have fur on their tails.
Their strong hind legs make them good leapers. For added challenge, in both books the final drawings introduce color and shading. Young artists will also find suggestions for adding an additional element or two to make a whole scene. Older artists will enjoy sharpening their skills with the other Draw books available from Peel Productions. 12 different books help anyone age 8 and up draw everything from ocean animals and insects to sports figures and cars.