Book Review :: Draw-A-Saurus: Everything You Need to Know to Draw Your Favorite Dinosaurs by James Silvani

Draw-A-Saurus by James Silvani is not a typical "how to draw" book. The text and illustrations are funny - and educational, too! The basic ideas that are introduced in Draw-A-Saurus will be helpful for drawing a variety of creatures.  

Each chapter goes into detail on how to draw one specific type of dinosaur (T-rex, apatosaurus, triceratops, ankylosaurus, stegosaurus, etc.) but then also shows (and explains) a variety of other dinosaurs that share similar characteristics. Draw-A-Saurus includes instructions for drawing dinosaurs who made their homes on land, in the air, and in the seas. 

The drawing instruction in Draw-A-Saurus does not just stop at a basic "copy this", but gives tips and tricks for how to draw dinosaurs from a variety of angles, in a variety of stances, and also includes instruction on finishing details (scales, feathers, etc.). There are also additional tips for "cartooning" your dinosaur or how to change a couple characteristics to create a baby dinosaur. The final chapter gives some quick instruction on how to create an environment for your dinosaur. 

Each step of the way, the text is educational - giving details on specific characteristics of the dinosaurs. (For those who may be curious, this book does reference evolution and "millions of years".)

In my opinion, this is a great resource for drawing - I know my kids (and I) will enjoy using it!

FTC Declaration: The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy through the Blogging for Books book review bloggers program. This does not change the fact that I will give my honest opinion in my reviews.