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Draw Write Now Series Review by Shannon Pelletier
Marie Hablitzel and Kin StitzerBarker Creek Publishing
http://www.barkercreek.com
I will be the first to admit it, after being an art major for six years, when I came upon the Draw-Write-Now® Series of Art books, I was more excited for me than for my daughters, art is a huge part of our world! I was so enthused and ready to venture into another realm of creativity with my very anxious, newly turned four, twins.
Flipping through Book One, On the Farm, of Draw-Write-Now®, the layout, instructions and overall content immediately impressed me. (Of course the cute little critters smiling on every page did not hurt!)
Starting with the table of contents, children can easily choose the subject they are interested in drawing by the appropriate picture and turn to the numbered page. On the corresponding pages are easy to follow, step by step directions for drawing the subjects as well as informative copywork about the subject to practice writing skills. Facts are offered throughout the text, an added bonus to stimulate conversation as well as a deeper appreciation for the subject.
There are instructions for drawing countless numbers of animals and people, and also for their landscapes and habitats. Drawing should be fun and not discouraging in any way. This series encourages a positive attitude towards art by providing simple starting points, giving children the confidence they need to trust their feelings, and make up stories to go along with their drawings. Each book in the eight volumes is chock filled with a garden variety of topics to promote further discussions; even booklists are included at the end of each section. Throughout the books is endless inspiration for your children to use their imagination along with helpful pointers. Also, included are teaching tips for you to use to explain directions more clearly.
I was thoroughly impressed by my daughters' work, after just one sitting. They were completely enthralled by what they were drawing and enthusiastic to say the least about making up stories to go along with their masterpieces!
I truly love that this series does not just act as an instruction manual on "how to draw", it actually incorporates so much more, encouraging children to use all of their senses. From Farm Animals to Christopher Columbus, and Antarctica to Animals of the World, spending hours drawing is very easy to do when you leap into the refreshing world of art created by the Draw-Write-Now® Series.
