11 Must-Read Books on Cartooning for Aspiring Artists

Discover the best books on cartooning, featuring essential guides and inspiring reads to ignite your creativity and enhance your artistry.
BrandMy RatingPrice
Byjames Sturm (Author, Illustrator), Andrew Arnold (Author), Alexis Frederick-Frost (Author) & 0 More
Best Value Option
9.0/10
By Cory Carrera (Author)
Best for Beginners
9.2/10
By Aaria Baid (Author)
Best for Young Artists
9.4/10
By Jack Hamm (Author)
Best for Advanced Techniques
9.4/10
By Christopher Hart (Author)
9.4/10

Best Books on Cartooning

Embarking on the whimsical world of cartooning, where imagination dances with ink and humor becomes art, can be both exhilarating and challenging. Whether you're a budding artist eager to sketch your first character or a seasoned pro looking to refine your craft, the right guidance can illuminate your path. Dive into our curated selection of the best books on cartooning that promise to inspire creativity and spark joy in every stroke.

Best Value Option: Adventures In Cartooning

Adventures in Cartooning
Highlights
Encourages creativity
Fun for all ages
Easy to understand

When it comes to exploring the world of cartooning, Adventures in Cartooning truly stands out as our top pick for value.

This delightful book cleverly combines storytelling with practical exercises, making it an engaging experience for budding artists.

Despite being aimed at younger readers, we found its approach to be refreshingly creative and perfectly understandable for all ages.

While the illustrations might not resonate with everyone and the content may feel slightly limited for seasoned cartoonists, the fun factor and ease of use more than make up for it.

With engaging stories and hands-on activities, it's a fantastic way to get started in the art of cartooning!

Be sure to also check out the best books on cardiology for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Adventures In Cartooning on Amazon

Best for Beginners: How to Draw Cartoons

How to Draw Cartoons for Beginners: The Ultimate Drawing Guide for Kids and Adults to Create Amazing Cartoon Characters
Highlights
Easy to understand lessons
Boosts confidence in drawing
Suitable for all ages

We absolutely love How to Draw Cartoons for Beginners—it's a gem for aspiring cartoonists!

With its easy-to-understand lessons, even those picking up a pencil for the first time will find success in creating engaging characters.

The book offers a confidence boost as you practice, and its friendly approach means it’s suitable for all ages.

However, seasoned artists might find it a bit basic and the short length of 105 pages means it doesn’t delve into advanced techniques.

Still, for beginners eager to explore the whimsical world of cartooning, this book is an excellent starting point!

Be sure to also check out the best books on breathing for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for How to Draw Cartoons on Amazon

Best for Young Artists: How to Draw

How to Draw: Easy Techniques and Step-by-Step Drawings for Kids (Drawing Books for Kids Ages 9 to 12)
Highlights
Great for all ages
Step-by-step instructions
Sparks interest in drawing

We absolutely love How to Draw: Easy Techniques and Step-by-Step Drawings for Kids!

Tailored specifically for budding artists aged 8 to 11, this book truly shines as the best for young artists.

The step-by-step instructions are engaging and spark creativity, making drawing accessible and fun.

While it may not cover advanced techniques thoroughly, it’s perfect for young minds eager to explore their artistic side.

Just be mindful: some steps might be a tad complex for younger kids.

Overall, it’s a fantastic way to nurture that artistic spark and get kids excited about creating their own cartoon worlds!

Be sure to also check out the best books on caligula for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for How to Draw on Amazon

Best for Advanced Techniques: Cartooning the Head and Figure

Cartooning the Head and Figure
Highlights
Great reference material
Easy to follow instructions
Inspiring for all ages

We absolutely loved Cartooning the Head and Figure, which we proudly label as the "Best for Advanced Techniques." This book is a treasure trove for seasoned artists eager to master the intricacies of complex features and poses.

The easy-to-follow instructions elevate the learning experience, making it an excellent reference material.

However, we caution that beginners might find it a bit overwhelming, and the writing lacks humor, which may not resonate with younger readers.

Overall, whether you’re refining your skills or simply seeking inspiration, this book is an essential addition to your cartooning toolkit!

Be sure to also check out the best books on stretching for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Cartooning the Head and Figure on Amazon

Cartoon Cute Animals

Cartoon Cute Animals: How to Draw the Most Irresistible Creatures on the Planet (Christopher Hart's Cartooning)
Highlights
Easy to follow instructions
Suitable for all skill levels
Fun and engaging content

When it comes to diving into the colorful world of cartooning, this book by Watson-Guptill is a playful paradise for aspiring artists!

With easy-to-follow instructions and content that’s both fun and engaging, we find it caters perfectly to all skill levels.

It’s a delight to see how accessible cartooning can be!

However, keep in mind that while the lessons are fantastic for beginners, seasoned pros may find the material a bit basic.

At around 160 pages, it’s a solid investment in your creative journey, though it does sit on the pricier side.

Overall, a great choice for budding artists!

Be sure to also check out the best books on banking for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Cartoon Cute Animals on Amazon

Cartooning

Cartooning: The Ultimate Character Design Book
Highlights
Comprehensive character design
Clear step-by-step instructions
Good for beginners and experienced

We’re excited to dive into this brilliant guide on cartooning!

Published by Chris Hart, this book offers comprehensive character design techniques that cater not only to budding artists but also those with a bit more experience.

With clear step-by-step instructions, it makes the learning process enjoyable and accessible.

However, keep in mind it's primarily tailored for readers aged 12 to 17, and while it's not purely step-by-step, it encourages creative exploration. With a solid 4.6-star rating from over 725 reviews, this book stands out as a fun and informative resource for anyone looking to bring their cartoon characters to life!

Be sure to also check out the best books on unschooling for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Cartooning on Amazon

Humongous Book of Cartooning Books on Cartooning

Humongous Book of Cartooning (Christopher Hart's Cartooning)
Highlights
Clear instructions
Inspirational content
Great for beginners

When diving into the world of cartooning, we’ve found that the right guidance can make all the difference—and this book delivers just that! With clear instructions and inspirational content, it’s a fantastic resource for beginners eager to unleash their creativity.

We particularly love its approachable style, which makes learning so much fun.

However, if you’re an advanced artist, you might find it lacking in depth, particularly in story development.

Still, at 224 pages, it packs a punch for anyone ready to sketch their first characters.

Get ready to bring your ideas to life with this gem!

Be sure to also check out the best books on putting for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Humongous Book of Cartooning on Amazon

How to Draw Anime and Manga

How to Draw Anime and Manga for Beginners: Learn to Draw Awesome Anime and Manga Characters - A Step-by-Step Drawing Guide for Kids, Teens, and Adults
Highlights
Clear instructions
Accessible for beginners
Inspirational artwork included

In our quest for the best books on cartooning, we found a gem that truly stands out.

This book, independently published, serves up clear instructions and is incredibly accessible for beginners.

The inspirational artwork included will spark your creativity and motivate you to pick up that pencil!

While it’s primarily aimed at readers aged 11-15 and may have limited hand-drawing guidance, its charm lies in making cartooning fun and engaging.

With a respectable 4.7-star rating, it’s a delightful read that’s sure to add some pizzazz to your artistic journey.

Don’t miss it!

Be sure to also check out the best books on flirting for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for How to Draw Anime and Manga on Amazon

Drawing for Kids

Drawing for Kids With lowercase Alphabet Letters in Easy Steps: Cartooning for Kids and and Learning How to Draw with the Lowercase Alphabet
Highlights
Engaging for young readers
Step-by-step instructions
Positive feedback from parents

When it comes to introducing young minds to the delightful world of cartooning, this book stands out.

With engaging content that captivates children aged 5 to 6, we love its step-by-step instructions that make drawing feel achievable.

Parents rave about the positive impact it has on their kids’ creativity, proving that it really does deliver on our expectations!

However, keep in mind that its appeal is pretty niche, and some may find the printing quality not up to par.

Still, considering the enthusiastic reviews and overall satisfaction, we think it’s a fantastic choice for budding young artists.

Be sure to also check out the best book on camping for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Drawing for Kids on Amazon

Drawing for Kids Books on Cartooning

Drawing for Kids How to Draw Number Cartoons Step by Step: Number Fun & Cartooning for Children & Beginners by Turning Numbers & Letters into Cartoons
Highlights
Engaging for kids
Clear step-by-step instructions
Promotes creativity

If you’re looking for an engaging introduction to cartooning for young artists, we think you’ll find this book delightful!

With clear step-by-step instructions, it’s perfect for ages 6 to 8, fostering creativity and making it fun to learn.

Despite its 55-page limit, the content is rich and accessible, encouraging budding cartoonists to explore their imaginations.

While it may not cater to older teens or adults, its charm lies in its simplicity, making it an ideal first exposure to the world of cartoon creation.

With a 4.6-star rating, it’s clearly a hit amongst young readers.

Get ready to unleash those creative juices!

Be sure to also check out the best books on caravaggio for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Drawing for Kids on Amazon

How to Draw Anime Manga

How to Draw Anime Manga: The Ultimate Beginner's Simple Guide (Includes Characters, Heads, Eyes, Anatomy, and Clothes) (How to draw books for kids)
Highlights
Beginner friendly
Step-by-step instructions
Wide range of topics

Dive into the vibrant world of cartooning with this engaging guide designed for aspiring artists aged 7 to 18!

We absolutely love the step-by-step instructions that make each lesson accessible, ensuring even beginners can create their own characters and scenes with ease.

The wide range of topics covered keeps things fresh and fascinating, so you’ll be inspired at every turn.

However, it's worth noting that the lack of an index and limited coverage on advanced shading techniques might leave seasoned artists yearning for more.

Still, if you're ready to unleash your creativity, this book is a fantastic starting point!

Happy drawing!

Be sure to also check out the best books on mentoring and coaching for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for How to Draw Anime Manga on Amazon

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