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How to Draw a Book (Easy Step-by-Step for Kids)

To draw a book, start with two curved pages that meet in the middle. Add a thin cover edge around them and four text lines on each page. Finish with a ribbon bookmark.

Finished cartoon open book with a red cover, cream pages, four dark gray text lines on each page and a yellow ribbon bookmark
The finished book
Steps
6 easy steps
You need
  • Pencil
  • Eraser
  • Black marker
  • Red, cream, dark gray and yellow crayons

Updated

Teaching this to a class?

Show one step at a time on the board and wait for the class before the next. The directed drawing for kids page explains how to run it.

How to draw a book step by step

  1. Two open pages with curved tops and bottoms, meeting at a straight line in the middle

    Step 1 of 6: Draw two open pages with curved tops and bottoms that meet at a straight line in the middle.

  2. A thin cover edge around the sides and bottom of the pages, with a small round bump under the middle

    Step 2 of 6: Add a thin cover edge around the sides and bottom, with a small round bump under the middle.

  3. Four short straight text lines on the left page

    Step 3 of 6: Draw four short text lines across the left page, one under the other.

  4. Four matching text lines on the right page

    Step 4 of 6: Add four matching text lines on the right page.

  5. A ribbon bookmark with a notched end hanging below the middle of the book, where the small bump was

    Step 5 of 6: Draw a ribbon bookmark with a notched end under the middle. Erase the small bump there first.

  6. The book colored with a red cover, cream pages, dark gray text lines and a yellow ribbon bookmark

    Step 6 of 6: Color the cover red, the pages cream, the text lines dark gray and the bookmark yellow.

Tips for little artists

  • Tip: Press lightly with the pencil first. Trace the lines you like with the marker, then erase the rest.

  • Tip: Curve the top of each page down toward the middle line. It makes the pages look open.

  • Tip: Keep the text lines short so they stay inside the pages.

Make it yours

  • Closed book

    Draw a tall rectangle with a thin spine on one side and a title box on the cover.

  • Stack of books

    Draw three closed books lying on top of each other, each a different color.

  • Book with a picture

    Swap the right page lines for a small star or heart drawing.

Common mistakes and easy fixes

  • The pages look flat

    Curve the top and bottom edges of both pages so they dip toward the middle line.

  • The cover edge is too thick

    Draw the cover edge as a thin band just outside the pages.

  • The text lines run off the page

    Start each line a little in from the edge and stop before the middle line.

Fun facts about the book

  • The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world. (Source: Library of Congress)

  • The Library of Congress was founded in 1800. That makes it the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States. (Source: Library of Congress)

  • In 1815, Congress approved buying Thomas Jefferson's personal library of 6,487 books. (Source: Library of Congress)

Questions grown-ups ask

How can I draw a book easily?

Draw two curved pages that meet at a straight middle line. Add a thin cover edge, four text lines on each page and a ribbon bookmark.

How to draw a book for kids?

Start with the two pages, then the cover edge, the text lines on each page and the bookmark. Color the cover red and the pages cream last.

How to draw a book open?

Curve the top and bottom of both pages down toward a middle line. That dip makes the book look open.

If your book's pages came out a little uneven, that's fine. Your book is ready for a story. More easy drawings for kids are on the home page.

Step 1 of 6

Two open pages with curved tops and bottoms, meeting at a straight line in the middle
Draw two open pages with curved tops and bottoms that meet at a straight line in the middle.