Draw Your Own Cartoons!

School Library Journal

Gr 3-8-For those who always say they can't draw people, this book provides instructions from head to toe. The section on facial expressions separates each feature-nose, ears, eyes, mouth, hair-to show how each attribute can affect a character's appearance. There's one flaw: the several pictures of hands and feet show only four digits and the explanation that is given several pages later-"cartoonists are basically lazy"-seems a little thin. The book itself almost reads like a cartoon, with a main character that learns as readers do and short segments of text with helpful "quick start" tips interspersed throughout. Mayne covers the basics of creating a cartoon character well, but does not include much on different types of cartoons. For a slightly older audience, Marge Lightfoot's Cartooning for Kids (Firefly, 1993) is still the best choice. However, the kid-friendly tone, accessible format, and popular subject matter will make this one a winner with aspiring young cartoonists.- Robin L. Gibson, Perry County District Library, New Lexington, OH Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.