I Can’t Draw

Max really likes to draw, but he knows his drawings aren’t very good. All he has to do is look at his friend Eugene’s drawings, and Max knows he can’t draw. When Eugene draws something, everyone knows exactly what it is. When Max draws something, well, people might guess what it is. Max asks Eugene to teach him to draw, so Eugene lends Max his favorite book. That doesn’t work. Then they work side-by-side, then try tracing. The traced drawings are good but have no pizazz. So Max adds some. And that is when the boys discover what it is that was really missing from the drawing lessons.

Kids often compare themselves to their peers and are disappointed. Sometimes that causes them to forget the fun of being a kid. Imagination is such a great part of childhood, and this cute story is a great reminder of that. Stephen W. Martin has written a fun story that youngsters will totally get. Illustrator Brian Biggs seems to be in touch with his inner child, and brings all his wonderful childlike imagination to these bright, cheery drawings with wonderful details, representing Max perfectly. This is a fun book with some great lessons.