Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I don't understand why some reviewers felt that this does not teach you how to draw. If you're looking for a book with a bunch of patterns to follow to draw specific subjects, then this book isn't for you. It is NOT a book to give to your child and say "Here's an art book for you." It is written for adults who will be working with children...or who want to learn how to draw themselves. What this book teaches is a universal *method* which you can apply to *anything* you try to draw - once you learn the method and principles, you can draw anything you set your mind to! I got this book because I homeschool, and my daughter was showing signs of artistic ability at an early age - and I barely passed art class in school. I was lucky to get Cs or Bs for grades; I had no "natural" talent (and all my art teachers only seemed to have time for the talented students - the bright stars of the class, and the rest of us just floundered) I too grew up thinking that it was a natural talent, not a developed skill. I got this book because I didn't want my daughter's art progress to be hindered by my "lack of talent." This book lit a fire within me and I thought - can I really draw too? I remember wishing I could draw - I had great things visualized in my mind but could never get them on paper - my drawings were worse than my three year old's! Well, this book did NOT disappoint. I have seen amazing progress in my work and believe in myself now. I have made a beatiful pencil sketch of my husband and also one of Pierce Brosnan - as well as some landscapes and still life compositions. This book only delves into the basics - I got insights on shading from some artist friends of mine...I think the more complex concepts are covered in the Drawing with Teens book by the same author. In conclusion - if you're looking for a self-guided book to hand to your child - this is not it. If you are looking for a catalogue of drawings to mimic, this is not it. If you secretly wished you could draw, but think you can't, or if you want to learn how to help your child draw - this is the book for you. I have had this book for three years love it. I am considering replacing it because I've used it so much it's falling apart!