Whether it's a child scribbling their first shapes or a teenager taking art class seriously, the right sketchbook makes a real difference in how much they actually enjoy drawing. Here's what to look for.
Paper Thickness Matters More Than People Expect
Thin paper buckles under pencil pressure and doesn't handle erasing well — kids press hard when they draw, and erasers can tear thin sheets. A dedicated drawing book uses paper built to handle pencil, crayon, and light shading without falling apart after a few sessions.
Blank Pages vs Ruled Pages
For drawing specifically, blank unruled pages give more freedom — ruled lines can be distracting when the goal is sketching rather than writing. Keep drawing books and regular notebooks separate rather than letting a child draw in the margins of a lined copy.
Size Considerations
Younger children generally do better with larger pages that give room for big, loose movements. Older kids and teenagers working on more detailed sketches often prefer a smaller, more portable size they can carry around and use anywhere.
Binding: What Holds Up to Regular Use
A sketchbook that gets used often needs a binding that won't fall apart with repeated opening and closing. Look for a sturdy spine, and check that pages aren't so thin they tear easily when a young artist flips through quickly.
Encouraging Regular Drawing
- Keep a drawing book somewhere visible and easy to grab, not packed away
- Separate it clearly from schoolwork notebooks so it feels less like an assignment
- Let younger kids use bigger pages so mistakes don't feel as costly
Have a look at our Best Sellers collection to see the drawing books and art supplies parents and students are picking up most often.