Would-be artists and entomologists will appreciate this book, which proposes that anyone can draw by breaking items into their basic shapes. From the ant to the stink bug, Masiello offers methods for sketching insects commonly found in North America. Each rendering begins with a simple shape delineated in red. As the drawing progresses, previous lines appear in black ink, while step-by-step changes and enhancements are in red. A boxed selection shows optional detailed refinements that can be added to each image. the right-hand side of each spread contains a large, finished picture of insect colored with a specified medium: marker, crayon, colored pencil, etc. Instructions for a caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly (a side view as well as a top view) provide help in understanding their life cycles. The resultant pictures are not strictly realistic, but they are not anthropomorphized cartoons, either. The book ends with an invitation to create imaginary insects. Children will find the simple shapes and coloration satisfying. Featuring pictures that are less complex than those in Lee J. Ames's "Draw 50..." series (Broadway), Masiello's title is a good choice for libraries needing easy how-to-draw materials.

Ralph Masiello--affectionately known by children as "the Icky Bug Man" and [illustrator] of The Icky Bug Alphabet Book and The Icky Bug Counting Book--has written and illustrated a new title: Ralph Masiello's Bug Drawing Book. This how-to book, which enables teachers to combine science with art, presents simple, step-by-step instructions that can get students ages 5-10 on their way to drawing bug masterpieces. Masiello also includes extra challenges for more experienced artists.