Fall 2025

Start with a Teapot

An Unexpected Guide to the Art of Drawing

  • Interest Level: Grade 2 - Grade 6
  • Reading Level: Grade 3

Drawing is not very different from riding a bicycle, whistling, or cooking a tortilla: learning any of these things just takes a little practice and a sense of humor.

For example, to draw an elephant, you start with a teapot. Next add eyes and tusks, finish with a tail and four legs . . . ta-da, you’ve got your elephant! And how do you draw a horse? First, draw an elephant.

Start with a Teapot is utmost nonsense and unarguable logic. How do you draw a snail, a stapler, a butterfly, a eukaryotic cell? How do you draw poop? Enric Lax inspires his readers to observe, transform, tell stories and make mistakes—that’s how to draw.

Format Your Price Add
979-8-7656-7049-1
$21.99
979-8-7656-7429-1
$25.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on library bound hardcovers and all eBook and eBook with Audio editions when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Grade 2 - Grade 6
Reading Level Grade 3
Genre Social Studies
Copyright 2025
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Gecko Press ™
Language English
Number of Pages 92
Publication Date 2025-09-09
Text Type Fiction—Humor
BISACS JUV003000, JUV019000, JUV051000
Dewey 741
Dimensions 6.7 x 9.5
Features Original artwork, Reviewed, Teaching Guides, and eSource

Author, Illustrator: Enric Lax

Enric Lax studied illustration in Barcelona and later the Academy of Fine Arts of Bologna. His work has been exhibited in Catalonia and Belgium. Born in Catalonia, Spain, he now lives in Brussels, where he teaches art.

Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!

Start with a Teapot

Drawing is not very different from riding a bicycle, whistling, or cooking a tortilla: learning any of these things just takes a little practice and a sense of humor. For example, to draw an elephant, you start with a teapot. Next add eyes and tusks, finish with a tail and four… View available downloads →

Reviews

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“Engaging, thought-provoking, and fun, this charming book invites children to see the world with fresh eyes and endless possibilities. Reviewer Rating: 5”—Children’s Literature

The Guardian

“This eccentric, tongue-in-cheek drawing guide (to draw a hand, start with a lightbulb; then surround it with sausages) also touches humorously on the frustrations of getting images on to paper. A gloriously surreal 7+ paean to the weird logic of shape and form.”—The Guardian

Booklist

“A witty, absurdist send-up for doodlers and joke lovers alike.”—Booklist

School Library Journal

“More concept than direct instruction, this humorous art book takes readers on a journey of imagination and embracing imperfection.”—School Library Journal