• Age: 8 to 12
• Grade: 3 to 7

Whether kids want to write or draw a comic that's funny or scary, long or short, made-up or true-to-life, cartoonist and author Brian McLachlan maintains there are just ten crucial things they need to know to get started.

Using colloquial text, images, and examples, each chapter hones in on a different secret to creating great comics. Budding comic artists will learn how to make text and illustrations work together, how to give characters personality, how to choose the right tool for each project, and much more.

A worthy addition to the how-to comics canon, Draw Out the Story simplifies advanced concepts for younger readers, providing invaluable lessons and pointers for kids who want to learn to write and draw — and imagine — great stories.

BRIAN McLACHLAN is a regular contributor to OWL Magazine, has numerous freelance clients, and is the comic artist behind the series Princess Planet. His previous book with Owlkids, Draw Out the Story, won an International Literacy Association award. Brian lives in Toronto, ON, with his wife and two boys.

Brian McLachlan's profile page

• Short-listed, Maine Student Book Award
• Short-listed, Hackmatack Children's Choice Awards
• Runner-up, Ontario Library Association Silver Birch Non Fiction Award
• Winner, IRA Children's and Young Adults’ Book Award, Intermediate Non Fiction category
• Commended, Canadian Children's Book Centre Best Books for Kids and Teens
• A Junior Library Guild selection
• Commended, OLA Best Bets Top 10 Junior Non-Fiction List
• Toronto Public Library's 2017 Summer Reading Club Recommended Read

"The first seven 'secrets' lay a solid groundwork for aspiring creators but what really makes Draw Out the Story exceptional, moving beyond your typical 'how-to-create-comics' guidebook, are the final three chapters that focus on creating meaningful and fun stories through exploration, imagination and "what if?" play.

Canadian Children's Book News

"...this book has all the secrets beginners might need."

Kirkus

"... although aimed at young adults, its solid advice will benefit aspiring cartoonists and comic makers of all ages and backgrounds."

Children's Bookwatch