Jim Arnosky is a well known children’s author who writes, draws, and paints amazing pictures in a simple fashion. Every Autumn Comes the Bear is often read this time of year to help children understand hibernation. I See Animals Hiding helps children understand camoflauge. Then there is Crinkleroot, a character Mr. Arnosky invented to help children explore the world of nature more deeply.

Crinkleroot is a Rumplestiltskin looking fellow who uses a walking stick with a bear carved on the top. He points out a variety of unique habitats where children may find butterflies, birds, and other animals. He identifies fascinating facts about many of the animals and insects children often find in their backyards.

But what I love just as much as the creatures is the way he uses shapes and examples to help children (and adults) draw the things they see in nature. Drawing from Nature begins by describing the different forms of water. He shows how to draw water droplets, ice and snow, and steam rising from a kettle. He points out how things take different shapes under water. He explains the different colors of water, sometimes it even appears black.

Mr. Arnosky demonstrates how to draw land. Each picture creates an environment where we might find animals, plants, birds, or seashells. Have you ever tried to draw stone structures?

Another chapter is drawing plants. Arnosky points out that we need to notice how flowers and fruit are attached to the main stems. He shows different mushrooms, ferns and roses. His examples of trees has a little fawn tucked under the roots. How sweet.

Last but not least are the animals, farm animals, woodland animals, lobsters and fish, frogs, and turtles. There are baby animals and baby birds. We end with our pets, dogs and cats. And who’s holding a child in the room with the pets? A grandmother laughing with her grandchild.

I think Mr. Arnosky encourages us that we don’t have to go far to find something to draw, to paint, to fascinate us with God’s great creation.

I think autumn is the best time of year to take my journaling sketchbook out in the cool, crisp air to a sunny spot. Even in a sketchbook journal I try to sign and date each entry and the place I am sketching.

Gail Cartee, 10/20/25, Campobello, SC.

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