Title: The Bad Artist
Author & Illustrator: Simone Kung
Publisher: Wonder House Books
Type: Paperback
Length: 36 pages
Age: 3-7 years
We had one of those precious late-evening moments recently. My little one was drawing herself and said, “Mumma, I couldn’t get the shoulders right… maybe I just don’t know how to draw them.” She tried again, and again, it didn’t quite work. My response? “I’m so glad you tried. You’ll get it soon — let me know if you need help.”
That same night, we picked up a new book to read before bed — The Bad Artist — and it couldn’t have been more perfectly timed.
The story follows Lou, a spirited 4-year-old who’s convinced she’s a “bad artist.” Her belief comes from constantly comparing herself to her talented 10-year-old sister. Every time Lou tries to copy her sister’s art, she feels like she falls short. But her sister never stops cheering her on — and eventually, Lou creates something that’s entirely, beautifully her own.
We used this story that same night to reinforce a lesson we’re always trying to teach: never give up, and persistence brings improvement.
Why we loved this book:
- It names self-doubt as a real feeling kids experience — It helps young children recognize and put words to that very real emotion of “someone else is better than me,” especially when that someone is a sibling or friend, so they don’t feel alone in it.
- It pushes back on competition culture — In a world where kids are nudged to compete constantly, this book is a lovely reminder that not everything needs to be a race.
- It celebrates art as self-expression — The message is clear: art isn’t about being the “best,” it’s about enjoying the process and expressing yourself.
What makes this book even more special is the author and illustrator herself is an elementary school art teacher — someone who likely witnesses this exact self-doubt in young artists every single day. The fact that she turned that lived experience into a resource for other parents and kids says so much about her heart for this work.
It even showed up in practice — just two days later, my little one drew herself again, and this time the shoulders finally felt right to her.
I highly recommend adding this one to your collection — it’s a small book with a big, lasting lesson.
If you enjoyed this review and wish to order the book from Amazon (kbc affiliate link),
CLICK & BUY NOW!Disclaimer: Abha won this book in one of the WonderHouseWednesdaysOnKBC contests from the publisher via kbc.
