Doodle Days: Over 100 Creative Ideas for Doodling, Drawing, and Journaling

by Jane Maday

Simple and fun doodle ideas and inspiration for anyone who loves to draw, sketch, or journal

Whether you're into journaling, drawing, or both, this delightful guide will provide creative ideas and simple instruction for doodling to your heart's content. Artist and author Jane Maday presents basic techniques, step-by-step instructions, and a world of ideas for drawing animals, flora and fauna, seashells, shapes, and more. The perfect way to add whimsy and fun to any sketchbook, journal, or bujo page, these doodles will make you smile and help you express your creativity, one adorable little doodle at a time.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

Published July 6, 2021

Reviews

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really fun simple approach to doodling . Great for anyone getting started in not just doodling but journaling too. And for those more experienced it is a great source of inspiration and ideas.
I really enjoyed how the images were broken down into more manageable chunks.
I took a lot away from this book, and look forward to putting it all into practice in my own journal next year.


I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love drawing and doodling books so I've read many dozens of them. This one doesn't particularly stand out from the others but it's a nice one. The doodles are in black and white and they're the standard cutesy things -- watering cans, teapots, chunky one piece swimsuits, lounging cats, and so on. They will work nicely in a bullet journal or on a handmade card. Readers are shown how to use shapes and then morph them into the approximate object shape before refining them, and are advised to draw in pencil first and then go over with a black fine tip marker and erase the lines. I'm much more a fan of drawing free form with ink but beginners especially can be quite successful with this method.

Three stars for me -- liked it. I'm not sure it's worth the $14.99 price point for the paperback, however.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review. It cut off abruptly so I don't know if additional material that I missed would have increased my rating.

[Joy Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a good starter guide, offering step by step instructions on how to do simple illustrations on all sort of items, very good for someone like myself who enjoys drawing in my bullet journal. Also, I would get this for a kid as well.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Doodle Days is a fun and engaging tutorial guide for doodles and how-to tips by Jane Maday. Due out 23rd June from Penguin Random House on their North Light Books imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

This is a beginner accessible, cute, and useful guide to doodling and page set-ups for journaling with tons of step by step line drawn tutorials which are easy to follow. The eARC provided for review contained a preview of approximately 40% of the finished release material, but the quality was very good throughout. The doodles cover a large number of subjects from florals to animals, foods, seasonal items and objects. In addition, the author has added chapters on journal page setups, adding text to drawings, and other how-to tutorials.

Very informal and cute doodles will appeal to a wide audience and many of them would be welcome in drawing sessions with small humans; thus will find use for child minders, parents, educators, and others who spend time with kids.

Five stars (assuming that the overall quality holds true to the same given in the review copy provided).

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Courtney R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Doodle Days: Over 100 Creative Ideas for Doodling, Drawing, and Journaling" by Jane Maday is a delightful journey into the world of whimsical doodles and imaginative illustrations. Maday's book is a treasure trove for those seeking to infuse their creative endeavors with charm and playfulness. With over 100 prompts and ideas, this book offers a wealth of inspiration for artists, doodlers, and journaling enthusiasts alike.

Maday's artistic expertise shines through in the charming illustrations that grace the pages of "Doodle Days." Her intricate and endearing designs serve as both inspiration and a springboard for readers to unleash their own creativity. The prompts cover a wide range of themes and styles, allowing for endless possibilities and encouraging personal expression.

What sets this book apart is its versatility. Whether you're a seasoned artist looking for fresh ideas or a beginner seeking a playful introduction to drawing, "Doodle Days" caters to a wide range of skill levels. Maday's approach is encouraging and inclusive, creating a welcoming space for artists of all backgrounds to explore and create.

I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Carolyn Bragg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the doodle-drawing instruction book everyone is longing for when they see blogs for bullet journals planners. "How do you draw those cute little things? they wonder.

From each group of drawings, a few are broken down and shown from simple shapes to finished drawing. The drawings are also grouped so learning to do a couple in the group will help you draw the others.

With some practice, anyone can make a decent copy of these simple and adorable items!

I have seen many books that teach drawing, but none are so basic and simple to follow. Plus, you can use them in a planning journal, greeting cards, party decorations, or a multitude of other crafts!

This book is for artists of any age, although I suggest using tracing paper or scrap paper, not drawing in the book itself, so it can be used over and over! The book is well organized, and well worth the investment.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the free preview of this ebook!

#DoodleDays #NetGalley

5/5 Stars

[Celeste Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so cute and informative. The individual whom I message to receive the full book was so nice. As, the name states this book is all about doodling plus other information. The book provides you with steps on doodling basic things such as cats, dogs, or flowers just to name a few. They are very easy and gives you step by step on how to draw these. The author also guides you in knowing the importance o f doodling and different places that it can be done at. For example, you can doodle in your journal, art book and other places. Doodling is not just for those who can draw but anybody can draw since it is a form of expressing yourself and relieving stress. You do not necessary need to be an artist to doodle. All you need is motivation and a little push to do it. Each section of the book gives you different ideas. For example, there is a section regarding journaling and examples on how to set your pages. This is such an inspirational book. Love it and recommend it wether you are beginning to draw or want to improve.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun book! I am one of those people who can barely draw a stick figure and depend on stickers to fancy up my day planner when I really want to have some sort of cute handwritten scrapbook/bullet journal planner. This book is perfect for the amateur drawer such as myself, or more advanced artists who may want a few more ideas.

I can happily say with the easy-to-follow, step-by-step illustrations, I was able to doodle myself a few cute little diddlies that actually looked like the picture. Winning! A nice bonus was the meditation like feel I got when I was drawing.

I plan on purchasing this book to have on hand when I do my weekly spreads in my planner and hopefully someday soon I will have that cute bullet journal I have always dreamed of.

Thank you to NetGalley and North Light Books for the partial ARC of this book in exchange for my review!

[Josephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good doodles to work with in this book. There are some interesting tips at the beginning like draw in pencil first and start simple. It provides a simple list of supplies you will need and talks about the benefits of doodling and bullet journaling on your mental health. I think this is good if you want a lot of examples of doodles to work from. I will definitely incorporate some of them into my doodle art. I only got a partial copy of the book because it's an advanced reader copy, but I liked what I saw, and seems like the rest would be equally interesting.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[joyce w. laudon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Often when I am in a class or talking on the phone I find myself doodling. Forever, it seems I have drawn faces, coffee cups and flowers. I am getting bored with these so was very excited to see this book. It is full of ideas about making those fun little pictures.

Short sections include everything from how to use the book to tools and materials, and lines and shapes. By the end of this sample, I wanted the full book and was full of ideas. I am very eager to get started.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this adorable book. All opinions are my own.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just got back into journaling and this is such a cute and useful doodling guide. I’m far from artistic, but the easy illustrations definitely help add a little something extra to your journal. I used to draw a lot in the past, and this doodle guide has reminded me why I loved drawing cute little images in the first place. Such a great way to express yourself and to just relax and unwind. Thanks to Netgalley and penguin random house for a review copy in exchange for a fair review.

[Danni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book in return for an honest review.

I Bullet Journal so I found this really good for inspiration as it holds a plethora of different doodles that I can draw inspiration from while I journal. The reader gets drawn steps for doodles such as; animals, flowers, household items and much more! This book can be for any age.

Rating: 5⭐
Would I Read It Again? Yes
Would I Recommend it? Yes

[Ayla Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to my art classroom.

For early finishers, I like having an array of art books for students to continue their productivity. This is a great way to practice tracing for young learners/artists, as well as step by step drawings. I do wish there were a few more step by steps to follow but overall a great book for elementary art rooms and young and beginning artists looking for more practice drawing.

[Arlene Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been wanting to improve my drawing skills for a long time. I have not very artistically talented and I get very overwhelmed with a thought of free drawing. So this book was great because it had very simple drawings and a lot of step by step pages. I definitely enjoyed practicing please drawings and they were easy enough that my kids were able to follow along as well. I look forward to practicing and getting better with these doodles.

[Sally Mander · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars, Fun, Fun, Fun

DOODLE DAYS by Jane Maday
published by: Penguin Random House, North Light Books

A fun-filled doodle book, for anyone wanting to draw doodles. The author gives you some things to copy and other more complicated things with step-by-step instructions.

Highly recommend, for any age group.

Many thanks to #penguinrandomhouse #northlightbooks for the complimentary copy of #doodledays I was under no obligation to post a review.

[Megan W. (pnwbookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic for anyone who wants to add little doodles in their journals or on notes. There are a lot different drawings to look at and they are all broken down into really easy to follow instructions with basic shapes. This book is great for anyone who wants to start doodling or journaling and would also be great for younger teens/kids who want to learn some basic.

[Lynndell · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the guidance and information needed to become a creative doodler. Tools and materials list included, as well as instructions for clear, simple, adorable drawings. I purchased this book so I can use it as a reference for adding drawings and doodles to my scrapbooking. 5 stars for cuteness and helpful information!

[Giuli Leyendoentremontanias · Rating 4 out of 5]

*My eARC is incomplete, I'm hoping to get the full version soon enough*

It's a good book for anyone who wants to start doodling and/or journaling!

Short, precise, goes to the point. It gives the reader confidence and creative ideas.

My eARC had an error: the text was mixed up with the doodles.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House!

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book on doodling. It is filled with illustrations separated into various categories. There are pages of animals and sea creatures, leaves and flowers, holiday doodles and everyday objects. This a fun book that gives you lots of practice and doodling ideas. I highly recommend it!

[Debbie Tripp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a combinations of how to create some simple images, and suggestions for journal enhancement. I like the playful approach to the journal process.

I received an advanced copy of this from Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased review.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun book for learning how to doodle different pictures. There are no written instructions. It is all pictures that show the step-by-step process. I look forward to trying out different doodles from this book.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Maday gives readers over 100 ideas about doodling and drawing.
This style is awesome, very simple, but could be easily made to be your own.
This is a great book, and Jane is really inspiring. I really enjoyed this!

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary electronic version of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I liked the book so much, I ordered a physical copy of the book to have. It’s great for a novice doodler (like me!).

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the newfound love of journaling, being able to doodle some picture is a nice skill to acquire, moreover it will make your journal look prettier. Even though NetGalley could only provide with some of the pages, this book can also be used by kids to learn to draw.

[Kichu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute book with even cuter doodles. Its an awesome book for starting with doodles. Easy steps to make cute objects and animal.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute. Has great ideas and easy to follow instructions!

[Jeimy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adorable doodles that are easy to draw, but the book itself feels too short.

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book on doodling. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes to doodle to relax. Kids would also love thus book it would make a great gift!

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through NetGalley. It is great starter for learning how to doodle. I have wanted to be a little more creative in my journaling and this book has helped getting me started.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an avid bullet journaler this book is exactly what I’ve been looking for!

I often find myself wanting to doodle and make my bullet journal cute, but my creativity is limited when it comes to art. Enter in Doodle Days!

I love that this book both gives you detailed visual direction on how to draw various doodles, but it also groups together images based on themes (seasons, baking, gardening, etc…)

I have been copying these doodles and adding flare to my journal and it has brought me so much joy again. I can’t wait to experiment more with the ideas given in this book (maybe I’ll add some color)!

If you’re into journaling or just want ideas on what you can doodle, this book provides a plethora of ideas and I will be turning to it and it’s themes for months to come.

The only thing I wish we had more of, is directions on how to watercolor as it is listed as a supply, but I would have loved to also have been given a short snippet of guidance on that as well.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.