Doodle—or Dude for short—is an animated pencil that livens up art lessons in this wonderful 3D-animated series. Along with a number of other objects-come-to-life, Doodle takes kids through two art lessons in this 30-minute video. The first lesson offers techniques for drawing faces, while the second lesson builds upon the first, giving pointers for drawing cartoons and exaggerated faces (caricatures). Each lesson opens with an energetic rap that introduces the interesting characters of this inventive animated world.

Lesson 1 tackles the rather challenging subject of drawing faces, from the importance of head shape to nailing the placement of ears and the flow of hair. Visual demonstrations include views of the skull as the base for understanding facial structure, positioning features on the face, and close-up work with eyes, noses, lips, and ears. Kids learn that, surprisingly, eyes are directly in the middle of the face, and that it is easier to draw a nose when it is first broken down into simple shapes. In addition to clear art instruction, children watch as onscreen characters consult the Internet to learn more about Leonardo DaVinci, define some art terms, and review the drawing lesson.

A real-world cartoonist, Frank Cummings, joins Doodle and the gang in Lesson 2. He helps give viewers tips about successful cartooning and caricature drawings. Children are introduced to the techniques of fine lines, inking, hatching, and more. They learn to pay attention to line weight, and a "before and after" demonstration of this concept encourages viewers to add variety to the lines in their cartoons. Exaggerated head shapes, simple features, and special attention to prominent features in individual faces are all discussed in this second half of the video. A caricature of artist Salvador Dali is created, and children learn some facts about Roy Lichtenstein, a famous American painter.

The video comes with a guide book that helps support and extend the concepts learned in the video.

The narration throughout the video is exceptionally clear and the program has just the right amount of energy to help inspire enthusiasm for drawing. Best of all, the tips and techniques presented are truly valuable and useful. At the end of the day, kids will be turning out drawings far more accomplished than mere doodles.

Note: A Doodle! CD-ROM is now available at www.doodlestudio.com for further exploration of the topic Drawing Faces on the computer.