Animals · A drawing idea for little artists
How to Draw a Cute Cartoon Turtle for Kids
A big round head, a little belly shell and a curly tail. Draw a tiny turtle character with a big personality.
For iPad & iPhone · In-app purchases
These 3 pictures show selected moments from the drawing. For every step in between and a guide on your canvas, get the full lesson in LittlePaper.
This upright cartoon turtle pairs an oversized head with a small body, short limbs and a curled tail. The belly shell is visible from the front, so a few simple dividing lines can suggest its pattern. The proportions are deliberately playful rather than realistic.
The three selected pictures show the head oval, a later full outline and a green-and-yellow crayon finish. They skip intermediate steps. Plan a smaller body beneath the head and leave room at one side for the curled tail. Continue in LittlePaper for the complete guided drawing sequence.
A few things to start with
Paper, a pencil, green and yellow crayons, plus brown for the shell and tail accents. Keep white highlight spots in the eyes. LittlePaper provides the full drawing and coloring experience on iPad and iPhone.
A little peek at the drawing
1 / 3
Selected stages · The complete drawing sequence is in the app.
Shapes, character & color
A look at the drawing stages.
Try the shape tips below on paper. When you’re ready to draw along with each small step, continue in LittlePaper.
- 01Selected stage
A big rounded head
The starting shape is a wide oval with soft corners. Place it high enough to leave room underneath for a small upright body. Think of the head as the largest shape in the character, rather than shrinking it to realistic turtle proportions.
A big rounded head · Preview image 1 of 3 - 02Selected stage
A small body and a curled tail
The later outline includes large circular eyes, a small smile, short arms, a belly shell with dividing lines, little feet and a spiral tail. Compare the small body to the wide head. The full lesson shows how each of these parts is connected.
A small body and a curled tail · Preview image 2 of 3 - 03Selected stage
Green, yellow and warm brown
The finished turtle has a green head and limbs, a yellow belly and brown shell and tail accents. Dark eyes keep small white highlights. Use short crayon strokes that leave little gaps, especially across the broad head.
Green, yellow and warm brown · Preview image 3 of 3
A little practice goes a long way
Make room for your own ideas.
Let the head stay wider than the body. The size contrast is what gives this little character its big-headed cartoon style.
Use just a few lines to divide the belly shell. Keep them inside the shell shape and leave enough room to color each area.
Make the tail curl broad and open rather than winding it into many tight circles. A clear outer curve is enough to show the movement.
A few drawing questions
What makes this a cartoon-style turtle?
The oversized head, upright pose, small body and curled tail are playful character choices. It is an imaginative drawing rather than a realistic animal study.
How is it different from the other turtle preview?
This one faces forward with its belly shell visible. The other turtle is viewed from the side beneath a large dome-shaped shell. Choose the silhouette you would like to draw.
How do I keep the belly shell pattern simple?
Use a few broad dividing lines inside the belly outline. Avoid lots of tiny sections that would be difficult to see or color.
Are all the drawing steps included here?
No. These three pictures are selected highlights. Use LittlePaper for the complete drawing sequence and guided coloring experience.
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open this drawing idea in LittlePaper for the complete sequence. Follow a guide, pause when you need, and add your own colors.
Download LittlePaper from the App Store, then open the drawing idea inside the app.
Every step, at your pace.
See the full drawing sequence. Pause, replay, and take another look whenever a shape needs practice.
A guide where you draw.
Trace on the canvas, then try your own lines with a finger or Apple Pencil on a compatible iPad.
Make it yours. Keep the making.
Add crayon color, replay your creation, and give your picture a home in a digital 3D book.
