Animals · A drawing idea for little artists
How to Draw a Cute Penguin for Kids
One tall oval becomes a little penguin with a bright belly, tiny beak and happy blue flippers.
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.
A penguin is a lovely excuse to practice one big oval. In this cartoon, the oval holds both the head and body, while a pale inner shape frames the face and belly. Small flippers and orange feet add personality without changing the simple main silhouette.
Three selected images show the body outline, a face-and-belly stage and the crayon finish. The pictures skip some intermediate details; they are a preview, not a complete three-step lesson. Leave a little room outside the oval for flippers and below it for feet, then follow the full drawing in LittlePaper.
A few things to start with
Paper, a pencil, black, blue and orange crayons, with a touch of yellow if you like. Keep the belly and small eye highlights white. LittlePaper also supports drawing 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
One tall oval
Begin with an upright oval for the whole body. Use a light, continuous curve rather than several short straight edges. Keep some space below and at both sides; the flippers and feet will sit outside this first outline.
One tall oval · Preview image 1 of 3 - 02Selected stage
A bright face and belly
A second rounded shape inside the oval leaves a dark border around the penguin. Its upper edge dips between the circular eyes, with a small downward-pointing beak below. Notice how the face and belly share one large pale area.
A bright face and belly · Preview image 2 of 3 - 03Selected stage
Add cheerful crayon color
The finished example uses black around the pale belly, blue flippers and orange feet and beak. A tiny yellow tuft adds a playful accent. Keep the central belly light so the dark outer body has a clear shape.
Add cheerful crayon color · Preview image 3 of 3
A little practice goes a long way
Make room for your own ideas.
Make the main oval taller than it is wide. A rounder oval makes a plumper penguin; both versions can work.
The top of the inner face shape dips gently between the eyes. Draw that dip softly so it does not crowd the beak.
Press lightly with black crayon around the pale face and belly. Save stronger strokes for the outer body, leaving the eyes and beak easy to see.
A few drawing questions
What is the simplest starting shape for this penguin?
Use a tall oval for the head and body together. The face patch sits inside it; the flippers and feet are smaller shapes outside it.
Does the penguin have to be black and white?
Black and white make the belly pattern easy to recognize. This playful example adds blue flippers, orange feet and a yellow tuft. Children can choose their own accent colors.
Where can we follow every penguin drawing step?
The three pictures here are selected highlights. Open the penguin drawing idea in LittlePaper for the full guided sequence and drawing tools.
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.
