Animals · A drawing idea for little artists
How to Draw a Turtle for Kids
A tiny round head and a big patterned shell. Explore a friendly turtle made from gentle curves and sturdy little feet.
For iPad & iPhone · In-app purchases
These 4 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 cartoon turtle is seen from the side, with a small head peeking out of a tall dome-shaped shell. Rounded feet hold up the body, and a few large patches decorate the shell. Start by comparing the small head with the much larger shell instead of trying to draw every detail at once.
The four selected pictures below show the head, the shell curve, a later outline and a green-and-brown finish. They are a preview of the drawing rather than all of its steps. Leave most of the page beside the head for the shell; follow the full sequence in LittlePaper to connect the shapes.
A few things to start with
Paper, a pencil, green, brown and yellow crayons. A darker orange or brown can add variation to the shell. For guided digital drawing and coloring, use LittlePaper on iPad or iPhone.
A little peek at the drawing
1 / 4
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 little round head
Start with the small rounded head on one side of the page. Most of the space should remain beside it for the shell. This first shape sets the scale: a head that is too large will leave little room for the turtle body.
A little round head · Preview image 1 of 4 - 02Selected stage
Raise a large shell arch
A high curved line rises beside the head and bends over the body space. Think of a broad rainbow. The shell is still open at the bottom in this picture; do not add pattern details before the main outline has enough room.
Raise a large shell arch · Preview image 2 of 4 - 03Selected stage
Join the outline and rounded feet
The later outline brings together the shell edge, smiling head and short rounded feet. Notice the difference between the large smooth back and the small bumps of the feet. Facial and shell details are still to come in the complete sequence.
Join the outline and rounded feet · Preview image 3 of 4 - 04Selected stage
Green skin and a patterned shell
The finished example pairs green limbs and head with a warm brown shell and yellow patches. Keep each patch broad enough to color with short crayon marks. Let a few white specks remain for a soft drawn-on-paper finish.
Green skin and a patterned shell · Preview image 4 of 4
A little practice goes a long way
Make room for your own ideas.
Draw the shell arch much larger than the head. A slow rainbow-like curve gives it a clear dome shape.
Keep the feet rounded and broad. In this cartoon, short feet make the shell feel heavy and stable.
Use a handful of large shell patches rather than filling the back with tiny marks. Leave the edges of the patches visible when you color so their shapes do not disappear.
A few drawing questions
What shapes make this turtle easy to recognize?
The large dome shell, small projecting head and short rounded feet create the silhouette. Make those parts clear before adding eyes or shell patterns.
Is this the same as the cute cartoon turtle preview?
This turtle is shown from the side under a large shell. The other cartoon turtle stands upright with a big head and visible belly plates. They offer two different ways to draw a turtle character.
Does this page include the whole turtle lesson?
It includes four selected stages and drawing tips. Continue in LittlePaper for the intermediate steps, follow-along experience and coloring 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.
