Learning New Skills One Book at a Time

Over the past few years, I’ve leaned into learning new skills through books—slowly, joyfully, and with the kind of curiosity that only grows the more you feed it. From lettering and drawing to knitting and language learning, these books have been my personal tutors, each one offering a doorway into a new world. I wanted to share the ones that made a lasting impact on me:

---

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. I only share books that are either personal favorites or highly rated by trusted sources.

Click the title for the link to check prices and grab your copies on Amazon.

1. Brush Lettering Made Simple by Chrystal Elizabeth

This was one of my first creative guides, and it felt like an invitation to slow down and savor the rhythm of handwriting. Chrystal Elizabeth breaks down brush lettering in such an accessible, encouraging way that even the most hesitant beginner (me!) could feel progress within the first few pages. It’s a great starting point for anyone wanting to beautify their journaling, snail mail, or even just relax with a brush pen in hand.

---

2. Drawing and Painting Beautiful Faces by Jane Davenport

Jane Davenport’s approach to drawing faces is whimsical, freeing, and far from intimidating. What I appreciated most is that she focuses not just on proportions, but on expression and personality. I learned to embrace imperfections and to see each face I drew as a character with a story. It's less about realism and more about discovering your own artistic voice.

---

3. How to Draw Cute Animals  & How to Draw Cute Stuff by Angela Nguyen

These two books brought pure joy to my sketchbook. Angela Nguyen's step-by-step guides make it so easy to draw charming little creatures and everyday objects in kawaii style. Whether you’re doodling for fun, decorating a planner, or illustrating for a child, these books teach you how to make everything irresistibly adorable. 

---

4. Mini Amigurumi Animals: 26 Tiny Creatures to Crochet by Sarah Abbondio

Amigurumi—the art of crocheting small stuffed creatures—was something I admired from afar until I picked up this book. Sarah Abbondio’s designs are minimalist and cute, with clear instructions that made the process surprisingly approachable. It’s such a satisfying hobby.

---

5. Raising Multilingual Children by Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa

On a more personal note, this book offered guidance beyond the creative arts. As someone interested in multilingual parenting, Tokuhama-Espinosa’s research-based yet practical advice helped shape how I think about language exposure, cultural identity, and the realities of raising children with more than one language. It’s a thoughtful and empowering read for any caregiver on a similar journey.
Each of these books not only taught me something new but also became part of a larger creative practice—a way of reconnecting with the joy of learning by doing. Whether you’re curious about art, craft, or language, I hope these recommendations inspire you to pick up something new and let your creativity lead the way.

Have you used any of these books or have favorites of your own? I’d love to hear what’s been on your creative bookshelf lately!