These two titles from artist Li (Mecha Manga) provide text-free, step-by-step guidance for drawing manga characters. Sequential color-coded sketches walk the reader through illustrating many charming human manga personalities. A simple exercise per page ends with a full-color, finished character illustration. Aside from the author’s short introduction, no other words are found in these guides. Li takes similar approaches to depicting girls and boys, emphasizing energetic poses and narrative suggestion in both books. Portraying a range of emotions and facial expressions in the manga style is demonstrated throughout. VERDICT Ideal for children and younger teens.