The book begins with notes by both Emily Rodda and Marc McBride. Rodda states that with the release of The Deltora Book of Monsters, she had been getting many letters showing drawings of the monsters inside. She also says that McBride had taken another step in his career by writing this book. McBride then goes on to say that drawing is about expressing ideas. He goes on to say that there is no right or wrong to drawing, but only two simple rules; you should start with light colours, and gradually get darker. He then gives drawing tips, such as how different colours portray different moods.