Hello all!

I am looking for software recommendations for digital illustration software that is VERY beginner friendly. I am looking to use this software to add a little umph to my story time crafts, displays, and puppets.

Currently, I just use auto shapes in the various Microsoft office applications to try and make what ever shapes and figures I may need, but this is quite restricting.  Adobe and Gimp are a bit too advanced for me, so I am looking for a nice intro to graphic illustration that is somewhere between the two extremes. 

Any advice would be much appreciated.