Author Archives: iiiireaderadmin

Hello Kitty & Friends Coloring Book

By: Various

Rating: 5 of 5

Both of my daughters loved Hello Kitty when they were young and now my granddaughter is a huge fan as well. I’ve always had a soft spot for her and her friends as well. While the focus of the coloring book is on Hello Kitty, there are cute designs of Keroppi, Chococat, Pochacco, My Melody (another big favorite of my kids), Cinnamoroll, Hangyodon, Badtz-Maru, Tuxedosam and Pompompurin as well.

The designs are detailed and are meant for adult coloring though some young kids may enjoy them as well if they can deal with the high level of detail. There are a few areas which are intricate and have smaller spots to color.
I really like the designs. I think that they are adorable and show a good sense of imagination in putting the various characters in backgrounds that will be fun to color and shade. There are scenes which show everything from winter and snow to sushi. There are even a couple of Hello Kitty mandalas thrown in for extra fun.
On the back of the page is a small design element which mimics the full design on its facing page. If you use a medium which does not bleed through, it is an extra little spot to color. If you use alcohol-based markers as I do much of the time, you will, more than likely, be sacrificing those little designs.
This is what I found when I colored in this book and tested it with my coloring medium:
47 full page designs are printed on front of page with smaller designs printed on the back of the page.
Paper is heavyweight, white, slightly smooth and non-perforated
Glue bound
Designs do not merge into the binding. Designs either have a light double framing line or have finished elements at the outer edges.
Book lays fairly flat for coloring if you heavily crease/break the spine
Alcohol-based markers bleed through the page. For this use, I suggest a blotter page of card stock or heavy weight paper under your working page. That will keep ink from seeping through to the next design. If you use these types of markers, you will mar the smaller designs on the back of the pages.
Water-based markers, India ink pens and gel pens do not bleed through or leave shadows on the back of the page.
Colored pencils work well with this paper. It is slightly smooth to the touch but still has enough tooth for pigment. I was able to layer the same color for deep pigment, layer multiple colors and blend easily using a blender stick. I tested both oil and wax based pencils.

Foxes & Fairies coloring book by Meredith Dillman: 25 kimono, kitsune and fairy designs

By: Meredith Dillman

Rating: 5 of 5

This is a beautiful coloring book of 25 designs by Meredith Dillman. According to her introduction in the book, the designs are inspired by various Asian fox spirit myths, traditional costumes and nature. I have recently read a novel which featured information about kitsune (Japanese fox spirit) and was thrilled to find a coloring book which meshed so well with it. The artwork is based on Ms. Dillman’s finished designs and each has a name which is printed on the back of the page.

In this coloring book, there are designs of both foxes and fairies (and sometimes, just young women) in traditional kimono style fashions. The designs are detailed and have a beautiful hand-drawn and sketch-like look to them. There are some areas which have intricate and small areas to color.
This is what I discovered while coloring in this book and testing my coloring medium on the paper:
25 Lovely Asian inspired designs featuring kimono-clad foxes and fairies and young women
Printed one side of the page
Paper is typical inexpensive quality by CreateSpace printing: white, thin, slightly rough and non-perforated.
The designs do not merge into the binding. The designs have framing lines at the outer edges though some finished elements overlap the framing line to give a three dimensional look to the design.
Glue Binding
Alcohol-based markers bleed through the page quickly.
Water-based markers bleed through in spots.
Gel pens and India ink pens leave shadows on back of the page. India ink can bleed through if you apply heavily or multiple coats.
Coloring Pencils work well with this paper. I found that I could layers the same color for deeper pigment or multiple colors and I could blend easily using a blending stick. I tested both oil and wax based pencils. I also found that hard lead pencils leave dents through the paper.
I like to use a blotter when working in the book. I use a page of card stock or several sheets of heavyweight paper under my working page. It keeps seeping ink and marring dents from ruining the pages below.

Adult Coloring Book: The Manga Invasion Coloring Book: Meditate and find inspiration on a magical journey (Anime, Drawing)

By: Storytroll

Rating: 5 of 5

I am a fan of coloring books which are Manga or doodle creatures designs. This is the first one I have which is both in one. The central figure (male or female) is generally Manga inspired with an interesting background with lots of little doodle creatures. There is a great sketch-like quality to the designs which gives the finished artwork a very original look. The designs are detailed and some have intricate and small areas to color. Really a fun coloring book by artist Boonhau for fans of these two genres.

It appears that Okami Coloring and Storytroll publishing companies are somehow connected as they list both publishers books at the end of this book. I really appreciate the quality of their artists though the CreateSpace paper always leaves something to be desired. I also appreciate that they have included the actual artist’s name though they seem to be developing a specific name (Julia Rivers) to cover the coloring books they deliver. This is similar to what another publisher has done with the name Jade Summer.
This is what I discovered while coloring in this book and testing my coloring medium on the paper:
40 designs which are a mash-up of Manga characters with doodle creatures
Printed one side of the page
Paper is typical inexpensive quality by CreateSpace printing: white, thin, slightly rough and non-perforated.
The designs do not merge into the binding. While the designs do not have a framing line at the outer edges of the designs, they do have finished elements at the edges for ease of coloring.
Glue Binding
Alcohol-based markers bleed through the page quickly.
Water-based markers bleed through in spots.
Gel pens and India ink pens leave shadows on back of the page. India ink can bleed through if you apply heavily or multiple coats.
Coloring Pencils work well with this paper. I found that I could layers the same color for deeper pigment or multiple colors and I could blend easily using a blending stick. I tested both oil and wax based pencils. I also found that hard lead pencils leave dents through the paper.
I like to use a blotter when working in the book. I use a page of card stock or several sheets of heavyweight paper under my working page. It keeps seeping ink and marring dents from ruining the pages below.

The Fantastic World of the Brothers Grimm – Adult Coloring Book: Fairy Tales – Experience the Old Masters on a New Journey

By: Julia Rivers

Rating: 5 of 5

I enjoy both reading and coloring Brothers Grimm Fairy tales. This coloring book, by artist Forest Diver, has 40 different designs from a wide variety of tales. There are beautiful maidens, heroic young heroes and a few unpleasant villains. There is Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel and much more. Most tales have two or more designs dedicated to them.

It appears that Okami Coloring and Storytroll publishing companies are somehow connected as they list both publishers books at the end of this book. I really appreciate the quality of their artists though the CreateSpace paper always leaves something to be desired. I also appreciate that they have included the actual artist’s name though they seem to be developing a specific name (Julia Rivers) to cover the coloring books they deliver. This is similar to what another publisher has done with the name Jade Summer.
The designs are detailed but do not, for the most part, include intricate elements with lots of tiny spots to color.
This is what I discovered while coloring in this book and testing my coloring medium on the paper:
40 various Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale Designs
Printed one side of the page
Paper is typical inexpensive quality by CreateSpace printing: white, thin, slightly rough and non-perforated.
The designs do not merge into the binding. While most of the designs do not have a framing line at the outer edges of the designs, the rest have finished elements at the edges for ease of coloring.
Glue Binding
Alcohol-based markers bleed through the page quickly.
Water-based markers bleed through in spots.
Gel pens and India ink pens leave shadows on back of the page. India ink can bleed through if you apply heavily or multiple coats.
Coloring Pencils work well with this paper. I found that I could layers the same color for deeper pigment or multiple colors and I could blend easily using a blending stick. I tested both oil and wax based pencils. I also found that hard lead pencils leave dents through the paper.
I like to use a blotter when working in the book. I use a page of card stock or several sheets of heavyweight paper under my working page. It keeps seeping ink and marring dents from ruining the pages below.

Nocturnal Magic – Adult Coloring Book: Step into the World of Night Creatures

By: Julia Rivers

Rating: 4 of 5

This is a coloring book by Ksenia Spirina. The designs all have a sketch-like quality to them. By the title, I was expecting designs which were related to the night or nocturnal creatures. While I found that to be true for many of the designs, it is not applicable to all of them per se. The subtitle on Amazon refers to Halloween. Some of the pictures are Halloween related but again, not all of them.

It appears that Okami Coloring and Storytroll publishing companies are somehow connected as they list both publishers books at the end of this book. I really appreciate the quality of their artists though the CreateSpace paper always leaves something to be desired. I also appreciate that they have included the actual artist’s name though they seem to be developing a specific name (Julia Rivers) to cover the coloring books they deliver. This is similar to what another publisher has done with the name Jade Summer.
The designs are detailed but do not, for the most part, include intricate elements with lots of tiny spots to color.
This is what I discovered while coloring in this book and testing my coloring medium on the paper:
40 different designs with most showing nocturnal creatures.
Printed one side of the page
Paper is typical inexpensive quality by CreateSpace printing: white, thin, slightly rough and non-perforated.
The designs do not merge into the binding. While there is only one design with a framing line at the outer edges, the other designs have the elements at the edges finished so it is easier to color.
Glue Binding
Alcohol-based markers bleed through the page quickly.
Water-based markers bleed through in spots.
Gel pens and India ink pens leave shadows on back of the page. India ink can bleed through if you apply heavily or multiple coats.
Coloring Pencils work well with this paper. I found that I could layers the same color for deeper pigment or multiple colors and I could blend easily using a blending stick. I tested both oil and wax based pencils. I also found that hard lead pencils leave dents through the paper.
I like to use a blotter when working in the book. I use a page of card stock or several sheets of heavyweight paper under my working page. It keeps seeping ink and marring dents from ruining the pages below.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Big Bads & Monsters Adult Coloring Book

By: Fox

Rating: 5 of 5

Attached to this review, I will include a silent flip-through video (and a few photos) so you can see if the book will work for you.

This is the second coloring book volume of Buffy inspired designs. I liked the first and really like the second one, perhaps even more. I appreciate that the illustrators provided the quotes and episode/season information to put each design in context. While the artwork is focused on the bad guys, the heroes are well represented, too.
The designs are quite detailed with only a few areas that are intricate and small to color. The artwork is done by a group of illustrators rather than by one individual. I found the artwork in this volume to flow better than that of the first one (not that it was bad but it was obvious that many designers were at work on it. A listing at the back of the book gives the name of each illustrator and on which pages they did the artwork.
This is what I found when I colored in this book and tested it with my coloring medium:
45 Buffy Bads and Monster designs inspired by the original television series plus a great intro/title page designs
Designs printed on front of page and quotes and episode/season information printed on back of pages
Paper is heavyweight, white, slightly smooth and non-perforated
Glue bound
Designs merge into the binding; if you cut pages out you will lose portions of the design
Book lays fairly flat for coloring if you heavily crease/break the spine
Alcohol-based markers bleed through the page. For this use, I suggest a blotter page of card stock or heavy weight paper under your working page. That will keep ink from seeping through to the next design.
Water-based markers, India ink pens and gel pens do not bleed through or leave shadows on the back of the page.
Colored pencils work well with this paper. It is slightly smooth to the touch but still has enough tooth for pigment. I was able to layer the same color for deep pigment, layer multiple colors and blend easily using a blender stick. I tested both oil and wax based pencils.

Lovin’ the Good Vibes! A Happiness Coloring Book: Adult Coloring Book (Improve Confidence, Self Worth, Positive Messages)

By: Julia Rivers

Rating: 5 of 5

I enjoy coloring in both doodle creature coloring books and in positive thoughts coloring books. Until now, I had never come across a book that was both in one. Lovin’ the Good Vibes has lots of cute little doodle guys that put a smile on my face surrounding a message that makes me feel happy as well.

It appears that Okami Coloring and Storytroll publishing companies are somehow connected as they list both publishers books at the end of this book. I really appreciate the quality of their artists though the CreateSpace paper always leaves something to be desired. I also appreciate that they have included the actual artist’s name though they seem to be developing a specific name (Julia Rivers) to cover the coloring books they deliver. This is similar to what another publisher has done with the name Jade Summer.
The designs are detailed but do not, for the most part, include intricate elements with lots of tiny spots to color. By the nature of doodle creatures, there is a lot to color and you can use a lot of different colors it’s one of the things I like most about the genre.
This is what I discovered while coloring in this book and testing my coloring medium on the paper:
32 Unique Feel Good Message designs with lots of cute little doodle creatures.
Printed one side of the page
Paper is typical inexpensive quality by CreateSpace printing: white, thin, slightly rough and non-perforated.
The designs do not merge into the binding. While there is no framing line at the outer edges of the designs, most of the elements at the edges are finished so it is easier to color.
Glue Binding
Alcohol-based markers bleed through the page quickly.
Water-based markers bleed through in spots.
Gel pens and India ink pens leave shadows on back of the page. India ink can bleed through if you apply heavily or multiple coats.
Coloring Pencils work well with this paper. I found that I could layers the same color for deeper pigment or multiple colors and I could blend easily using a blending stick. I tested both oil and wax based pencils. I also found that hard lead pencils leave dents through the paper.
I like to use a blotter when working in the book. I use a page of card stock or several sheets of heavyweight paper under my working page. It keeps seeping ink and marring dents from ruining the pages below.

Art of Coloring: Mickey & Minnie: 100 Images to Inspire Creativity

By: DBG

Rating: 2 of 5

Attached to this review will be a silent flip-through of the entire book and some photos so you can make an informed decision as to whether or not it will work for you.

My family and I are all huge Disney fans with many years of season passes to Disneyland. I was so looking forward to this coloring book even though I had been discouraged by other recent Disney Art of Coloring books.
Turns out that the group behind this book has done exactly the same with this coloring book as they have with other recent books. The coloring book has an inordinate amount of wall-paper (repeating pattern) designs and has many of the figures in the designs pre-filled in with black. What is even worse with this book is that the use of cartoon strips was done in really small format which makes them virtually impossible to color.
So why two stars instead of one? Because there are a few designs (less than a third of the over 100 images) that I think will be fun to color. There are even a very few wall-paper designs I will enjoy but on the whole, most of these designs either don’t pertain specifically to Minnie and Mickey, have lots of black already printed, and/or are too small for even my micro-point coloring medium.
Also, given the number of wall-paper designs, it is very disappointing to me that they were not placed on the backside of well-done character designs. It could easily have been done if the publisher had given it proper attention. This is something that I had noticed and mentioned in previous books by this group.
I would have liked to have had my choice of colors I could use for my Minnie and Mickey. Just because they are traditionally done in black doesn’t mean that I want to do that for my coloring projects. I want to use my imagination and create my own unique vision of Minnie and Mickey. Unfortunately, this is not the coloring book that will allow me artistic freedom.
The use of cartoon strips was quite nice in concept; however, in the actual use, many of the strips were reduced so small, they could not be colored. It would have been better to bring the size up and have less repetitive iterations of them across the page.
This is what I found while coloring in the book and testing my color medium on the paper.
Over 100 Mickey and Minnie Mouse inspired designs
Includes many pages of wall-paper style repeating designs
Printed on both sides of page with some designs which spread across two pages.
Paper is medium weight, white, very slightly rough, and perforated
Glue binding
Many designs extend across the perforations, some into the binding. I was able to break the spine to get into the binding area a bit easier. If you remove pages, you will lose some portion of the designs, especially on those which are two page spread designs.
Alcohol-based markers bleed through the paper,
Water-based markers either bled through or left colorful shadows on the back of the paper.
Gel pens and India ink pens left anywhere from colorful shadows to indistinct shadows on the back of the page but even at best, where still noticeable.
Colored pencils worked well with this paper. I was able to get good, deep pigment. I could layer easily (both same and different colors.) Blending was okay though the tooth of the paper was not optimal. I was able to blend with a pencil style blending stick.

Adult Coloring Book: Island Escapes: Dreams, Vacation, Summer and Beach: Meditate and Relax with Gorgeous Illustrations

By: Julia Rivers

Rating: 4 of 5

The designs in this coloring book appear to be hand-drawn and include a lot of wavy lines and doodle elements. Further, the scenes are inspired by islands and the ocean. All that I expect from an island vacation are included with lots of ocean scenes, shore scenes, etc. There are fish and other ocean creatures, boats and sunsets but only one scene which includes people (tropical dancers.)

This coloring book is very similar in style (though different images) to one published last year by Okami Coloring (Island DreamsAdult Coloring Book: Island Dreams: Vacation, Summer and Beach: Dream and Relax with Gorgeous Illustrations). It may be by the same artist as Okami Coloring and Storytroll seem to be either the same company under different names or are somehow associated (see below.) In both instances, the name of the illustrator is not provided.
I really appreciate the quality of their artists though the CreateSpace paper always leaves something to be desired but wish they had included the actual artists name on this specific book as they do on their other coloring books. They seem to be developing a specific name (Julia Rivers) to cover the coloring books they deliver. This is similar to what another publisher has done with the name Jade Summer.
The designs are quite detailed and include intricate elements with lots of tiny spots to color. I would not recommend this coloring book to anyone with fine motor or vision issues. I would also suggest that, for the intricate areas, use of ultra-fine point markers/pens or really sharp pencils would be best.
This is what I discovered while coloring in this book and testing my coloring medium on the paper:
40 Island/Ocean inspired designs with lots of details and doodle element lines.
Printed one side of the page
Paper is typical inexpensive quality by CreateSpace printing: white, thin, slightly rough and non-perforated.
The designs do not merge into the binding and have a framing line around the outer edges.
Glue Binding
Alcohol-based markers bleed through the page quickly.
Water-based markers bleed through in spots.
Gel pens and India ink pens leave shadows on back of the page. India ink can bleed through if you apply heavily or multiple coats.
Coloring Pencils work well with this paper. I found that I could layers the same color for deeper pigment or multiple colors and I could blend easily using a blending stick. I tested both oil and wax based pencils. I also found that hard lead pencils leave dents through the paper.
I like to use a blotter when working in the book. I use a page of card stock or several sheets of heavyweight paper under my working page. It keeps seeping ink and marring dents from ruining the pages below.

Bible Journaling – Everlasting Hope

By: Karla Dornacher

Rating: 5 of 5

I own two God-centered coloring books by Karla Dornacher and hope that she will release more coloring books in the future. Everlasing Hope is not a coloring book nor is it a step-by-step how-to for journaling in your own Bible. It is, firstly, an explanation of how Ms. Dornacher journals in her Bible. What makes up the bulk of the book are the pre-printed aids for you to use when you journal.

Those aids are in the form designs by Ms. Dornacher: eight traceable pages of designs, four pages of vellum designs which can be cut out and pasted into your Bible, and four pages of full color stickers.
I wasn’t sure quite what to expect from the book when I pre-ordered it, but I am very pleased to have something so different from other books I have on Bible Journaling. It appears that the publisher has a number of similar books by different artists, so choosing the one(s) whose art appeals to me will be the hardest decision.
I will certainly use all of the components in this book in journaling Bible that I recently purchased. It will be very different from the Bibles that I have which either had printed designs for coloring or which I used my own artwork (inspired by how-to books) to do my own journaling.