Daily Archives: November 12, 2015

This is a beautifully compiled coloring book which focuses on that God has for each of us. It is a wonderful reminder to have at all times but especially at those times when we are feeling low and perhaps rather unloved. The verses are taken from a variety of translations but regardless of which one used, the meaning comes through very clear we are deeply loved just as we are. The author gives background on how she came up with the verses and how we might use the book apart from merely coloring it.

The focus of each design is the scripture. The words are surrounded by various elements to color but you will be looking first and foremost at the words. I noticed that the wording is in cursive writing which is very elegant but it reminded me that in most school curriculum these days, cursive writing is not being taught. Sadly, there will soon come a day when young people would not be able to read this book.

In any case, the designs are very elegant and are printed on one side of very nice heavyweight white paper. The author has provided a journal page opposite each picture (on the backside of the preceding design.) The page is not perforated and some of the designs merge into the binding which might make it problematic to remove pages. I will not with this book as I want to be able to leaf through it and read all of the verses whether or not I am coloring that day.

The paper is a really nice grade. I found that my permanent markers (Ultra-Fine Sharpies, Copics, and other alcohol-based) bled through easily but my water-based markers did a much better job. I had some shadowing with my Stabilo 88 but my Staedler triplus fineliners and the brush end of my Tombows dual brush did not bleed through at all (though again, with the marker end of the Tombow, there was some shadowing.) My gel pens did not bleed through but they did require extra drying time so that they wouldn’t smear on the paper. I find that is true with most really nice grades of paper the gel pen sits on the surface rather than soaks in and needs to dry well. My coloring pencils went on thick and creamy. If I decide to use markers, I will put a heavy sheet of paper or chipboard under my work to keep the sink from seeping through to the next page.

I own a lot of coloring books, but the Christian ones mean something different to me. I enjoy coloring in them but they also give me something to meditate on, to ponder, or to rejoice in. I am really thankful that Christian publishers are beginning to publish these books.