23 Slightly Grayscale designs derived from the Classic Alice in Wonderland story

The Alice in Wonderland Coloring Book: The Classic Edition

Written by: Lewis Carroll; Illustrated by Charles Santore

Rating: 5 of 5

I own a number of the Classic Edition coloring books by Charles Santore. This book is very similar in format to those I have purchased before. The artwork is original and a slightly modern interpretation by Mr. Santore. The text is derived from the work of Lewis Caroll.

I like the artwork and that it is slightly grayscale and I plan to use my colored pencils in this book. That won’t interfere with the storybook text. That is what I usually use in storybook coloring books. I like the idea of a keepsake story to pass on to my grandchildren.

The designs are detailed and continue intricate and small areas to color. As it is based on original artwork and is not generally a line drawing interpretation, this was unexpected.

Along with the poem and the designs, there are small color pictures from the illustrated version of this book on the inside front and back covers. That way, you can use similar colors if you so choose.

The book is a larger rather than standard format. The designs are mostly done in line drawing form with some designs having considerable shading included. Those few images border on the edge of being grayscale designs.

The poem and illustrations are set up in true storybook style, with the text on the left hand side (back of page) and the illustration to the right. The illustrations match well with the text on the facing page.

This is what I found in this coloring book

23 Designs are printed on one side of the page with storybook text on the back.

Paper is white, every so slightly rough to touch, medium weight and non-perforated

Hybrid glue and sewn binding (lots of small stitches.) You cannot snip threads to remove pages from the book.

Designs stop short of the binding and have a framing line at the outer edges

Book opens easily to flat position for ease of coloring.

Alcohol-based markers bleed through the page

Water-based markers and India ink markers leave a slight colorful shadow on the back of the page.

Gel pens do not bleed through an left an indistinct shadow on the back of the page.

Colored pencils did well with this paper. I tested both oil and wax based pencils. I was easily able to get good pigment with multiple layers of the same color. I also was able to layer multiple colors and blend well using a blender stick.

With the mediums that bleed, spot or shadow through to the back of the page – this will interfere with the storybook text. If that is a problem for you, try a different medium.

Here are some sample photos from the book:

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