Cool & Creative Coloring Books
I have to admit, I've got a mild aversion to coloring books. My children have never really loved coloring books and that's fine by me - I prefer the idea of them doing their own original freehand drawings and coloring "outside the lines."
But lately I've been spotting some super cool art books that have changed my mind. The works of Andy Warhol, Charley Harper and other creative personalities have worked their way into the world of coloring books - so goodbye to the Disney princesses, Doras and Diegos - now your kid (and you) can color little miniature pieces of art. Here are a few of my personal favorites...
Charley Harper Coloring Book of Birds
The modern works of the late wildlife artist Charley Harper populate this wonderful book that will easily please adults or teens as well as littler ones. The book features 32 black-and-white line drawings of various birds and the back cover shows each image in its original full-color version. I own Harper's first coloring book which is also amazing.
The modern works of the late wildlife artist Charley Harper populate this wonderful book that will easily please adults or teens as well as littler ones. The book features 32 black-and-white line drawings of various birds and the back cover shows each image in its original full-color version. I own Harper's first coloring book which is also amazing.
The Fashion Coloring Book
With names like Karl Lagerfield and Coco Chanel in the mix, you know this is not your run-of-the-mill coloring book. Unleash your child and his or her Crayolas on this beautiful book with a decidedly couture spin.
With names like Karl Lagerfield and Coco Chanel in the mix, you know this is not your run-of-the-mill coloring book. Unleash your child and his or her Crayolas on this beautiful book with a decidedly couture spin.
The Indie Rock Coloring Book
This tribute to indie rock (from Montreal-based nonprofit Yellow Bird Project) features hand-drawn works from artist Andy J. Miller. Mazes, connect-the-dots, and coloring pages for the Shins, Rilo Kiley, the National, and more than 20 other musicians and artists. As an added plus, all royalties go to charity.
This tribute to indie rock (from Montreal-based nonprofit Yellow Bird Project) features hand-drawn works from artist Andy J. Miller. Mazes, connect-the-dots, and coloring pages for the Shins, Rilo Kiley, the National, and more than 20 other musicians and artists. As an added plus, all royalties go to charity.
The Color-Play Coloring Book
This fun, oversized book, compiled for New York's Museum of Modern Art, inspires kids to play with color in various ways - primary and secondary colors, light and dark shades, warm and cool hues and much more.
This fun, oversized book, compiled for New York's Museum of Modern Art, inspires kids to play with color in various ways - primary and secondary colors, light and dark shades, warm and cool hues and much more.
My Even More Wonderful World of Fashion
For the little fashionista or Stella-McCartney-in-training, this gorgeous book is filled with hundreds of illustrations, line sketches and textile designs from vintage fashions to contemporary designs.
For the little fashionista or Stella-McCartney-in-training, this gorgeous book is filled with hundreds of illustrations, line sketches and textile designs from vintage fashions to contemporary designs.
Rosie Flo
The series of Rosie Flo coloring books has me completely enamored. Only problem - I'm way more into these than my daughter is! They're so imaginative and fun, without being overly frilly or girly. These might be best for slightly older kids - 6 and up - since most of the pages require kids to add heads, arms, and other things. There's also a new line of similar coloring books for boys called Johnny Joe.
The series of Rosie Flo coloring books has me completely enamored. Only problem - I'm way more into these than my daughter is! They're so imaginative and fun, without being overly frilly or girly. These might be best for slightly older kids - 6 and up - since most of the pages require kids to add heads, arms, and other things. There's also a new line of similar coloring books for boys called Johnny Joe.
Scribbles: A Really Giant Drawing and Coloring Book
Taro Gomi has long been a favorite of mine. There are a handful of coloring books by him and they're all great. These really are more "doodle" and drawing books than just coloring - so charming and imaginative!
Taro Gomi has long been a favorite of mine. There are a handful of coloring books by him and they're all great. These really are more "doodle" and drawing books than just coloring - so charming and imaginative!
Andy Warhol Coloring Book
Famed pop artist, Andy Warhol, is the inspiration for this book. His works are pretty timeless and simple enough that kids can have fun with them.
Famed pop artist, Andy Warhol, is the inspiration for this book. His works are pretty timeless and simple enough that kids can have fun with them.
Mexican Folk Art Coloring Book
Fun and a little funky, this book of Mexican folk art images is a nice departure from the normal cute-and-cuddly fare.
Fun and a little funky, this book of Mexican folk art images is a nice departure from the normal cute-and-cuddly fare.
The Coloring Book by Herve Tullet
If you read the reviews on Amazon, this book is described as "the thinking person's coloring book" and "a coffee table-worthy coloring book" - enough said!
If you read the reviews on Amazon, this book is described as "the thinking person's coloring book" and "a coffee table-worthy coloring book" - enough said!