Natural Wonders

Natural Wonders

Portable Coloring for Creative Adults

Bonnier Fakta

Do you enjoy coloring, but think it's a past time for children? Think again. Recently bookstores have been inundated with a wide variety of coloring books geared specifically for adults. The options are almost endless, the pages are detailed and intricate, and the topics sometimes more of an adult theme. I've seen some with words, stories, or devotions; but more often than not, they are simply coloring books for those of us who want to take a step back in time.

There are numerous studies now out that list multiple benefits to coloring. They are being used as a form of meditation due to their relaxing benefits. It is stress reducing, helps the mind to focus, and calms and soothes the mind. Art therapy, as they are calling it, can do wonders for people. It has been sited as helping to create self-esteem, manage addictions, explore feelings, resolve conflicts, and reduce anxiety. While I wouldn't recommend quitting therapy, it is still a huge positive that is open for more exploration. I have noticed from personal experience that I can focus on a lecture much better and remember more if I'm quietly coloring while I listen. It has been an eye opening experience for me and one that I will continue doing.

This particular book, Natural Wonders, is one of the best coloring books that I've seen so far. The first plus is the hard, board cover. This allows the user to color each page without placing the book on a table or other hard surface. This allowed me to take it into a lecture recently and no one was the wiser that I was coloring while I listened. The pages are a thick, sketch book type quality so the colors don't bleed through if using markers. Each page is full of the delicate lines common to adult coloring books. But I noticed some of the pictures have some extra space around the drawing that allowed me to add some extra touches, such as calligraphy and addition flowers or animals that I drew. The pages are not perforated, but I was able to tear them out easily without damaging the drawing. There are drawings on both sides of the page, so the downside would be deciding which picture to display if this was the reason for removing the page from the book. The front of the book isn't lacking in color however. There is a soft green border and the words are in green. The pictures, indicative of the inside of the coloring book, are partially colored and have some gold inlay to make the nature and wildlife stand out.

I'll say it again, this is my favorite coloring book so far. It would make an excellent gift for the upcoming holidays, but I recommend getting a copy for yourself as well. The detailed work on each page, the soothing nature scenes, and the cheerful layout will have you feeling calm and soothing during the stressful holiday season or any other time of the year. Based on all of the coloring books I've viewed and purchased, this one seems to be the best price for what you are getting. It's small enough to fit into a purse or computer case. The hard cover makes it easy to put on a shelf with other books or keep it from being bent when storing. There are seventy-five pictures to color and a short introduction for those new to the adult coloring world. And if you love this coloring book as much as I do, then pick up the other coloring books in this series as well.

I received a copy of this book from Skyhorse Publishing. All thoughts expressed are my own.