What is the difference between coloring books for adults and coloring books for children? Other than the very simple books for children from preschool to about age 5, the major characteristics seem to be in the production of the book itself.
Coloring books for grownups tend (but not always) to have heavier paper, perforations so that the pages can be removed, and are printed on only one side. With heavier paper, it allows people to use markers, or other coloring materials that might bleed through and ruin other pages. I have also noticed that the adult coloring books cost a lot more than ones that are not labeled for adults.
In my opinion, the coloring trend that began in 2015 should not be limited to only adult coloring books. Dover Publications with their Creative Havens series, uses the term “advanced colorists.” This series is priced lower than many of the newer adult books, and are often under $10 (the new grownups books are usually over $10).
Dover also has many coloring books that I love under the categories of: Design Coloring, Fine Art, History (especially the ones on castles, houses and ships), and even a stained glass coloring category. This last category has heavier paper and is printed with thick black lines on special translucent paper. You can use markers or crayons on them, remove them from the book, and hang them in windows. The design category has folk art, Celtic, Aztec, Egyptian, Early American quilts, Native American designs, and many other books. Don’t forget to check out the category called “Regular”. These books are anything but.
While these do not fall under “adult” coloring books, they are intricate enough for us advanced coloring fiends. I would advise against using markers in these books, but gel pens seem to have no problem.
Below you will see photos of some of my favorite Dover coloring books.
