Melissa & Doug Jumbo 50-Page Kids' Coloring Pad - Horses, Hearts, Flowers, and More - FSC Certified

I have it on good authority that this is "the bestest coloring book," especially if you love princesses.This is the first Melissa & Doug jumbo coloring book that I've given as a gift and the little girl who received it was thrilled. Based on her "bestest" rating, I've given others in the series, and all have been well-received.I agree with the "bestest" rating for a number of reasons. The 14" x 11" size of the pages is child-friendly and allows for some detail in the pictures without making the different sections of the image hard to color. In addition, the quality of the paper is excellent and I like that there is a drawing on only one side of the page. This not only eliminates the potential for bleed-through of color to a picture on the other side, but also gives a child a blank canvas on which to draw once done coloring, encouraging creativity. Having 50 pages gives a child, or children if they're sharing a book, plenty of choices. All 50 pictures are shown on the back of the shrink-wrapped book, making it easy to select a book for an individual child's interests.Since giving the initial book as a gift, I've ordered at least 10 in this Melissa & Doug jumbo series through Amazon. In addition to the Princess & Fairy book, I've bought the Animal; the Vehicles; the Space, Sharks, Sports & More; and the Horses, Hearts, Flowers & More. All work well for children in the 3-7 recommended age group.I think pairing any one of these books with a new box of crayons, colored pencils, or other age-appropriate medium, makes an especially nice and very affordable gift. The price on each of these coloring books fluctuates on Amazon. I've seen them priced as high as $9.99, but I wait until they're in the $4-5 range to buy. With a box of 24 Rose Art colored pencils, about $3 when I bought them on Amazon, you've got a wonderful gift for under $10.Since I found these coloring books, I haven't bought any other brand. So, yes, I think they are the "bestest" and would highly recommend them.

There is just enough detail to keep an older child (11ish) entertained, but not too much to frustrate or overwhelm a younger one (4 or 5). The papers are HUGE and aren't tissue paper thin, so they don't tear easy. Crayon works best, or colored pencil. I can't tell you if they marker would bleed, but I can tell you that the kids enjoy pointed out the animals and drawing for hours.

This has thick paper. we actually use it for water coloring and have had no issues with it leaking or ripping. So, super impressed with that aspect of it. The size is good. The printed material is good. I don't love all the designs, but they are big and good for painting so it's fine! My kids love it

my grandson really enjoyed the coloring book!

When I was younger in the late 80's early 90's coloring books were 5 dollars... now that I have young ones, coloring books are sold in dollar stores for at a minimum 50 cents a piece. It is a good deal at the end of the day because not many children prize coloring books when there are video games ALWAYS laying around. Since they don't prize them they treat them rather harshly. At least in our home. When I saw the price of this coloring pad, I almost scoffed at it and dared it to make me a believer. I wanted to see what the comparison was with one coloring pad to 5-10 of my dollar store finds.Upon arrival I saw that this was worth it! The cover was nice and thick and there wasn't an immediate danger of it straggling on after a couple hours of use. What really did it for me was the thickness of each sheet. There is no double printing and you can use different mediums to 'color' the beautiful images. We were able to watercolor one of the images! The subsequent page was not soggy... why can't all coloring books use this quality?The images are beautiful and for this particular 'pink' pad, it is all images that a girly girl would appreciate. There are more than enough pages for the serious colorer.Highly recommend to any family! The difference with these products and 5 other dollar store finds is in the QUALITY. I will still buy coloring books from the dollar store but will always have one of these pads readily available because they are more than worth it. Sometimes you have to slum it to really appreciate the finer things in life... lol. As always, Melissa & Doug products have exceeded my expectations for the last 8.5 years and 3 children later. They will continue to impress me with their quality.

What I liked:--The priceless expression of joy on our 5 yr old granddaughter's face when she was given the coloring/activity pad.--The price of the item is excellent.--The quality of the paper (was not the usually thin coloring book paper).--The quantity of pages.--The majority of the designs were appealing.--Arrived intact, not bent (was not in a box).What I disliked:--Repetition of several designs.--Had to bend spine of pad and use an exacto knife to remove page(s). Didn't want to create tears that would bring tears to granddaughter's face! (Yes, play on words here!)--Several pages had very intricate, small sections within the designs. HOWEVER, our granddaughter didn't seem put off by the one she chose to start with, which did have small spaces. She showed me how carefully she approaches coloring. So not a problem if your child won't be put off by this.She received this as a gift during family's visit and took it home, so I can't speak to its appeal over time.However, I do recommend this item.

A coloring book with images that boys love!!! Everything that moves!!! Trucks, race cars, helicopters, etc. excellent for my 4 year old grandson. He loves it. Pictures are large so we can color together! Yeah!!!!