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Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book for Adults Paperback – Coloring Book, March 26, 2013

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 15,904 ratings

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Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Colouring Bookby Johanna Basford is one of the world's bestselling adult colouring books with 96 colouring pages waiting to be brought to life with colour.

This interactive colouring book takes you on a ramble through a garden created in beautifully detailed pen–and–ink illustrations by Johanna Basford.

There are pictures to colour, mazes to solve, patterns to complete and lots of space for you to add your own inky drawings. Use felt tip pens to add a splash of colour or a black pen with a fine nib to create your own doodles and details.

Johanna Basford has sold over 21 million books worldwide.
Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Colouring Book was her first book. It has been translated into over 44 languages.

'Colouring in isn't just for kids. These intricate, magical drawings from
Secret Garden by Johanna Basford are just waiting to be brought to life.' The Guardian

'Joanna Basford's
Secret Garden is an 'inky treasure hunt and colouring book' filled with intricate drawings waiting to be brought to life. It's the colouring–in book you wish you had the hand–eye coordination to do, aged two.' The Independent

'Prepare yourself to get lost in a magical world with this interactive activity book that takes you through a secret garden of incredible drawings by Johanna Basford.'
Buzzfeed

'Coloring books for adults have been around for decades, but Basford's success…has helped to create a massive new industry category.'
The New Yorker

Also available by Johanna Basford from Laurence King Publishing:
Enchanted Forest: An Inky Quest and Colouring Book (9781780674872)
Secret Garden: Journal (9781856699853)
Secret Garden:12 Notecards (9781856699471)
Enchanted Forest: Artist's Edition (9781780677842)
Enchanted Forest: Journal (9781780679181)
Enchanted Forest: 12 Notecards (9781780677835)
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From the Publisher

Johanna Basford, Mini Secret Garden, Enchanted Forest
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Secret Garden Coloring Book
Enchanted;forest;johanna;basford;coloring;book
Enchanted Forest Coloring Book
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Miniature Secret Garden Coloring Book
secret garden coloring book 10th anniversary cover with gold and bronze foil on flowers
Secret Garden Color Book 10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
Customer Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars 15,904
4.7 out of 5 stars 8,417
4.6 out of 5 stars 1,009
4.7 out of 5 stars 265
Price $12.36 $14.19 $9.29 $12.12
Coloring Book Contains Two New Pages of Coloring Magic!
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Secret Garden 20 Color-In Postcards
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Enchanted Forest 20 Color-In Postcards
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4.6 out of 5 stars 1,000
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Color-In Postcards

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a coloring book even adults will want to use." - MarthaStewart.com

"...a sublime labyrinth of gorgeously detailed coloring pages, and yet it's so much more." -
TakesAVillage.net

"...the prettiest coloring book of the season." -
GirlsLife.com

"...this book has multigenerational appeal. It's not just a coloring book, by any means. Some pages have space where the garden is incomplete so kids (and adults) can create a little flora and fauna of their own." -
CoolMomPicks.com

"Artist Johanna Basford is at the forefront of the grown up coloring trend. Her whimsical artwork just makes us want to drop all our responsibilities and color
forever." - Hello Giggles

"There are few art forms as meditative, nostalgic and all-around blissful as the coloring book.Consider trading in your yoga mat for a set of markers and peruse the gorgeous gardens of Basford's imagination." -
Huffington Post

About the Author

Johanna Basford is an illustrator and ink evangelist who creates intricate and hand-drawn illustrations rooted in the flora and fauna that surrounds her home in rural Scotland.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1780671067
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Laurence King Publishing; Act Clr Cs edition (March 26, 2013)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 96 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781780671062
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1780671062
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 years and up
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 and up
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.88 x 0.5 x 9.88 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 15,904 ratings

About the author

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Johanna Basford
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I'm on a mission to inspire the world to be creative!

Tumble down the rabbit hole and find yourself in my inky black and white Wonderland... I'm an illustrator and ink evangelist who prefers pens and pencils to pixels. I create intricate, hand drawn illustrations that adorn colouring books, coffee cups, trainers, walls, beer bottles and even walls!

My creativity is cultivated by a curious imagination and a delight in the fantastic. Much of my work has roots in the flora and fauna that surrounded me growing up on my parent's fish farm in rural Scotland.

Every piece I create starts life as a simple pencil sketch, evolving into a rambling pen and ink drawing usually spanning several sheets of paper. I love the tactile nature of the materials I use and the joy of smudgy fingerprints. My delicate hand inked designs intend to charm and delight, inviting you to peer closer and discover the hidden intricacies.

For me, computer generated graphics can feel cold and soulless whereas hand drawing captures a sense of energy and character which no pixel can ever replicate. I'm on a mission to vanquish the vector and champion the (wobbly) hand drawn line.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
15,904 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the coloring book lovely and whimsical. They find it relaxing and enjoyable to color, with intricate details. Many find it helpful for stress relief and a sense of accomplishment. The thick paper feels like real paper, not thin copy paper. The designs provide room for further doodles and suggestions. Overall, customers find the book offers good value for money.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

2,574 customers mention "Beauty"2,563 positive11 negative

Customers appreciate the book's beauty. They find the drawings lovely and whimsical. The art inspires them, and the thick paper with a slight texture is appealing. The pages are fun and charming, making it easy to color each one. Overall, customers find the book well-done and love it.

"...1. The Zebra Sarasa gel pens. They come in wonderful colors, have lots of ink, and the .07 tips are the perfect size for these shapes...." Read more

".../finish her drawings - I really like this aspect of the book; her art inspires and shows me how I can add my own doodles; it also makes doodling..." Read more

"...latest book from the same artist because I can't wait for more of this sweet, charming art, AND because I can't believe just how much fun I'm having..." Read more

"...The pages are filled with intricate designs all on the theme of a "secret garden" -- reminiscent of the children's story: flowers, butterflies, gates..." Read more

717 customers mention "Fun"717 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy coloring in the book. They find it relaxing and calming, keeping them engaged and focused. The images are reminiscent of a children's story, making it a great activity for relaxing at night.

"...The goal of coloring this way is to relax and find pleasure in an everyday activity...." Read more

"...It's a peaceful and entertaining activity that gets your creative juices flowing that was much needed for me, since I wasn't using my creative..." Read more

"...Maybe. But the truth is that coloring these images is a such a relaxing, pleasant experience, and it's helped me a ton with my stress...." Read more

"...designs all on the theme of a "secret garden" -- reminiscent of the children's story: flowers, butterflies, gates, keys, etc...." Read more

520 customers mention "Detail"450 positive70 negative

Customers enjoy the intricate details in the coloring book. They find the drawings detailed and meticulous. The printing is clear, and the artwork is stunning and spectacular.

"...has a little 'tooth', so if you use colored pencils, they are easy to do shading with!..." Read more

"...I also don't mind one bit that Johanna has added unfinished, detailed inky drawings for us to add in our own inky doodles in order to continue/..." Read more

"...I would have been so in love. Just heavenly fun. The pieces within are quite detailed and so, so very pretty...." Read more

"The pictures inside are beautiful and the printing is very detailed. Currently enjoying using him, very relaxing." Read more

294 customers mention "Stress relief"289 positive5 negative

Customers find the coloring book relaxing and calming. They say it gives them a sense of accomplishment and is inspiring. The white pages are relaxing and interesting to look at, stimulating creativity and imagination.

"...It's a peaceful and entertaining activity that gets your creative juices flowing that was much needed for me, since I wasn't using my creative..." Read more

"...images is a such a relaxing, pleasant experience, and it's helped me a ton with my stress. Make sure to use nice soft pencils...." Read more

"...blows me away and I'm obsessed (in a good way) and it's helping me to manage my stress level...." Read more

"I find book very Beautiful and gives a feeling of calm. Thank you." Read more

286 customers mention "Paper thickness"223 positive63 negative

Customers appreciate the book's thick paper with a slight texture. They find it heavyweight cardstock paper that feels like real paper and not thin, see-through copy paper. The pages are thick and lend themselves well to this medium.

"...The paper is heavy enough that I don't mind the pictures being double sided at all...." Read more

"...The paper lends itself well to this medium. I would say that if you're planning to use markers (Spectrum Noir, Copic, etc.),..." Read more

"...Nice, thick paper with a very slight texture. I used Staedtler Triplus Fineliners and Stabilo 88 pens and have enjoyed using both in this book...." Read more

"...The paper is thick and accepts all media very well...." Read more

271 customers mention "Creativity"204 positive67 negative

Customers enjoy the creativity in the book. They appreciate the designs with blank areas and suggestions for further doodle designs. The artist's style is amazing, and the patterns require great dexterity. The activities include mazes and complete the drawing activities. The book includes wonderful flora and fauna drawings plus little insects, houses, and encourages doodling.

"...and shows me how I can add my own doodles; it also makes doodling much less intimating because it's not just a blank page, she's started it for you,..." Read more

"...that great at selecting colors, but the artist did such an amazing job with the drawings that it's tough to make something look bad as long as you..." Read more

"...there are "finish the pattern" activities ("continue the vine," etc.),..." Read more

"...It sounds basic, but I've used coloring books where the shapes aren't finished. That makes for a frustrating color...." Read more

258 customers mention "Value for money"216 positive42 negative

Customers appreciate the book's value for money. They find it a popular adult coloring book with many pages for the price. The pictures are intricate and wonderful.

"...If you like those thumbnails, you will like the book! 6. Decent price for what you get. At the time of this review, a new copy is only $9...." Read more

"...because it was out of stock when I purchased it, but it was well worth the wait - it's a book full of amazing and beautifully detailed pictures that..." Read more

"...I can't say enough how much this book was worth the ten dollars I spent on it. Just great." Read more

"...Pencils~not as pigmented as the Prismacolors but good for the budget-conscious coloring enthusiast...." Read more

426 customers mention "Color accuracy"273 positive153 negative

Customers have different views on the color accuracy. Some find it fun and relaxing to color with colored pencils, while others mention that it's hard to color in the middle of pictures that span two pages. The paper works well with colored pencils and watercolor paints.

"...It's fun! 3. The drawings are specifically made for coloring. I think Basford does this better than any other artist out there right now...." Read more

"...- Tiny, TINY spaces to color...." Read more

"...There are so many things to color that I also don't mind one bit that Johanna has added unfinished, detailed inky drawings for us to add in our own..." Read more

"...These can be easily blended with a colorless blender-such as the Prismacolor Colorless Blender-to create a myriad of color combinations...." Read more

The classic adult coloring book!
5 out of 5 stars
The classic adult coloring book!
I figured I should review this book since I've now bought it twice. I think by now everyone knows that the Johanna Basford books started the adult coloring craze, but I bet a lot of folks are wondering if these books are a good starting place. After all, many of the illustrations seem kind of teeny tiny (true!) and the patterns complicated (also true!).Here are my thoughts: I've tried many adult coloring books, and I think these are still the best, overall, even for beginning adults returning to coloring for the first time. The goal of coloring this way is to relax and find pleasure in an everyday activity. When's the last time you just indulged in your favorite colors or bought a sparkle glitter pen? The idea with these books isn't to make artistic masterpieces (although a lot of non-artists do!), but to have fun. If you keep the idea of fun in mind, I think you'll enjoy this book.What makes a good coloring book for adults?1. Clearly defined shapes. It sounds basic, but I've used coloring books where the shapes aren't finished. That makes for a frustrating color. The shapes in this book are all really well drawn. Also, if she draws a pattern, that pattern is consistently drawn, so you don't end up in a sea of 'wait what'.2. The pictures are beautiful. This should go without saying, and yet, many coloring books are kinda fugly. This book is just chock full of beauty, from tiny leaves to great big trees. If you liked those 'find the objects' game in Highlights magazine as a kid, you'll love this book--as you color, you will come across hidden animals and bees and little weird flowers. It's fun!3. The drawings are specifically made for coloring. I think Basford does this better than any other artist out there right now. There are some pages in this book are specifically designed to help those new to coloring develop fun ways of embellishing their art. She's got some details of leaves filled in and others where you're supposed to fill it in with your own ideas.4. The paper is good quality and resists bleedthrough. YES. This is the only really reliable coloring books series I've found. I've used everything from Tombows to copics to my gel pens with ZERO problems with bleedthrough. If you use Sharpies, you might get bleedthrough, but, y'know, those bleed through plaster. I have colored both sides of many pages with no problems. The paper also has a little 'tooth', so if you use colored pencils, they are easy to do shading with!5. Most of the pages are worth coloring. I think we've all got our favorite pages, but it's a bummer to buy a coloring book based on the cover only to discover that the cover picture is the only one worth coloring. This book isn't like that. There's a few pictures I don't like, but only a few. I would say I color about 90% of this book each time. It's also got a handy guide in the back with a thumbnail of each coloring page. If you like those thumbnails, you will like the book!6. Decent price for what you get. At the time of this review, a new copy is only $9. That's cheaper than a pizza!OK, I think that's it. I'd like to recommend a few pens and supplies for those new to coloring books like this. Crayons are way WAY too big. My current favorite coloring supplies are:1. The Zebra Sarasa gel pens. They come in wonderful colors, have lots of ink, and the .07 tips are the perfect size for these shapes. I've included a link to the full set: Zebra Sarasa Clip Rapid Dry Ink Gel Retractable Pen, 0.7mm, 20 Colors Set with Original Vinyl Pen Case2. Tombow Dual Tip Brush Markers. These are gorgeous. If you're new to these markers, what's cool about them is you can blend the colors and create lots of shading. If you buy a set, it should come with a clear 'blender'. I like to make leaves using the green and the blue and the blender, starting from nearly clear light green to super dark green. You can also easily layer colors! Start with a gentle, light brush stroke at the 'light' end of your object, then color two strokes for the medium color, then three or five for the dark color. If you want to try them, I recommend Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Markers, Bright, 10-Pack as a starting set, but if you are buying as a gift and have more to spend, Tombow Dual Brush Pen Set, 20-Pack, Jelly Bean and Groovy Colors (56156 & 56159) would be even better.3. My current favorite markers are Crayola 50ct Washable Super Tips - "Styles May Vary". Yes, I really mean that. Look, I own two giant sets of Copics, so I know me some markers. The Crayolas are still awesome. The 'washable' ink means they're really wet and lay down plenty of color, but instead of that being a downside, it makes them super blendable! You can create lots of wonderful shading and color mixes with these inexpensive little dudes. If you've never tried them, what have you got to lose? Crayola 50ct Washable Super Tips - "Styles May Vary"Lastly, no set of adult coloring supplies would be complete without some sparkle. There are a ton of sparkly and metallic pens on the market these days. The sparkle ink is usually opaque, so you use it to create highlights. Lots of people like the Sakura 37904 6-Piece Gelly Roll Assorted Colors Stardust Meteor Pen Setl pens, but I find them kind of gloppy and unpredictable. My personal favorites are the Uni-ball Signo Sparkling UM120, 7 Color Set (Japan import) [Komainu-Dou Original Package]. If you'd like to have a pastel highlighter that's pretty but doesn't sparkle, I love these the Uni-ball Signo Angelic UM-120AC Gel Ink Pen 0.7mm, 8 colors set (Japan Import) [Komainu-Dou Original Package].I have included a couple of photos of my own coloring pages. The first is a page from this book, colored with a mix of markers and gel pens. The second is fromSecret Garden Artist's Edition: 20 Drawings to Color and Frame The third is the two pages side by side, so you can compare the size and format to see which you'd prefer.I hope this has given y'all some ideas for beginning (or continuing!) your journey with color and coloring! Have fun everyone!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2016
    I figured I should review this book since I've now bought it twice. I think by now everyone knows that the Johanna Basford books started the adult coloring craze, but I bet a lot of folks are wondering if these books are a good starting place. After all, many of the illustrations seem kind of teeny tiny (true!) and the patterns complicated (also true!).

    Here are my thoughts: I've tried many adult coloring books, and I think these are still the best, overall, even for beginning adults returning to coloring for the first time. The goal of coloring this way is to relax and find pleasure in an everyday activity. When's the last time you just indulged in your favorite colors or bought a sparkle glitter pen? The idea with these books isn't to make artistic masterpieces (although a lot of non-artists do!), but to have fun. If you keep the idea of fun in mind, I think you'll enjoy this book.

    What makes a good coloring book for adults?
    1. Clearly defined shapes. It sounds basic, but I've used coloring books where the shapes aren't finished. That makes for a frustrating color. The shapes in this book are all really well drawn. Also, if she draws a pattern, that pattern is consistently drawn, so you don't end up in a sea of 'wait what'.
    2. The pictures are beautiful. This should go without saying, and yet, many coloring books are kinda fugly. This book is just chock full of beauty, from tiny leaves to great big trees. If you liked those 'find the objects' game in Highlights magazine as a kid, you'll love this book--as you color, you will come across hidden animals and bees and little weird flowers. It's fun!
    3. The drawings are specifically made for coloring. I think Basford does this better than any other artist out there right now. There are some pages in this book are specifically designed to help those new to coloring develop fun ways of embellishing their art. She's got some details of leaves filled in and others where you're supposed to fill it in with your own ideas.
    4. The paper is good quality and resists bleedthrough. YES. This is the only really reliable coloring books series I've found. I've used everything from Tombows to copics to my gel pens with ZERO problems with bleedthrough. If you use Sharpies, you might get bleedthrough, but, y'know, those bleed through plaster. I have colored both sides of many pages with no problems. The paper also has a little 'tooth', so if you use colored pencils, they are easy to do shading with!
    5. Most of the pages are worth coloring. I think we've all got our favorite pages, but it's a bummer to buy a coloring book based on the cover only to discover that the cover picture is the only one worth coloring. This book isn't like that. There's a few pictures I don't like, but only a few. I would say I color about 90% of this book each time. It's also got a handy guide in the back with a thumbnail of each coloring page. If you like those thumbnails, you will like the book!
    6. Decent price for what you get. At the time of this review, a new copy is only $9. That's cheaper than a pizza!

    OK, I think that's it. I'd like to recommend a few pens and supplies for those new to coloring books like this. Crayons are way WAY too big. My current favorite coloring supplies are:
    1. The Zebra Sarasa gel pens. They come in wonderful colors, have lots of ink, and the .07 tips are the perfect size for these shapes. I've included a link to the full set: Zebra Sarasa Clip Rapid Dry Ink Gel Retractable Pen, 0.7mm, 20 Colors Set with Original Vinyl Pen Case
    2. Tombow Dual Tip Brush Markers. These are gorgeous. If you're new to these markers, what's cool about them is you can blend the colors and create lots of shading. If you buy a set, it should come with a clear 'blender'. I like to make leaves using the green and the blue and the blender, starting from nearly clear light green to super dark green. You can also easily layer colors! Start with a gentle, light brush stroke at the 'light' end of your object, then color two strokes for the medium color, then three or five for the dark color. If you want to try them, I recommend Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Markers, Bright, 10-Pack as a starting set, but if you are buying as a gift and have more to spend, Tombow Dual Brush Pen Set, 20-Pack, Jelly Bean and Groovy Colors (56156 & 56159) would be even better.
    3. My current favorite markers are Crayola 50ct Washable Super Tips - "Styles May Vary". Yes, I really mean that. Look, I own two giant sets of Copics, so I know me some markers. The Crayolas are still awesome. The 'washable' ink means they're really wet and lay down plenty of color, but instead of that being a downside, it makes them super blendable! You can create lots of wonderful shading and color mixes with these inexpensive little dudes. If you've never tried them, what have you got to lose? Crayola 50ct Washable Super Tips - "Styles May Vary"
    Lastly, no set of adult coloring supplies would be complete without some sparkle. There are a ton of sparkly and metallic pens on the market these days. The sparkle ink is usually opaque, so you use it to create highlights. Lots of people like the Sakura 37904 6-Piece Gelly Roll Assorted Colors Stardust Meteor Pen Setl pens, but I find them kind of gloppy and unpredictable. My personal favorites are the Uni-ball Signo Sparkling UM120, 7 Color Set (Japan import) [Komainu-Dou Original Package]. If you'd like to have a pastel highlighter that's pretty but doesn't sparkle, I love these the Uni-ball Signo Angelic UM-120AC Gel Ink Pen 0.7mm, 8 colors set (Japan Import) [Komainu-Dou Original Package].

    I have included a couple of photos of my own coloring pages. The first is a page from this book, colored with a mix of markers and gel pens. The second is fromSecret Garden Artist's Edition: 20 Drawings to Color and Frame The third is the two pages side by side, so you can compare the size and format to see which you'd prefer.

    I hope this has given y'all some ideas for beginning (or continuing!) your journey with color and coloring! Have fun everyone!
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    The classic adult coloring book!

    Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2016
    I figured I should review this book since I've now bought it twice. I think by now everyone knows that the Johanna Basford books started the adult coloring craze, but I bet a lot of folks are wondering if these books are a good starting place. After all, many of the illustrations seem kind of teeny tiny (true!) and the patterns complicated (also true!).

    Here are my thoughts: I've tried many adult coloring books, and I think these are still the best, overall, even for beginning adults returning to coloring for the first time. The goal of coloring this way is to relax and find pleasure in an everyday activity. When's the last time you just indulged in your favorite colors or bought a sparkle glitter pen? The idea with these books isn't to make artistic masterpieces (although a lot of non-artists do!), but to have fun. If you keep the idea of fun in mind, I think you'll enjoy this book.

    What makes a good coloring book for adults?
    1. Clearly defined shapes. It sounds basic, but I've used coloring books where the shapes aren't finished. That makes for a frustrating color. The shapes in this book are all really well drawn. Also, if she draws a pattern, that pattern is consistently drawn, so you don't end up in a sea of 'wait what'.
    2. The pictures are beautiful. This should go without saying, and yet, many coloring books are kinda fugly. This book is just chock full of beauty, from tiny leaves to great big trees. If you liked those 'find the objects' game in Highlights magazine as a kid, you'll love this book--as you color, you will come across hidden animals and bees and little weird flowers. It's fun!
    3. The drawings are specifically made for coloring. I think Basford does this better than any other artist out there right now. There are some pages in this book are specifically designed to help those new to coloring develop fun ways of embellishing their art. She's got some details of leaves filled in and others where you're supposed to fill it in with your own ideas.
    4. The paper is good quality and resists bleedthrough. YES. This is the only really reliable coloring books series I've found. I've used everything from Tombows to copics to my gel pens with ZERO problems with bleedthrough. If you use Sharpies, you might get bleedthrough, but, y'know, those bleed through plaster. I have colored both sides of many pages with no problems. The paper also has a little 'tooth', so if you use colored pencils, they are easy to do shading with!
    5. Most of the pages are worth coloring. I think we've all got our favorite pages, but it's a bummer to buy a coloring book based on the cover only to discover that the cover picture is the only one worth coloring. This book isn't like that. There's a few pictures I don't like, but only a few. I would say I color about 90% of this book each time. It's also got a handy guide in the back with a thumbnail of each coloring page. If you like those thumbnails, you will like the book!
    6. Decent price for what you get. At the time of this review, a new copy is only $9. That's cheaper than a pizza!

    OK, I think that's it. I'd like to recommend a few pens and supplies for those new to coloring books like this. Crayons are way WAY too big. My current favorite coloring supplies are:
    1. The Zebra Sarasa gel pens. They come in wonderful colors, have lots of ink, and the .07 tips are the perfect size for these shapes. I've included a link to the full set: Zebra Sarasa Clip Rapid Dry Ink Gel Retractable Pen, 0.7mm, 20 Colors Set with Original Vinyl Pen Case
    2. Tombow Dual Tip Brush Markers. These are gorgeous. If you're new to these markers, what's cool about them is you can blend the colors and create lots of shading. If you buy a set, it should come with a clear 'blender'. I like to make leaves using the green and the blue and the blender, starting from nearly clear light green to super dark green. You can also easily layer colors! Start with a gentle, light brush stroke at the 'light' end of your object, then color two strokes for the medium color, then three or five for the dark color. If you want to try them, I recommend Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Markers, Bright, 10-Pack as a starting set, but if you are buying as a gift and have more to spend, Tombow Dual Brush Pen Set, 20-Pack, Jelly Bean and Groovy Colors (56156 & 56159) would be even better.
    3. My current favorite markers are Crayola 50ct Washable Super Tips - "Styles May Vary". Yes, I really mean that. Look, I own two giant sets of Copics, so I know me some markers. The Crayolas are still awesome. The 'washable' ink means they're really wet and lay down plenty of color, but instead of that being a downside, it makes them super blendable! You can create lots of wonderful shading and color mixes with these inexpensive little dudes. If you've never tried them, what have you got to lose? Crayola 50ct Washable Super Tips - "Styles May Vary"
    Lastly, no set of adult coloring supplies would be complete without some sparkle. There are a ton of sparkly and metallic pens on the market these days. The sparkle ink is usually opaque, so you use it to create highlights. Lots of people like the Sakura 37904 6-Piece Gelly Roll Assorted Colors Stardust Meteor Pen Setl pens, but I find them kind of gloppy and unpredictable. My personal favorites are the Uni-ball Signo Sparkling UM120, 7 Color Set (Japan import) [Komainu-Dou Original Package]. If you'd like to have a pastel highlighter that's pretty but doesn't sparkle, I love these the Uni-ball Signo Angelic UM-120AC Gel Ink Pen 0.7mm, 8 colors set (Japan Import) [Komainu-Dou Original Package].

    I have included a couple of photos of my own coloring pages. The first is a page from this book, colored with a mix of markers and gel pens. The second is fromSecret Garden Artist's Edition: 20 Drawings to Color and Frame The third is the two pages side by side, so you can compare the size and format to see which you'd prefer.

    I hope this has given y'all some ideas for beginning (or continuing!) your journey with color and coloring! Have fun everyone!
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2015
    I had to wait two longs weeks to receive my copy of Secret Garden because it was out of stock when I purchased it, but it was well worth the wait - it's a book full of amazing and beautifully detailed pictures that are very fun to color.

    Every picture is so detailed and unique - some are full scenes, while others are more pattern-like; all are very pretty and follow the same style of drawing and, of course, theme (I am absolutely in love, and possible obsessed, with Johanna's style of drawing). What I also love is that when I add color to the drawings, I really am making it my own; everyone has their own style of coloring - compare the same drawing that was colored in by two different people, and you would see that the drawings are almost like two different pictures.

    Some of the details can be harder to color because of how small some of them are, but I've been using assorted gel pens, and it's been working out very well. I've only used gel pens, and so far, I love it - the colors come out just as vibrant as markers, but dry more evenly and don't bleed through.
    The paper takes the gel pen ink very well - it is heavier weighted paper (not quite as heavy as card stock) and a tiny bit waxy, which allows the ink to flow more easily before drying. The paper is heavy enough that I don't mind the pictures being double sided at all.

    There are so many things to color that I also don't mind one bit that Johanna has added unfinished, detailed inky drawings for us to add in our own inky doodles in order to continue/finish her drawings - I really like this aspect of the book; her art inspires and shows me how I can add my own doodles; it also makes doodling much less intimating because it's not just a blank page, she's started it for you, but leaves plenty of space for you to make it your own. But again, if you aren't one to doodle, and are just looking to color her art, there are tons of full drawings to keep you occupied for quite some time.

    I have been consumed with spending almost all of my spare time coloring this book, while Netflix plays in the background. It's a peaceful and entertaining activity that gets your creative juices flowing that was much needed for me, since I wasn't using my creative skills enough til now. I can't say how much I love this product and that I am very happy Johanna Basford decided to make a coloring book. I can't wait for my copy of Enchanted Forest to come in and to see what her third book will look like - I know I will definitely be ordering a copy for sure!
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    5.0 out of 5 stars
    LOVE this book, can't say it enough!

    Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2015
    I had to wait two longs weeks to receive my copy of Secret Garden because it was out of stock when I purchased it, but it was well worth the wait - it's a book full of amazing and beautifully detailed pictures that are very fun to color.

    Every picture is so detailed and unique - some are full scenes, while others are more pattern-like; all are very pretty and follow the same style of drawing and, of course, theme (I am absolutely in love, and possible obsessed, with Johanna's style of drawing). What I also love is that when I add color to the drawings, I really am making it my own; everyone has their own style of coloring - compare the same drawing that was colored in by two different people, and you would see that the drawings are almost like two different pictures.

    Some of the details can be harder to color because of how small some of them are, but I've been using assorted gel pens, and it's been working out very well. I've only used gel pens, and so far, I love it - the colors come out just as vibrant as markers, but dry more evenly and don't bleed through.
    The paper takes the gel pen ink very well - it is heavier weighted paper (not quite as heavy as card stock) and a tiny bit waxy, which allows the ink to flow more easily before drying. The paper is heavy enough that I don't mind the pictures being double sided at all.

    There are so many things to color that I also don't mind one bit that Johanna has added unfinished, detailed inky drawings for us to add in our own inky doodles in order to continue/finish her drawings - I really like this aspect of the book; her art inspires and shows me how I can add my own doodles; it also makes doodling much less intimating because it's not just a blank page, she's started it for you, but leaves plenty of space for you to make it your own. But again, if you aren't one to doodle, and are just looking to color her art, there are tons of full drawings to keep you occupied for quite some time.

    I have been consumed with spending almost all of my spare time coloring this book, while Netflix plays in the background. It's a peaceful and entertaining activity that gets your creative juices flowing that was much needed for me, since I wasn't using my creative skills enough til now. I can't say how much I love this product and that I am very happy Johanna Basford decided to make a coloring book. I can't wait for my copy of Enchanted Forest to come in and to see what her third book will look like - I know I will definitely be ordering a copy for sure!
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  • Lireda Priscylla
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lindo livro
    Reviewed in Brazil on December 13, 2023
    Perfeito, amo esse livro, é minha segunda compra
  • Marceline
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    I see this embroidery kit all over and I loooove it, but it’s always sold by companies that are notorious for stealing art and passing it off as their own. I wanted to support the actual artist. Well I finally found her!! It’s from this book!
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    Marceline
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Bought it for the peacock pattern!

    Reviewed in Canada on May 10, 2023
    I see this embroidery kit all over and I loooove it, but it’s always sold by companies that are notorious for stealing art and passing it off as their own. I wanted to support the actual artist. Well I finally found her!! It’s from this book!
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  • Denise D.
    2.0 out of 5 stars The pages are yellow and quite thin
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on November 15, 2024
    I ordered two Johanna Brasford books, both the English version. But one has white and thicker pages, this one had yellow and quite thin pages. I don't understand why there's a difference. But I'm sending the yellow one back. 🙃 The illustrations are beautiful though.
    Customer image
    Denise D.
    2.0 out of 5 stars
    The pages are yellow and quite thin

    Reviewed in the Netherlands on November 15, 2024
    I ordered two Johanna Brasford books, both the English version. But one has white and thicker pages, this one had yellow and quite thin pages. I don't understand why there's a difference. But I'm sending the yellow one back. 🙃 The illustrations are beautiful though.
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  • Manuel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hermoso.
    Reviewed in Mexico on July 2, 2021
    Es muy bonito, tiene dibujos por los dos lados de la hoja. El papel es de buena calidad y es el arte es muy hermoso.
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    كتاب التلوين هذا ممتع جدا ومليء بالأسرار والمفاجئات
    ينفع كنوع من التأمل أو كتمرين لزيادة التركيز والهدوء
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