Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

So, you may have read about the new trend in "Adult Coloring Books." THIS is THE book that started it. There are plenty of publishers who have tried to emulate what this book offers, (and I've been stupid enough to try others), and trust me, NO other book compares to Johanna Basford's coloring books. You might notice she has several different books with their own unique themes. This particular one is DINOSAURS! ...Kidding, it's of course a Secret Garden theme. I think one observation almost fully sums up the quality of this coloring book - it has a DUST JACKET. No detail has been overlooked with this book. The dust jack is even printed on the inside in case you want to color it. There is meticulous detail and care put into every place of this book... I took tons of pictures to help you see what I mean. I was jazzed to have the opportunity to sample this book, but take my word when I say it's an AWESOME book. What I didn't realize when I ordered this was there is more than just pretty pictures and TONS (seriously, hours & hours & hours-worth) of coloring places, but there are little hidden things throughout the book. For example, there are hidden owls, birds, hearts, etc... So there's an added element which is great. It isn't childish at all, it's elegantly done. The paper quality is FANTASTIC. Thick with a very slight (perfect) texture. The pages are not transparent, and the texture makes it easy to use colored pencils on... though, you could use pastels, paint or even markers probably. I cannot express how much I RECOMMEND this book!!!! I knew it was arriving yesterday, and ALL DAY I looked forward to coming home and coloring it. I hadn't colored in YEARS --- I think that's going to change! My husband chuckled at me, and even told me I did a "Good job of staying in the lines." He was being playfully condescending, but I think he was secretly jealous. :) This is an AWESOME coloring book for adults, and a great stress reliever for anyone (retired, at-home-mommies, hard-workers needing a break, etc.). I seriously hope I get to check out some of the other books by Johanna Basford! For those wondering, I started with colored pencils by US Art Supply, then 'graduated' to Prismacolor Premier Illustration Markers, Brush Tip, Set of 8 Assorted Colors (1736674). These are my favorite markers EVER, but, I'm disappointed in the lack of colors available in this type of marker. I never realized there was a certain quality to be had in markers, but after using these, I'm convinced - it does matter which marker you use. These write so smoothly and brightly, and can do a semi-thick line by laying the marker a little flat, or they can do tiny fine lines holding the marker gently perpendicular to the paper. Best of all, these particular markers did NOT bleed through - which is important because these pages are double printed. But again, the colors are limited in these - I want pinks, and yellows, and light blues... So, after searching online and at my local Michael's craft store, I bough some of the double tipped markers by the same company http://www.amazon.com/Prismacolor-Premier-Markers-Primary-1773297/dp/B007L4CZAG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449244669&sr=8-1&keywords=prismacolor+markers+brush. Sadly, I do NOT like these ones. First, they don't write/draw/color at all like the 'brush tips.' They're firm and clumsy for fine detail coloring. Additionally, I didn't like the thickness of these in my hand - they're really wide. Most importantly, I was SO DISAPPOINTED to realize these big fat markers by Prismacolor BLEED. On one page, I used all brush tip markers EXCEPT for some spots of light blue. It was a lighter color than all the others, and made by the same company, so surely (I thought) it wouldn't bleed. It did - see photos (owl photo is the page printed on the back of the round marker-colored image). So sad... So, I just placed an order for Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Markers, Primary, 10-Pack and also Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Markers, Bright, 10-Pack. They haven't arrived yet, but I'm hopeful. I'll update after I've given it a few tries. Sorry for so much info, but when I started with this book, I REALLY needed some direction on WHAT to color with. I hope this is in someway helpful to others. Back to the book, it's AWESOME!