{"id":1803,"date":"2016-07-09T12:01:58","date_gmt":"2016-07-09T02:01:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/coloringqueen.net\/?p=1803"},"modified":"2017-02-09T18:55:30","modified_gmt":"2017-02-09T07:55:30","slug":"menagerie-coloring-book-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coloringqueen.net\/menagerie-coloring-book-review\/","title":{"rendered":"The Menagerie – Animal Portraits to Color"},"content":{"rendered":"The Menagerie: Animal Portraits to Color<\/strong> Buy on Amazon US<\/a>| Buy on Book Depository<\/a>|Buy on Amazon UK<\/a>|Buy on Amazon Ca<\/a>
by Richard Merritt<\/a>
Published by<\/strong> Barron's Educational Series<\/a> on February 1st 2016
Style:<\/strong> pre colored background<\/a>, single page illustrations<\/a>
Pages:<\/strong> 64
Format:<\/strong> Card cover<\/a>, Glue Binding<\/a>
\"four-half-stars\"
Goodreads<\/a>

This lavishly illustrated, intricately designed collection of animal portraits offers hours of relaxing, absorbing fun to coloring book fans and animal lovers alike. It features sophisticated, custom-made artwork from two acclaimed illustrators whose work has captured the attention of keen colorists from around the world. From mighty bears to awe-inspiring tigers, and beyond, each page allows coloring fans to take their time, relax, and get lost in their own world, where color combinations and beauty are theirs to create and choose. Each exquisite headshot is printed on perforated paper, so it is easily pulled out and readily available for display once you've completed your coloring sessions. Long-time coloring book fans and beginners will be equally engaged and entertained, and will find their stress levels declining even as their creativity levels soar.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>

This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the product. If you buy a book using that link, I will receive a small commission. This does not affect the price that you pay. Your support is very much appreciated x<\/p>

The Menagerie – Coloring Book Review<\/h2>\n

The Menagerie is a coloring book consisting of animal portraits.\u00a0\u00a0 It is illustrated by Richard Merrit and Claire Scully.\u00a0 Richard Merrit is well known in the coloring book world.\u00a0 He has illustrated a number of books in the Art Therapy series.<\/p>\n

Cover & Layout<\/h3>\n

The Menagerie Coloring Book is larger than most coloring books being square shaped and measuring approximately 29 cm x 29 cm (approximately 11.5 in x 11.5 in).\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The white semi glossy cover has been adorned with pre printing in teal, slate grey and highlights of silver and copper foil.<\/p>\n

\"The

The Menagerie – Panda Bear<\/p><\/div>\n

The illustrations have been printed on white paper, medium quality and smooth to the touch.\u00a0\u00a0 Each illustration has been printed on a single page allowing the colorist the opportunity to use whatever medium they wish, without spoiling a reverse image.\u00a0\u00a0 I would, put protective paper between the pages if you are using alcohol or wet mediums as they may cause shadowing on the pages. All of the illustrations contain pre printed background elements comprising leaves, flora, strawberries and the like.<\/p>\n

\"The

The Menagerie – some drawings feature solid black<\/p><\/div>\n

Some colorists may have preferred only line art and the option to choose their own colors.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Other colorists may prefer that some of the work of coloring the page has been done for them.<\/p>\n

Illustrations<\/h3>\n

The 31 illustrations in The Menagerie comprise portrait shots of a menagerie of animals from around the world. \u00a0 The animals are not shown as full bodied and only show their head and, perhaps shoulders. In order of appearance, the illustrations\u00a0 comprise a Bengal tiger, eastern gorilla, European badger, impala, British bulldog, black rhinoceros, red fox, bighorn sheep, giant panda, ring tailed lemur, llama, hippopotamus, European rabbit, African forest elephant, Arabian horse, koala, brown bear, Highland cow, red kangaroo, red panda, red deer, Norwegian forest cat, Somali giraffe, African leopard, European otter, mandrill, plains zebra, grey wolf, Herdwick sheep, North American moose, Masai lion.<\/p>\n

\"The

The Menagerie – love this picture with the pre printed berries<\/p><\/div>\n

The line art\u00a0 has been nicely positioned on the page so that it is centered and avoiding the spine area.\u00a0 The lines are all outlined in crisp black with a fine to medium weight.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Visually, the line art is easy for me to see without my glasses.<\/p>\n

\"The

The Menagerie – side on portrait view<\/p><\/div>\n

The illustrations consist of art with various levels of complexity. Some drawings have a number of small fine details which may prove challenging, for example, the badger whereas others like the lion, have some larger spaces which may be less challenging for colorists.<\/p>\n

\"The

The Menagerie Coloring Book – face and shoulders portrait<\/p><\/div>\n

The images are all presented in portrait orientation.<\/p>\n

The book lays down flat well, with some gentle nudging, and colorists should have no difficulty coloring in the book due to the way it has been laid out.<\/p>\n

\"The

The Elephant is extremely detailed with fine line work<\/p><\/div>\n

The art work style of\u00a0 patterns that fit the body and shape of the animal can be fun to color in a range of color palettes.\u00a0\u00a0 The back cover of the book features a partial colored drawing of the European otter that looks beautiful in pinks, purples and greens.\u00a0 This style of art work also suits those that may not have the attention span or inclination to completely color the entire picture.\u00a0 With this style of art, if some parts are left uncolored, the final result can look fantastic, see the cover art for inspiration.<\/p>\n

The Menagerie Coloring Book Video Review<\/h3>\n

Enjoy the video review of\u00a0 The Menagerie Coloring Book below:<\/p>\n