Top 20 Coloring Books for Beginners: A Detailed Guide to Start Your Coloring Journey

Coloring is a delightful and therapeutic activity that’s not just for kids—it’s a fantastic way for adults to unwind, spark creativity, and practice mindfulness. If you’re new to coloring, choosing the right book can make all the difference in creating a stress-free and enjoyable experience. This guide highlights the top 20 coloring books for beginners, carefully selected for their simple, bold, and engaging designs. From soothing mandalas to adorable animals, these adult coloring books are perfect for those starting their coloring journey. Each book is designed to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and foster creativity, making them ideal for stress relief coloring books enthusiasts. Let’s dive into our detailed reviews of these beginner-friendly picks, complete with insights on why they’re perfect for new colorists.

Why Coloring Books Are Perfect for Beginners

Coloring offers a low-pressure way to express creativity and support mental wellness. Research shows that coloring can reduce stress and anxiety, helping you find calm in a busy world (The Muse). Coloring books for beginners feature larger patterns, clear lines, and approachable designs, ensuring you can create beautiful art without feeling overwhelmed. Many include tutorials or tips on shading, blending, and color theory, making them excellent tools for learning while relaxing. Whether you’re seeking mindfulness coloring or a therapeutic coloring book, these books cater to all skill levels.

How to Choose a Beginner-Friendly Coloring Book

When selecting a coloring book as a beginner, look for:

• Simple Designs: Larger, less intricate patterns prevent frustration.

• High-Quality Paper: Prevents bleed-through from markers or pens.

• Engaging Themes: Animals, mandalas, or cozy scenes keep you motivated.

• Guidance: Books with tutorials or tips help you learn techniques.

• Versatility: Options for colored pencils, markers, or digital coloring suit different preferences.

Top 20 Coloring Books for Beginners

1. Tangled Treasures Coloring Book by Jane Monk

Why It’s Great for Beginners: Created by certified Zentangle teacher Jane Monk, this book features 52 original tangle designs with bold, repetitive patterns perfect for new colorists. The designs are simple yet engaging, allowing you to focus on color choices without intricate details. It includes a detailed introduction to Zentangle techniques, such as shading and blending, making it educational as well as relaxing. The high-quality paper supports colored pencils and markers, ensuring a smooth coloring experience. Ideal for those seeking mindfulness coloring, this book promotes focus and calm.
Best For: Beginners who want to learn Zentangle while relaxing.

 

2. Tangled Gardens Coloring Book by Jane Monk

Why It’s Great for Beginners: Another masterpiece by Jane Monk, this book offers 52 garden-inspired tangle designs featuring flowers, leaves, and creatures. The patterns are straightforward, with clear lines that make coloring approachable. It includes a color theory lesson and tips on using colored pencils or markers, helping beginners build confidence. The designs are varied enough to keep you engaged but simple enough to avoid overwhelm. This therapeutic coloring book is printed on thick paper to prevent bleed-through, making it versatile for different tools.
Best For: Nature lovers new to coloring.

 

3. Cozy Friends: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens

Why It’s Great for Beginners: This book features adorable animal characters in cozy settings, with bold and simple designs perfect for new colorists. The illustrations, like cats in sweaters or bunnies in gardens, are charming and easy to color, encouraging relaxation. Printed on single-sided, high-quality paper, it’s ideal for markers or gel pens without bleed-through. The lack of intricate details makes it accessible, while the cute theme keeps you motivated. This stress relief coloring book is a great entry point for beginners.
Best For: Animal lovers seeking a fun, relaxing start.

4. Stress Relief: Coloring Book for Adults and Kids

Why It’s Great for Beginners: Designed with bold, easy-to-color designs, this book includes animals, landscapes, and flowers that appeal to all ages. The large patterns reduce complexity, making it perfect for beginners. Printed on thick, single-sided paper, it supports various coloring tools, from pencils to markers. The variety of designs keeps the experience fresh, while the simplicity ensures a stress-free process. This easy coloring book is ideal for those looking to unwind without tackling intricate patterns.
Best For: Beginners seeking versatile, calming designs.

5. Little Corner: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens

Why It’s Great for Beginners: This book captures cozy, hygge-inspired scenes like bookshelves and fireplaces, with simple designs that are easy to color. The bold lines and minimal detail make it beginner-friendly, while the warm themes promote relaxation. Printed on high-quality, single-sided paper, it’s suitable for markers and pencils. The inviting designs encourage creativity without overwhelming new colorists, making it a perfect mindfulness coloring book for a soothing experience.
Best For: Fans of cozy aesthetics.

6. Girl Moments: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens

Why It’s Great for Beginners: Featuring everyday activities like reading or sipping coffee, this book’s straightforward designs are perfect for beginners. The illustrations are charming and uncluttered, allowing you to focus on coloring without stress. The single-sided, thick paper ensures no bleed-through, making it versatile for different tools. This stress relief coloring book encourages relaxation through relatable, cozy scenes that resonate with new colorists.
Best For: Beginners who enjoy lifestyle-themed art.

7. Spooky Cutie: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens

Why It’s Great for Beginners: This book combines cute, creepy creatures with cozy scenes, offering simple designs that are engaging yet easy to color. The playful illustrations, like ghosts in scarves, make coloring fun for beginners. Printed on high-quality, single-sided paper, it supports various coloring tools. The whimsical theme adds a lighthearted touch, making this easy coloring book ideal for those who want a unique yet approachable start.
Best For: Beginners who love quirky, fun designs.

8. Cute Kawaii Coloring

Why It’s Great for Beginners: Filled with adorable kawaii-style illustrations like cats, sushi, and flowers, this book offers simple, bold designs perfect for new colorists. The clear lines and minimal detail make it easy to create vibrant artwork. The high-quality paper supports pencils and markers, ensuring a smooth experience. This coloring book for beginners is ideal for those who love cute, playful themes that spark joy.
Best For: Fans of kawaii aesthetics.

9. Kaleidoscope: Too Cute! Coloring

Why It’s Great for Beginners: This book includes 6 pastel markers and dozens of kaleidoscope designs that are simple yet visually appealing. The symmetrical patterns are easy to color, making it perfect for beginners. The included markers are a bonus for those starting without supplies. Printed on thick paper, it’s suitable for various tools, offering a stress-free mindfulness coloring experience.
Best For: Beginners who want a complete coloring kit.

10. ColorIt Calming Doodles Volume 1

Why It’s Great for Beginners: This ColorIt book features hand-drawn doodles designed for relaxation. The designs range from simple to moderately complex, with plenty of beginner-friendly options. Printed on premium, single-sided paper, it prevents bleed-through and supports markers and gel pens. The book’s focus on calming patterns makes it a great therapeutic coloring book for new colorists looking to unwind.
Best For: Beginners seeking high-quality paper and relaxing designs.

11. ColorIt Traveling Doodles

Why It’s Great for Beginners: With travel-themed doodles like cityscapes and landmarks, this ColorIt book offers simple, engaging designs for beginners. The bold lines and uncluttered illustrations make coloring approachable. The premium, single-sided paper ensures durability, supporting various tools. This coloring book for beginners is perfect for those who love travel-inspired art and want a stress-free experience.
Best For: Travel enthusiasts new to coloring.

12. Simple Kaleidoscopes

Why It’s Great for Beginners: This book focuses on simple kaleidoscope designs with symmetrical, repetitive patterns that are easy to color. The bold lines reduce complexity, making it ideal for new colorists. Printed on high-quality paper, it supports pencils and markers. The calming, repetitive designs promote mindfulness coloring, helping beginners relax while creating beautiful art.
Best For: Beginners who enjoy symmetrical patterns.

13. The Mandala Coloring Book

Why It’s Great for Beginners: Mandalas are known for their therapeutic properties, and this book offers beginner-friendly designs with clear, repetitive patterns. The illustrations are simple enough for new colorists yet engaging for relaxation. The thick paper supports various tools, ensuring a smooth experience. This therapeutic coloring book is perfect for those seeking a meditative coloring session.
Best For: Beginners interested in mindfulness.

14. Beatrix Potter Coloring Book

Why It’s Great for Beginners: Featuring beloved characters like Peter Rabbit, this book offers charming, less intricate designs that are perfect for beginners. The nostalgic illustrations are easy to color, encouraging creativity without overwhelm. Printed on quality paper, it supports pencils and markers. This easy coloring book is ideal for those who love classic children’s stories.
Best For: Beginners who enjoy nostalgic themes.

15. The Dr. Seuss Coloring Book

Why It’s Great for Beginners: With whimsical Dr. Seuss designs, this book offers playful, simple illustrations that are fun to color. The bold lines and uncluttered patterns make it beginner-friendly, while the quirky themes keep you engaged. The high-quality paper prevents bleed-through, making it versatile. This coloring book for beginners is perfect for a lighthearted coloring experience.
Best For: Fans of Dr. Seuss starting their coloring journey.

16. The Bob Ross Coloring Book

Why It’s Great for Beginners: Inspired by Bob Ross, this book features landscapes and scenes with simple, bold designs suitable for beginners. The illustrations allow you to practice shading without overwhelming detail. Printed on thick paper, it supports various tools. This stress relief coloring book brings Bob Ross’s calming philosophy to your coloring sessions.
Best For: Beginners who love nature-inspired art.

17. Color Me Calm: 100 Coloring Templates for Meditation and Relaxation

Why It’s Great for Beginners: Designed by Lacy Mucklow and Angela Porter, this book offers 100 templates with simple, calming designs perfect for beginners. The patterns, including nature and abstract themes, promote relaxation. The thick, single-sided paper supports markers and pencils, ensuring a stress-free experience. This mindfulness coloring book is ideal for those seeking peace through art.
Best For: Beginners focused on relaxation.

18. Large Print Coloring Book - Color Me Calm

Why It’s Great for Beginners: With big, bold illustrations, this book is designed for ease of coloring, making it perfect for beginners or those with visual challenges. The simple patterns, like flowers and animals, promote relaxation. The high-quality, single-sided paper prevents bleed-through, supporting various tools. This easy coloring book is a great starting point for stress relief.
Best For: Beginners who prefer large, simple designs.

19. Easy Coloring Book For Adults: 40 Basic, Simple and Bold Mandalas

Why It’s Great for Beginners: Specifically designed for beginners, this book features 40 bold mandala designs with clear lines and minimal detail. The simplicity ensures a stress-free experience, while the mandalas promote mindfulness. Printed on thick paper, it supports pencils and markers. This therapeutic coloring book is perfect for building confidence in new colorists.
Best For: Beginners who love mandalas.

20. Cozy & Cute: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens

Why It’s Great for Beginners: This book features bold, hygge-inspired designs like cozy rooms and cute animals, perfect for beginners. The simple patterns are easy to color, encouraging relaxation and creativity. The single-sided, high-quality paper supports various tools without bleed-through. This stress relief coloring book offers a warm, inviting experience for new colorists.
Best For: Beginners who love cozy, cute themes.

Tips for Beginner Colorists

• Start with Simple Designs: Choose books with larger patterns, like Large Print Coloring Book or Easy Coloring Book For Adults, to build confidence.

• Choose the Right Tools: Colored pencils offer precision, while markers provide bold colors. Books like Kaleidoscope: Too Cute! include markers for convenience.

• Learn Techniques: Books like Tangled Treasures and Tangled Gardens offer tutorials on shading and blending to enhance your skills.

• Create a Routine: Dedicate 10–20 minutes daily to coloring to maximize its mindfulness coloring benefits.

• Experiment Freely: There’s no wrong way to color—use vibrant or pastel shades to express yourself.

Why These Coloring Books Stand Out

These 20 books were chosen for their beginner-friendly features, including simple designs, high-quality paper, and engaging themes like animals, mandalas, and cozy scenes. Brands like ColorIt and publishers like Peter Pauper Press ensure durability and versatility, while books like Tangled Treasures and Color Me Calm offer guidance to help you learn. Whether you prefer physical or digital coloring, these books provide a relaxing and creative outlet for all skill levels (ColorIt, Peter Pauper Press).

Conclusion

Starting your coloring journey is a rewarding way to relax, reduce stress, and unleash your creativity. These top 20 coloring books for beginners offer a variety of themes and designs to suit every taste, from whimsical Dr. Seuss illustrations to calming mandalas. With high-quality paper and beginner-friendly patterns, they ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Grab your colored pencils or markers and explore these adult coloring books today to discover the joy of stress relief coloring!