Book Review | My Magical Oasis Adult Colouring Book

In June, I wrote about my love for adult colouring books, and six weeks down the line, my love for them hasn't faded. I've put colouring-pencil to paper almost daily over the last few months, and I've enjoyed every therapeutic moment of it. I own a few colouring books now, but when the lovely people at Plexus publishing invited me to review a new colouring book called 'My Magical Oasis'*, I just couldn't say no. 

I've been busy colouring my way through some of the pages over the last few weeks, and the experience has been blissful. In fact, it's probably the most fun I've ever had preparing for a review!

Colouring in a beautiful colouring book like My Magical Oasis isn't a chore, it's a pleasure. You see, it's filled with 101 pretty pictures of flora and fauna that are just waiting to be brought to life with colour. There are a fantastic variety of designs, from dainty flowers to striking animals, intricate feathers, and more zentangles than you can shake a stick at. (I'm not sure why you would shake a stick at a colouring book, but who am I to judge?!)

Most of the pictures are filled with intricate detail which will challenge your ability to stay within the lines. It's harder than you might think! (Tip: use sharpened pencils). Some pages have blank spaces where you can elaborate on the printed picture with your own detail, often accompanied by a few words for inspiration. I think the variety helps to keep the book fresh and interesting, and the designs will challenge your creativity no matter how artistic you are (or aren't).

The pages of the colouring book are made from reasonably thick, good-quality white paper, with the pictures printed back to back. I'd recommend using colouring pencils instead of felt tip pens or fine liners, because the ink will just bleed through the paper and ruin the picture on the other side. I use Crayola colouring pencils, which are a little pricey, but the quality of them is excellent so they are well worth the purchase. You can see for yourselves how bold the colours are in the pictures.

I find colouring-in extremely relaxing and therapeutic and my experience with My Magical Oasis has been no different. Just a few minutes of colouring away at one of its pictures takes me from feeling stressed, upset, or anxious, to calm, care-free, and relaxed! Yes, really! I find concentrating on staying within the lines and creating pretty pictures, distracts me from my thoughts, which helps to aid my mental health, and even take my mind off my chronic pain for a while. I become so relaxed and absorbed in the picture that I can easily lose a few hours to colouring- and believe me, I have! Time well spent, if you ask me. Afterwards, I come back to reality feeling as calm and chilled as a sloth in a snow storm. The difference is amazing, really.

I'm not the only adult who has realised the benefits of colouring. Millions of adults all around the world have returned to the fun childhood pastime for fun and therapy. Adult colouring books have been flying off the shelves these past few months, with some even outselling current bestselling novels and cookery books! My Magical Oasis is a new title, and in my opinion, it's one of the best around at the moment.

If you're looking for a way to relax and de-stress, or just want a fun new hobby, I'd recommend you get yourself a copy of My Magical Oasis and some colouring pencils, sharpish! It's fun, it's affordable, and with 101 pictures to colour in, it will provide you with months of enjoyment.

My Magical Oasis retails for £9.99 / $14.95 and should be available from all good book shops. Find it on Amazon here, and Waterstones here.

Have you got yourself a copy of My Magical Oasis, yet? Do you enjoy colouring in?

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*This copy of My Magical Oasis was gifted to me in exchange for a review. As always, all words, opinions, thoughts, and photos are my own.