National Coloring Book Day

Colorful illustrations of a diverse group of people happily coloring in a variety of scenes, from tropical jungles to bustling city streets.. — National coloring book day illustration

Did you know there's a day dedicated just to coloring books? Well, buckle your seat belts, grab those Crayola boxes, and prepare to explore the whimsical world of National Coloring Book Day, where adults and children alike can unleash their inner Picasso!

When is Coloring Book Day?

It's national coloring book day on the 2nd August.

A Day Filled With Colors

With an impressive 4806 mentions online, National Coloring Book Day has quite literally colored its way into the hearts of the internet. It's an annual celebration that has soared in popularity, with the most mentions recorded on 2nd August 2017.

Remember those carefree childhood days when the most complex decision of the day was choosing between Turquoise Blue and Midnight Blue? National Coloring Book Day aims to bring that simple joy back into our lives, reminding us of the therapeutic power of art and creativity. Not only does coloring provide an excellent mode of expression, but it's also a great stress-buster!

The Backstory of Coloring Books

Although coloring books have been around for ages, it wasn't until recently that these works of art started to get recognition. Initially intended for children, coloring books have evolved with time and have expanded their target audience to adults as well. Some claim that the adult coloring book trend was sparked by the publishing of Johanna Basford's 'Secret Garden'.

How to Celebrate?

How do you celebrate National Coloring Book Day, you ask? It's simple. Gather your loved ones, buy a coloring book that calls to your inner artist (there are plenty of options ranging from flora and fauna to intricate mandalas), and get coloring. You can even make it a friendly contest to see who colors the most creatively! And don't forget to share your artwork online so others can marvel at your masterpiece.

Get Your Crayons Ready!

So there you have it, the internet history of National Coloring Book Day, an event that celebrates creativity, stress relief, and a bit of nostalgia. It's an opportunity for us to remember the joy of coloring, and relax while filling pages with vibrant hues. Just remember, in the world of coloring, there are no mistakes, only unique creations. So this National Coloring Book Day, why not unleash your creative spirit and color your world?

History behind the term 'Coloring Book'

1760

Early beginnings of coloring books

The concept of coloring books can be traced back to the 18th century when they were known as 'coloring sheets' or 'coloring pages.' These early versions consisted of simple black and white line drawings that children could fill in with the colors of their choice. However, these sheets were not bound together as books.

1880

The rise of the coloring book

In the late 19th century, the first true coloring book was introduced by McLoughlin Brothers, a publishing firm based in New York. Titled 'The Little Folks' Painting Book,' it contained a collection of black and white illustrations specifically designed for coloring. This innovation marked the beginning of the modern coloring book.

1907

Coloring books for adults

While coloring books were primarily intended for children, in 1907, the first coloring book explicitly targeted at adults was published. Called 'The Billboard's Paint Book,' it featured intricate line illustrations depicting scenes from the American advertising industry. This marked a shift in the perception of coloring books as solely children's entertainment.

1960

Engagement in educational settings

With the advent of the 1960s, coloring books gained substantial popularity and recognition in educational settings. Educators began recognizing the benefits of coloring activities for early childhood development, including fine motor skills, creativity, and self-expression. Coloring books became a common tool used in schools and homes to facilitate learning.

1980

Character-driven coloring books

During the 1980s, coloring books experienced another transformation with the emergence of character-driven coloring books. Licensed coloring books featuring popular characters from cartoons, movies, and television shows became a massive hit among children. This trend further propelled the popularity of coloring books and opened new marketing possibilities.

2000

Digital coloring books

In the 21st century, the advent of digital technology brought about a shift in the way people engage with coloring books. Digital coloring books became available on computers, tablets, and smartphones, providing new interactive experiences. While traditional paper coloring books remain popular, the digital medium expanded access to coloring activities in a more portable and versatile format.