The 'Color Oceanic Art' book in the "World Culture Coloring Series," extends far beyond a regular coloring book. There are thirty-eight pages filled with images that are both culturally rich and stunning, complete with a brief historical footnote for each image. Pages also include a synopsis of the art form along with two bonus pages. Images are multifunctional and besides coloring, can be used to create cutouts, masks, and various other crafts. Overall, the images are carefully chosen to inspire creativity in the minds of all the participants. Research has shown that drawing and coloring are vitally important creative outlets for young children as they enable them to become immersed in their own colorful imaginary worlds which can be translated onto paper. Significantly, these activities are not only fun but also support a child's educational and creative development, a fact which Mrinal Mitra, author, and illustrator of the popular World Culture Coloring Series, is clearly cognizant. His books, which, amongst others, include Color Egyptian Art, Color Phoenician Art, Color African Art, and Color American Indian Art, not only provide depictions of a diverse range of culturally significant artworks (all of which can easily be colored or decorated in a multitude of ways), they also include key pieces of historical or contextual information for each item. The wide selection of artworks included in each book not only serves as an inspiration for creativity but also as an introduction to the unique themes, concepts, and ideas that are prevalent in that particular artistic tradition. The series' skillful blending of creative fun and instructive learning makes these books an invaluable pedagogical resource that can easily be used by both teachers and parents alike. Having integrated one of these coloring books into the educational program of a local museum, I can personally affirm both the popularity of this series amongst children and its pedagogical potential. I look forward to seeing what other cultures will be added to the series in the future. Dr. Mark Woolmer, February 17, 2017Durham University, Department of Classics and Ancient History, 38 North Bailey, Durham, United Kingdom, DH1 3EU.
