Coloring books aren’t just for kids anymore—they’re a booming niche on Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing). Whether you want to create cute designs for children or intricate patterns for adults, there’s endless demand for creative coloring books.
The best part? You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. There are evergreen coloring book themes that always sell—year after year.
In this blog, we’ll share 20 timeless coloring book ideas, why they work, what you can include, AND ready-to-use image prompts you can generate or source for your interiors. By the end, you’ll know exactly which niche to target for your next profitable KDP book.
Why Coloring Books Sell So Well
Coloring books are popular for two big reasons:
Stress Relief & Mindfulness – Adults use coloring as a relaxing, meditative activity.
Education & Fun for Kids – Parents buy coloring books to help children learn letters, numbers, and shapes.
With a low production cost (you only need line-art interiors) and instant publishing on Amazon KDP, you can build a profitable passive income stream in this niche.
Ready? Let’s dive into the 20 best coloring book ideas that never go out of style.
1. Alphabet Coloring Book
Perfect for kids! Each page can feature a big bold letter with fun objects around it. For example, A for Apple, B for Bear—cute AND educational.
What to include:
- A–Z letters in large outlines
- Matching objects or animals (Apple, Ball, Cat, etc.)
- Simple shapes for easy coloring
2. Numbers & Counting Book
Another kids’ favorite! Numbers combined with animals or objects make learning fun.
What to include:
- Numbers 1–20
- Matching elements (e.g., 5 butterflies, 7 stars)
- Simple scenes with plenty of open space
3. Shapes & Patterns
A bestseller for preschoolers and toddlers. Shapes help kids with early learning and motor skills.
What to include:
- Circles, squares, triangles
- Cute objects built from shapes (a sun made of triangles!)
- Dotted lines for tracing
4. Cute Animals
Animal-themed books are always popular—for kids AND adults.
What to include:
- Farm animals (cow, sheep, pig)
- Jungle animals (lion, monkey, tiger)
- Cute pets (cats, dogs, rabbits)
5. Safari & Wild Animals
Adults love detailed wildlife illustrations, while kids enjoy cartoon-style safari animals.
What to include:
- Lions, giraffes, zebras
- Safari jeep & savanna backgrounds
- Animal families (mom & baby)
6. Birds & Butterflies
Graceful creatures make calming coloring pages for all ages.
What to include:
- Simple outlines of birds for kids
- Intricate butterfly wings for adults
- Garden scenes with flowers
7. Dinosaurs
This one’s always a hit with children.
What to include:
- Popular dinosaurs (T-Rex, Stegosaurus, Triceratops)
- Simple prehistoric backgrounds (trees, volcanoes)
- Baby dinosaurs in eggs for extra cuteness
8. Fantasy & Mythical Creatures
For adults who love fantasy worlds!
What to include:
- Dragons, unicorns, fairies
- Magical castles & enchanted forests
- Cute or fierce versions
9. Mandalas for Relaxation
A best-selling niche for adults. Mandalas are timeless and help with mindfulness.
What to include:
- Circular mandala designs
- Different difficulty levels
- Bonus inspirational quotes
10. Mandala Animals
A unique twist on traditional mandalas.
What to include:
- Animal silhouettes filled with mandala patterns
- Popular animals: elephants, owls, wolves
- Complex yet soothing designs
11. Flowers & Botanical Designs
Floral books are always trendy among adults.
What to include:
- Roses, sunflowers, tulips
- Simple flower bouquets for kids
- Intricate botanical garden scenes for adults
12. Nature & Landscapes
Great for adults who enjoy scenic coloring.
What to include:
- Forests, mountains, lakes
- Seasonal themes (spring gardens, autumn leaves)
- Wildlife incorporated into the scenes
13. Holiday Themes
These spike in sales during seasonal peaks!
What to include:
- Christmas trees & ornaments
- Halloween pumpkins & spooky houses
- Easter eggs & bunnies
14. Inspirational Quotes
Combine coloring + motivation = huge win for adults.
What to include:
- Uplifting quotes in hand-lettered style
- Floral or mandala borders
- Bonus doodles around the quotes
15. Food & Desserts
Adorable for kids and adults who love foodie themes.
What to include:
- Cakes, cupcakes, cookies
- Fruits & veggies with cute faces
- Coffee mugs & tea sets
16. Cozy Home Scenes
Perfect for hygge lovers!
What to include:
- Bookshelves, coffee corners
- Cats on windowsills
- Cozy reading nooks
17. Travel & Famous Landmarks
Appeals to wanderlust lovers.
What to include:
- Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal, Statue of Liberty
- Cute travel doodles like luggage & airplanes
- Minimalistic cityscapes
18. Vehicles & Machines
Kids (especially boys) love cars and trucks!
What to include:
- Cars, trucks, trains, airplanes
- Construction vehicles
- Fun road scenes
19. Ocean Life
Calming and popular with both kids & adults.
What to include:
- Fish, whales, dolphins
- Coral reefs & seaweed
- Cute mermaids for fantasy lovers
20. Insects & Tiny Creatures
From ladybugs to dragonflies—great for nature lovers.
What to include:
- Butterflies, bees, ladybugs
- Garden scenes with bugs and flowers
- Realistic or cute versions
Bonus Tips to Make Your Coloring Book Stand Out
Mix simple & complex designs – Appeal to both casual colorists and advanced users.
Add a theme-related cover – Eye-catching covers sell more on KDP.
Keep line-art clean – No shading, no gray areas.
Consider digital + printable versions – You can sell PDFs on Etsy or Gumroad.
How to Publish on Amazon KDP
Publishing a coloring book on KDP is easier than you think:
- Create your interior (8.5×11 inches works best)
- Design your cover (front, spine & back)
- Export as print-ready PDF
- Upload to Amazon KDP with your title, description, and keywords
- Set your price & publish!
Want a shortcut? You can use Vexels ready-made coloring designs or AI-generated prompts to save time.
Final Thoughts
Coloring books are evergreen products that keep selling year-round. Whether you target kids with simple shapes or adults with relaxing mandalas, these 20 themes give you endless options to start your own KDP publishing journey.
So… which coloring book will you create first?
Quick Recap: Image Prompts for Your Book
| Theme | Image Prompt Example |
|---|---|
| Alphabet | Big letter A with a cute smiling apple |
| Mandalas | Intricate circular floral mandala |
| Animals | Cartoon baby elephant with a balloon |
| Fantasy | Unicorn on a cloud with stars |
| Food | Smiling pancake stack with syrup |
