My review of Pierre the Maze Detective: The Search for the Stolen Maze Stone

Pierre the Maze Detective: The Search for the Stolen Maze Stone by IC4DESIGN, Hiro Kamigaki
Release Date: September 1, 2015
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository

Pierre the Maze Detective has a new case. Mr X has stolen the Maze Stone, which has the power to turn the whole of Opera City into a maze. Can you help Pierre and his friend Carmen find their way through the mazes – and stop Mr X before it's too late? This beautifully illustrated book features 15 full-spread illustrations of intricate, magical mazes. Take a trip through a fantastic world of underground cities, hot-air balloons, tree-top towns and haunted houses. Trace your way through each maze, spot the clues and solve the extra mystery challenges along the way. 

Pierre the Maze Detective is actually the most adorable children's book I've ever laid my eyes on. The illustrations and colours are so simplistic yet I'm still awestruck every time I open this book.

At first I thought this was a Where's Wally's book but oh I was wrong. There is so much to do, even after weeks of having this book I still haven't even been able to complete all of the different landscapes. So what you're meant to do is try and find a route out of the scene that you've been given, may it be the sea, a castle, the forest, a cafe, etc. But you also have extra challenges that you have to complete like in the cafe scene you have to find a pickpocket, you know little things like that. BUT I'M BLOODY OBSESSED! Wait, there's still more. You've also got to find other numerous hidden objects. Basically this is Where's Wally with a lot more instructions on things you can find and I love it.

The colours are gorgeous and the illustrations are marvellous. I believe some call this the Japanese version of Where's Wally and I can understand that but there's something about this book that just feels even more lovable. I am a teenager, I have to study but this has literally taken over my life at points. I know, it's a terrible addiction. (I think I'm secretly using this as an outlet for procrastination.)

Overall I would highly recommend Pierre the Maze Detective for anyone; any age; any where, because come on? Who doesn't secretly love these engaging children's activities books? Exactly, the answer is no one. This book is perfect if you want to give it to a child to keep them entertained, or if you're just like me and still love the idea of completing a quest. Pierre the Maze Detective is for you, my friend.

Rating

A review copy was provided by the publisher

My review of Secret Garden - Artist's Edition by Johanna Basford

Secret Garden - Artist's Edition by Johanna Basford
Release Date: September 15, 2015.
Amazon UK |

From the publisher that brought you the hugely successful Secret Garden and Enchanted Forest - this special artist's edition features 20 beautiful, pull-out art prints for coloring in. Colouring fans of all ages will enjoy immersing themselves in a selection of the most popular artworks from the original book, now presented in a new, large-scale format for maximum coloring enjoyment.


Each detailed illustration is printed on high-quality card, and can be removed easily for framing or craft projects.

I simply don't know where to begin! Secret Garden is a beautiful colouring book with so many stunning illustrations that will blow you away. What's great about this Artist's Edition is that you can pull out and frame your work. The quality of the book is amazing and when I first started colouring it in I put a lot of pressure on my self to make a mind-blowing piece of art and this is how I got on.

This book is perfect for de stressing. I enjoyed blending colours and really bringing the image to life. In my spare time I have done small elements of the piece and hopefully one day soon it will be finished. There's 20 prints in this whole book, isn't that crazy? I didn't expect to fall in love with it as much as I have. The illustrations have captivated me every time I've flicked through the book. I honestly can't wait to hang them all up.

I would definitely recommend this book if you enjoy colouring in and want something that could be seen as age-flexible. Anyone could love this book! It brings to light that colouring isn't just for children, it can be enjoyable and therapeutic for adults too! I'm so in love and will relish in the day that I can see these on my walls. No, no I'm not joking.

I've done a little bit of research and found that there's a whole series of these beauties; there's "Lost Ocean" and "Enchanted Forest". So if this particular theme doesn't take your fancy there's still more you can choose from ORRRR if you like them all and want to take extreme colouring up as a hobby then go ahead and pick up all three! 

More images from the book:

Rating

 

A review copy was provided by the publisher