The coloring pages are nice, but I was not too inspired by the quotations scattered throughout. They just padded out the book without contributing much, in my opinion.

i find the book help me relax and great to use when meditating ( )

This stunning coloring book features Black mermaids and mermen. There's even an adorable merbaby! What's not to like about images of a dreamy life under the sea? There are seventeen underwater scenes featuring merfolk and sea creatures. Additionally, there are eight pages featuring inspirational quotes, and you also get a few word games at the end. Prepare to be enchanted.

The Bottom Line: This inspiring coloring book is dedicated to and features quotes by author bell hooks. It is #3 in N. D. Jones' Fantasy in Black series of coloring books. Each page is a sensual delight. The illustrations were actually done by Ika Sirana, and I would have liked to see her name on the front cover too. If there is another book, I hope the pages are perforated. Also, please note that if you are using marker, place a blank sheet of paper behind the page you are working on to prevent bleed through. Enthusiastically recommended for everyone who enjoys coloring with a nautical theme. ( )

Why I picked it up:
I received a free copy of The Beauty of Black Mermaids Coloring Book from N. D. Jones through the Library Thing early reviewers program.
My Expectations:
From the title, I expected an adult coloring book with images of black mermaids, but I really did not know what that would entail.
What I liked:
The images are beautiful with enough small detail to keep me busy for a long time. I especially liked the different sea horses and dragons. The mermaid wearing a suit jacket to play her flute under water made me laugh (I play the flute).
What I didn’t like:
If I hadn't looked past the images, I wouldn't have much to say, but after reading the author page, I became curious about why she put her name on the front as the author, and why there wasn't a page for the illustrator, or the person who wrote the quotes.
I looked up the publishing company, and Kuumba publishing is N. D. Jones's personal company. The first page after the title page is a Dedication to bell hooks whose quotes adorn seven pages (about a quarter of the book). The dedication states that she died in 2021, but there isn't a page telling the reader who she is, her relationship to N. D. Jones, or if she gave any permissions for the use of her work in this context.
The only mention of the illustrator, Ika Sirana, who appears to have done the drawings on every page, is on the copyright page between the cover designer and cover colorist.
Overall:
The images are beautiful, detailed, and fun. The quotes are a nice touch, and there are even some word games at the back (that from the odd reference page appear to be “retrieved” from an educational games website). However, upon closer look, something feels off about credit for the work, and N. D. Jones's role in the creation. I think the illustrator should be prominent on the cover, and N. D. Jones should let herself be a publisher of a good thing.

This coloring book is beautiful from cover to cover, there are so many intricate pages to color. I also really enjoyed the word searches and the inspirational quotes that can be colored in addition to the main coloring theme. ( )