The Magnus Chase Coloring Book isn't some generic dollar-store activity pad with thick, waxy lines and mindless shapes; it is a high-detail, lore-heavy deep dive into the Nine Worlds that actually respects the intelligence of a Rick Riordan fan. If your kid is currently vibrating with excitement over Norse mythology and thinks they’re "too old" for coloring, this is the book that proves them wrong. It’s a zero-friction, analog win for parents looking to bridge the gap between a kid’s digital interests and a tactile hobby.
TL;DR
The Magnus Chase Coloring Book is a top-tier, screen-free companion for fans of the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series. It features Keith Robinson’s official, intricate art, offering a way to engage with Norse mythology that doesn't require a Wi-Fi connection or a charging cable. It’s perfect for the 8-12 age range, though parents should note it contains minor visual spoilers for the trilogy.
Most "media tie-in" coloring books are low-effort cash grabs. They take a few promotional stills, run them through a "line art" filter, and call it a day. This isn't that. The art here is by Keith Robinson, the same artist responsible for the official character portraits and covers in the Riordanverse.
The lines are thin, the details are dense, and the compositions are dynamic. We’re talking about intricate depictions of the World Tree (Yggdrasil), the eccentric gods of Asgard, and the diverse cast of characters that made the Magnus Chase series a standout. For a kid who has spent hours imagining what Jack (the talking sword) or Hearthstone’s rune magic looks like, seeing it rendered with this much care is a legitimate gift.
Here is the one thing you actually need to know before handing this over: the book covers the entire Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard trilogy.
If your kid is only halfway through The Sword of Summer, they are going to see characters, outfits, and legendary items that don't appear until The Hammer of Thor or The Ship of the Dead. We aren't talking about massive plot-twist reveals in text form, but for a dedicated fan, seeing a character holding a specific weapon or standing next to a specific "new" ally can be a major "Wait, what happens?!" moment.
If they’ve finished the trilogy, they’re in the clear. If they’re still reading, maybe tell them to stick to the first ten pages until they hit book two.
The art style is what makes this a "middle-grade" win rather than a "preschool" distraction. Robinson’s work has a specific, slightly edgy, illustrative quality. It’s not "cute." It’s Norse mythology, which means there are sharp swords, glowing runes, and gods who look like they actually might cause a little chaos.
- The Intricacy Factor: This isn't a "big crayon" situation. To really enjoy this, your kid is going to want colored pencils or fine-tip markers. The detail in the character's clothing and the bark of the World Tree requires a bit of fine motor control, which is exactly why it works for the 9-13 crowd who might otherwise find coloring "boring."
- The Flow State: There is a reason "adult coloring books" became a thing, and it applies to 10-year-olds too. The level of detail here encourages a "flow state"—that focused, quiet zone where the brain stops worrying about the next level in a game and just focuses on the tip of a pencil. It’s a great "reset" activity after a long day of school or screens.
One of the best things about the Magnus Chase series is its cast—it’s arguably Riordan’s most diverse work. Seeing Samirah al-Abbas (a Valkyrie who wears a hijab) or Hearthstone (a deaf elf who uses ASL and rune magic) represented in the art is important. It’s not just "white guys with hammers." For kids who saw themselves in these characters, getting to literally color in their world is a powerful way to deepen that connection.
If your kid is into this, don't just leave them to it. Use it as a springboard for some deeper dives:
- Runes 101: The book is packed with Elder Futhark runes. If they’re coloring a page with Hearthstone, ask them if they know what the specific runes on the page mean. You can find "rune keys" online that let them "decode" the background art.
- The "Real" Myths: Riordan puts his own spin on things (like making Thor obsessed with TV shows), but the core myths are real. If they’re coloring a picture of Fenris Wolf, it’s a great time to look up the original Norse legend of how he was bound.
- Artist Study: If they love the style, point them toward Keith Robinson’s other work or the art in The Percy Jackson Coloring Book.
The "friction point" here isn't the content—it's the medium.
Pro-tip: This is a thick book with double-sided pages. If your kid uses heavy-duty alcohol markers (like Sharpies or Copics), they will bleed through and ruin the art on the back of the page. Stick to colored pencils or water-based markers (like Crayola Super Tips) to keep both sides of the page usable.
Also, the book is designed to lay relatively flat, but the spine is sturdy. If they’re struggling to color near the center, don't be afraid to give the spine a good "crack" to help it stay open.
Q: Is The Magnus Chase Coloring Book appropriate for an 8-year-old? Yes, absolutely. While the Magnus Chase books deal with "death" (Magnus dies in the first chapter to become an einherji), the coloring book is purely illustrative. If they can handle the books, the coloring book is a breeze.
Q: Does the coloring book have a story? Not a new one. It features quotes and snippets from the trilogy that correspond to the scenes being colored. It’s more of a "greatest hits" visual gallery than a narrative.
Q: My kid hasn't read the books; will they still like it? Maybe, but the real value is in the "I know that guy!" factor. If they just like "cool Viking stuff," they'll enjoy it, but it’s 10x better for kids who are already invested in the characters. If they're looking for a place to start, check out our best books for kids list.
Q: Is there any "inappropriate" content? It’s Norse mythology, so there are weapons (swords, axes, hammers) and some "monster" imagery (wolves, giants), but it’s all stylized line art. No gore, no grit—just Riordan-style adventure.
The Magnus Chase Coloring Book is a "yes" for any fan of the series. It’s a high-quality, low-tech way for kids to stay in the Riordanverse without needing a screen. It respects the source material, features great art, and provides hours of quiet engagement.
If your kid finishes this and wants more ways to engage with their favorite series off-screen, check out:
- The Percy Jackson Coloring Book
- The Trials of Apollo (the next series in the timeline)
- Our full list of best books for kids
- Explore more "no-screen" activity guides