The Riordanverse in Black and White
By 2018, the coloring book craze for adults and 'big kids' had peaked, but The Magnus Chase Coloring Book remains one of the better entries in the genre. Unlike many licensed coloring books that just slap clip-art onto a page, this one features detailed illustrations by Keith Robinson that feel consistent with the series' tone.
For the uninitiated, Magnus Chase is the cousin of Annabeth Chase (from Percy Jackson), and his series deals with Norse mythology in modern-day Boston. The coloring book leans into the 'Hotel Valhalla' aesthetic—think Vikings in flannel and gods with iPhones. It’s a specific kind of humor that translates surprisingly well to line art.
Why it works for Screenwise families
We often talk about 'pacing' in media. Most modern entertainment is fast, loud, and designed to keep you clicking. A coloring book is the literal opposite. It requires sustained focus on a single image for 20 to 60 minutes. For a kid who is used to the dopamine hits of Roblox or TikTok, sitting down with a set of colored pencils and a picture of Odin is a necessary recalibration.
The 'Spoilers' Factor
One thing to keep in mind: coloring books for book series are inherently spoilery. They often feature late-series characters or environments that are meant to be 'reveals.' If your kid is only halfway through The Sword of Summer, maybe tuck this away for a few weeks until they've finished the first book. Otherwise, it's a perfect companion piece for a rainy weekend.
