About the Book
An animal coloring book for kids unlike any other, born from the joyful watercolor art of Rita Winkler, an artist born with Down syndrome.
Rita paints with bold colors and an open heart, and her art is a pure reflection of how she experiences life: joyful, free, and untouched by the rigid boxes of society. Through her drawings, we get a rare chance to see the world as she sees it, colorful, expressive, and filled with possibility.
Inspired by Rita's original artwork, these bold-line illustrations were carefully created to invite children to color without pressure or rules. Every page encourages self-expression, imagination, and the simple joy of creating. It's more than an animal coloring book; it's a reminder that art can break boundaries and inspire us all to look at life differently.
Why families love this book:
Inspired by Rita Winkler's vivid, at times wacky, art, filled with heart and humor
Bold lines and playful designs make coloring accessible and fun
Encourages creativity, imagination, and confidence, celebrating diversity and inclusion
A meaningful kids' activity book for home, school, or as a thoughtful gift
At the end, kids revisit the same pages they colored, this time in Rita's own vivid, vibrant style, showing that there's no "right" way to color, only your way
Editorial Praise
"Thought-provoking interactive coloring storybook from Winkler... What we get is more than a coloring book-it's an inspiring message about creativity, difference, and belonging. An upbeat picture-book celebration of individuality and inner peace-perfect for sparking children's creativity." - Kirkus Reviews
This isn't just a coloring book; it's an invitation for kids to explore, imagine, and see the world through every color of the rainbow.
About the Author :
Mark Winkler was born in Kenora, Ontario, where his father, Kelvin, served as mayor for 18 years. Music became his path early on, leading him to study Opera Performance at the University of Michigan and later guide young voices as musical director at the Greenwich Country Day School. Drawn to New York, he refined his craft under the legendary Louis Quilico before transitioning into the corporate world, where he thrived as Senior Vice President and Creative Director at Jack Morton Worldwide. His creative leadership brought award-winning campaigns, earning him a Telly Award and a New York Film and TV Festival gold medal.Life took another turn when technology captured his imagination. He began building computers and helping older adults find their way online, becoming a bridge between generations and the digital age. In 2010, following a cancer diagnosis, Mark chose to retire, dedicating his energy to philanthropy, animal rights, environmental causes, and advocacy for individuals who were developmentally delayed. Common Ground established the Mark Winkler Achievement Award for Outstanding Performance, underscoring his commitment to community and inclusion.A central part of Mark's life is his niece, artist Rita Winkler, who was born with Down syndrome. He became her advocate and champion, co-authoring My Art, My World to celebrate her joyful creativity. Their newest collaboration, Color Outside the Lines, invites children to color animal illustrations inspired by Rita's vibrant watercolors, encouraging young readers to embrace imagination, diversity, and self-expression.Today, Mark lives in Brooklyn with his dog, Jake. His life continues to be shaped by music, creativity, and the belief that art and compassion can change the world. From the stage to the boardroom, the classroom to the canvas, his journey has always been about amplifying voices-his own, Rita's, and those who deserve to be heard. Rita Winkler is a Canadian artist renowned for her vibrant and heartwarming art, distinguished not only by her talent but also by her journey as an individual living with Down Syndrome. Her artwork, characterized by bold colors and joyful themes, reflects a deep appreciation for the beauty of everyday life. Rita often draws inspiration from nature, her own experiences, and her imaginative perspective on the world. Her style is a delightful blend of simplicity and expressiveness, making her work universally appealing.Rita's journey as an artist has been one of overcoming barriers and challenging societal perceptions about individuals with Down Syndrome. Through her art, she has not only developed a unique voice but has also become an advocate for inclusivity and the recognition of the abilities of people with special needs.Rita's story is a testament to the power of art as a tool for empowerment and social change. She continues to inspire and touch lives, proving that creativity knows no bounds and transcends all limitations.
Review :
"Thought-provoking interactive coloring storybook from Winkler.
As we learn, the inspiration for this book comes from the whimsical watercolors painted by his niece, Rita, who has Down syndrome. Her original paintings, featured at the end of the book, range from a shark with one ear to rainbow snails and a blue puppy, encouraging youth aged 4 to 9 to view the world differently and honor self-expression. The book cleverly pairs playful line drawings by Winkler intended for kids to decorate, along with brief descriptions and directions meant to guide them into thinking beyond traditional boundaries. Whether it's the elephant under the umbrella, a flying pig, or a magical chef dragon, children are allowed to let their silly side loose. Exploring feelings, experimenting with choices, and learning to value one's own vision seems to be what it's all about here. The language throughout is easy to understand, yet empowering, reminding little ones that "there's never just one way to color" and that diversity makes the world a brighter and better place. As both an advocate and Rita's uncle, Winkler underscores the idea that art is not only for artistic expression but also for connection, growth, discovery, and understanding. What we get is more than a coloring book; it's an inspiring message about creativity, difference, and belonging. Winkler opens up a world where young creators can explore happiness, originality, and boundless possibilities with this unique read.
An upbeat picture-book celebration of individuality and inner peace-perfect for sparking children's creativity."
- Kirkus Reviews
