10 Surprisingly Simple Coloring Books Making Over $10,000 a Month on Amazon KDP

Some of the highest-earning books on Amazon don’t look impressive at all. No flashy covers. No famous authors. Just simple, focused books quietly pulling in over $10,000 a month.

Most people completely miss why this works.

I’ve published over 200 books on Amazon KDP, and I spend my time researching what actually sells so I can teach creators how to build books with intention, not guesswork. In this post, I’m breaking down 10 real types of coloring books that continue to dominate and exactly what you can learn from each of them.

1. The Color and Frame Bible Coloring Book

This book keeps selling because faith-based buyers are incredibly consistent. People aren’t just buying a coloring book. They’re buying a quiet, reflective experience that blends scripture with creativity.

These books are often purchased as gifts, used in devotionals, or bought repeatedly by the same audience.

Why it works:

• It serves a specific, loyal audience.

• It’s positioned as a tool for reflection, not just entertainment.

• It combines creativity with meaning.

If you want to create one:
Focus on a clear angle such as Psalms only, women’s scripture, or large print for seniors. Keep the artwork calm, clean, and easy to color. Also, note that “color and frame” does not require spiral binding. You can still create this format without it.

This style has been climbing the ranks recently, and building a series in this format is a strong strategy for 2026.

2. Large Print Easy Color and Frame

This book sells because it removes friction.

Large print, simple designs, and the ability to frame finished pages make it feel accessible and purposeful. It appeals to seniors, beginners, and anyone who wants stress relief without complexity.

Why it works:

• Bold lines

• High contrast

• Lots of white space

• No visual overwhelm

The biggest mistake people make here is overdesigning. The simplicity is not a flaw. It’s the reason people buy it.

People want something easy, something that lets them turn their brain off and relax. You can create books like this using AI generators, clip art, or tools like Canva and KDP-friendly design platforms.

3. Flower Coloring Books

Flower coloring books never stop selling because they’re evergreen and emotionally neutral. They work for almost every age group and are easy, safe gifts to buy without overthinking.

One classic flower coloring book has over 17,000 reviews, which means far more actual sales.

Why it works:

• Evergreen subject

• Broad appeal

• Easy gift purchase

How to compete today:
You need to niche it down. Choose a specific flower type, a style like bold and easy or detailed and elegant, and ideally build it as part of a series instead of a one-off book.

Clarity of theme and consistency matter more than trying to be “unique” in a complicated way.

4. Reverse Coloring Books

Reverse coloring books flip the process. The color is already there, and the user adds the lines.

This lowers anxiety and makes the book feel approachable, even for people who don’t consider themselves creative.

Why it works:

• The novelty grabs attention

• It removes decision fatigue

• It feels less intimidating than a blank page

Critical tip:
You must clearly explain how the book works in your description and visuals. Some users get confused without instructions. Also, abstract shapes work better than obvious images. People prefer pages that could become anything, not pages that already look like a specific object.

5. Mindfulness and Mandala Coloring Books

Mindfulness is no longer a trend. It’s a lifestyle category.

These books sell because people are actively searching for ways to slow down, unplug, and manage stress. Coloring is positioned as a meditative practice, not just a hobby.

Why it works:

• Calm themes

• Repetitive, soothing patterns

• Clear promise of relaxation

Common mistake:
Too much detail and too much grayscale. Mandalas need complete, clean line work. If the art turns into messy squiggles or overly complex shading, it hurts the coloring experience.

6. “You’re a Mother Blankin’ Badass” Style Coloring Books

This type of book sells because it has a strong personality and speaks directly to a specific audience. It’s not trying to appeal to everyone, and that’s exactly why it works.

Why it works:

• Clear voice

• Strong audience targeting

• Humor and motivation combined

Important note:
If you plan to run Amazon ads, be careful with explicit language on the cover. Some books can be published but not advertised. Know your audience, and be intentional about how bold you go.

7. Tattoo-Inspired Coloring Books

These books succeed because they target a lifestyle, not just an activity. Tattoo-style art attracts people who love ink, symbolism, and self-expression, even if they never plan to get a tattoo.

Why it works:

• Strong aesthetic identity

• Lifestyle appeal

• High visual interest

Key to success:
Pick a consistent tattoo style, such as traditional, minimalist, or symbolic. Clean line work and cohesive themes matter more than complexity. Your prompts and art direction need to be very clear.

8. Affirmation Coloring Books (“You’re Awesome” Style)

These sell because affirmation-based content is personal and giftable. People buy them for themselves and for others who need encouragement.

Why it works:

• Emotionally driven purchases

• Simple, supportive messaging

• Easy to give as a gift

How to do it right:
Avoid generic phrases. Aim for sincerity. Pair each quote with art that supports the message instead of overpowering it. The designs don’t need to be complicated. Simple and heartfelt wins here.

9. Fantasy and Fairyland Coloring Books

Fantasy coloring books sell because they offer escapism. They invite people into a whimsical, immersive world and encourage slow, focused coloring.

Why it works:

• Escapism

• World-building

• Emotional immersion

Critical rule:
Consistency. Choose one world, one aesthetic, and one level of detail and carry it through the entire book. Don’t mix genres like fairies and vampires in the same book. Cohesion builds trust and satisfaction for the buyer.

10. Color by Number Books

Color by number books remove creative decision-making entirely. The user just follows the system.

Why it works:

• No thinking required

• Extremely relaxing

• Very accessible for beginners

What matters most:

• Clear, readable numbers

• Distinct colors

• Images that look satisfying even before they’re finished

These books consistently appear in the top 100 coloring books, which means the demand is proven. They take more care to produce well, but the payoff can be much higher than rushing out low-effort books.

The Bigger Lesson for Your KDP Business

Quality beats quantity.

There’s still a place for planners and blank journals, and I still make them. But if you spend more time creating a higher-quality, more intentional book, you give yourself a much better chance of breaking into less saturated niches and building long-term sales.

Simple does not mean lazy. Simple means focused, intentional, and designed for a real person with a real need.

That’s how these “boring-looking” books quietly become top earners.

If you have other coloring book ideas you think should be on this list, I’d love to hear them.