Best SellersWhen life says no to a pet, this UK-based mom said yes to creativity.
Meet colorCreate, the loving alias of Emily Rowe, a mother of two energetic little girls and the creator of a delightful collection of pet-themed coloring books.
Living in a cosy apartment where pets aren’t allowed, Emily faced the same question many parents do: how do you give your children the magic of having a furry friend—without actually having one? The answer came in the form of pencils, pages, and a lot of heart.
“My daughters were absolutely obsessed with the idea of having a dog, a cat, a bunny, you name it,” she laughs. “When it became clear we couldn’t make that happen where we live, I decided we’d do the next best thing—we’d draw them, color them, and make them part of our everyday fun.”
That one small idea quickly turned into a full-blown creative venture. Today, as colorCreate, Emily designs charming, age-appropriate coloring books featuring playful pets of all kinds—from cuddly kittens and curious puppies to whimsical reptiles and fantasy creatures. The goal? To give kids a joyful, creative outlet that feels just as exciting as having a pet of their own.
Q&A with colorCreate
Q: What inspired you to start making coloring books?
“My daughters, 100%. It started as a project for them—a way to keep the dream of having a pet alive, even if we couldn’t have one in the house. I was surprised how much they loved it, and then I realized other families might feel the same.”
Q: Why focus on pets?
“Because kids love animals. They bond with them instantly, even if it’s just a drawing. Pets represent friendship, comfort, playfulness. Coloring them gives kids a chance to connect with that energy—even without a real pet in their lives.”
Q: Are there more books coming?
“Oh yes. My girls have a long list of ‘animals we need next’—everything from hamsters and hedgehogs to mythical pet dragons. I also want to explore themed books, like ‘Pets Around the World’ or ‘Adopt-a-Pet Adventures’ to spark learning and empathy.”
Q: Who are your books for?
“They’re mostly for children ages 3–9, but really for any young animal lover. They’re also great for parents who want a wholesome activity to share with their kids—something quiet, creative, and low-tech.”
Q: What makes your coloring books stand out?
“They’re rooted in real moments of connection. These aren’t just cute pictures—they’re designed with love, for kids who dream big and imagine even bigger. I test every page with my girls, and if it doesn’t light them up, it doesn’t go in the book.”
The Road Ahead
As colorCreate, Emily Rowe is building more than a brand—she’s building a world of gentle, imaginative joy for children everywhere. One paw print at a time, her coloring books invite young dreamers to connect with animals, express their creativity, and find friendship in the pages of a story they get to color themselves.
While the family might not have a pet (yet), the love for animals lives in every page—proof that sometimes, imagination really is the next best thing.