When it comes to making coloring books for kids, Walter J. Reed only listens to one kind of expert: his grandkids.
With decades of experience in publishing and print, Walter isn’t new to the game—but his latest chapter is by far his most personal. After years of working behind the scenes on illustrated books, he’s now pouring his heart into something closer to home: joyful, age-appropriate coloring books designed for kids, by a grandfather who genuinely listens.
It all started with a simple question: “Grandpa, can we color something we like?” That was all the motivation Walter needed. Today, he creates charming, engaging coloring books inspired entirely by the imaginations of his grandchildren—his most honest (and brutally critical) test audience.
Q&A with Walter J. Reed
Q: What inspired you to start making coloring books?
“I’ve worked in publishing for years, but it wasn’t until I started making books for my grandchildren that it really clicked. I wanted to give them something meaningful—something made just for them. They loved it. Then they told me what to fix, what to add, what to make next. And I listened. That’s how this all started.”
Q: Why focus on children’s books?
“Because I see the joy they bring—firsthand. A child sitting down to color is a child creating, imagining, calming down, having fun. That’s a powerful thing. And as a grandparent, I want to be part of that joy, not just for my family but for others too.”
Q: Are there more books coming?
“Oh yes. I keep a running list of ideas—most of them straight from my grandkids. If they want dinosaurs with skateboards or fairy bunnies with backpacks, that’s what we’ll do. Their imaginations guide the direction, and I try to bring those visions to life.”
Q: Who are your books for?
“Primarily children between 3 and 8, though I try to make books that can grow with them. They’re great for parents and grandparents looking for wholesome, screen-free activities. They’re simple enough for younger kids, but thoughtful enough to keep older siblings entertained too.”
Q: What makes your coloring books stand out?
“They’re made with love—and with feedback from real kids. Every page is tested in my living room before it makes it into a book. If it doesn’t make my grandkids smile, it doesn’t go in. I think that personal connection really shows. These books aren’t churned out—they’re crafted.”
The Road Ahead
Walter J. Reed isn’t trying to follow trends—he’s following the laughter and curiosity of his grandkids. And in doing so, he’s quietly building a legacy: coloring books that feel warm, familiar, and rooted in genuine love.
Known in our store as Inkredible, a playful nod to his long-standing experience in the publishing world, Walter brings a professional eye and a personal touch to every book he creates. The name reflects both his print-savvy background and the ink-on-paper joy he now shares with children everywhere.
With more stories to tell, more characters to explore, and more pages waiting for crayons and creativity, Inkredible continues to do what he does best—create with heart, for the people who matter most.