A specific type of activity book designed for children allows the creation of colorful images using only water and a paintbrush. The pages are pre-printed with outlines and special inks that react when wet, revealing vibrant colors. For example, a child can paint a black-and-white illustration of a garden with water, and flowers in shades of red, blue, and yellow will magically appear.
These books offer several advantages. They provide a mess-free painting experience, eliminating the need for paints and palettes. This characteristic makes them convenient for travel and home use, reducing the risk of staining and simplifying cleanup. Historically, such reactive art mediums have been utilized to introduce young children to art concepts in a playful and engaging manner.