Unicorns, Mermaids and More: Colouring Tips for Little Hands
By Orchard Toys | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: Tips & Care
Help toddlers enjoy the Unicorns, Mermaids and More colouring book with simple steps for pencil grip, sticker matching and colouring within the lines.
Quick answer
Start with short, playful sessions using the Unicorns, Mermaids and More colouring book, focusing on grip and sticker matching before worrying about colouring within the lines.
Why little hands need a different approach
Toddlers are still developing the small muscles and coordination needed for colouring. Rushing them into neat colouring within the lines can lead to frustration. Instead, treat the colouring book as a chance to build hand-eye coordination and creativity at their own pace. The Unicorns, Mermaids and More book includes stickers to match to each page, which gives a concrete, satisfying task that doesn't rely on precise colouring.
When to introduce colouring within the lines
There's no fixed age, but most children show readiness when they can intentionally change direction with a crayon and show interest in boundaries. Until then, let them colour freely. The book's clear pictures and magical themes are designed to inspire creativity, so focus on fun rather than accuracy. If your child gets frustrated with lines, switch to sticker matching for a while.
Step-by-step colouring routine for little hands
- Set up a comfortable space: Use a low table and chair so your child's feet rest flat, and place crayons within easy reach. Choose chunky crayons or washable markers that are easy to grip. Check that your child can reach the page without stretching.
- Start with a sticker page: Let your child match a few stickers to the corresponding page. This warms up fingers and gives a quick sense of achievement before colouring. Praise the matching, not the neatness.
- Model a relaxed grip: Show how to hold a crayon with thumb and fingers, but don't force a tripod grip. Let your child experiment; offer a broken crayon if they press too hard. If grip is awkward, try a shorter crayon to encourage fingertip control.
- Colour a small area together: Pick one simple shape, like a unicorn's horn or a mermaid's tail, and colour alongside your child. Keep it brief—two to three minutes is plenty. Stop before your child loses interest.
- Introduce lines gently: Point out the outline and suggest trying to stay inside. If they go over, simply say 'almost' and move on. Use the stickers as a reward for effort. Celebrate attempts, not perfection.
- Finish with a sticker reward: End the session by letting your child choose a sticker to place on a finished page. This creates a positive association with colouring. Keep sessions under ten minutes for toddlers.
Product facts
- Unicorns, Mermaids and More: Includes stickers to match to each page. Sticker matching gives little hands a purposeful activity that builds fine motor skills without the pressure of colouring inside lines.
Unicorns, Mermaids and More
