Disney Mystery Colorings Vaiana - New Augmented Edition: Review (Is It Worth It?)
🛟️ Curious about this book?
I’ve reviewed it below, but if you already want to see it on Amazon:
👉 View on AmazonI just received the "New Augmented Edition" of Disney Mystery Colorings - Special Movie: Vaiana, signed by Alexandre Karam at Hachette Héros. And let me be honest right away: if you already own the volume released on October 30, 2024, you're holding 90% the same book in your hands. The publisher presents it as an enriched edition for the release of Vaiana 2. In reality, let's compare page by page, and the conclusion is a bit disappointing for those who already own the original.
The verdict in short
The publisher reused the 50 colorings from 2024 identically and added only 10 colorings… 2 of which are double-page spreads. In the end, that's 8 genuinely new colorings. The only other notable addition: color-swatch pages on the back of each sheet. And that's about it.
Technical specs
- Title: Disney Mystery Colorings - Special Movie: Vaiana - New Augmented Edition
- Illustrator: Alexandre Karam
- Publisher: Hachette Héros
- Number of colorings: 60 (50 reused from 2024 + 10 added, 2 of which are double-page ? 8 actually new)
- New feature: color-swatch pages added on the back
- Format: A4
- Paper: Premium
- Release occasion: Vaiana 2 release
What actually changes?
- +10 colorings advertised, but 2 are double-page spreads ? 8 real new artworks.
- Color-swatch pages on the back: the page backs, mostly blank in the 2024 edition, are now used.
- Everything else is identical: the original 50 colorings, the same illustrator, the same publisher, the same A4 format and the same premium paper.
Comparison: 2024 edition vs new augmented edition
| Criterion | 2024 Edition | New Augmented Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Colorings | 50 | 60 (50 reused + 10 added, 2 of which are double-page ? 8 actually new) |
| Page backs | Mostly blank | Color-swatch pages added |
| Illustrator | Alexandre Karam | Alexandre Karam (identical) |
| Publisher | Hachette Héros | Hachette Héros |
| Format | A4 | A4 |
| Release occasion | Initial release (Oct 30, 2024) | Vaiana 2 release |
| Worth it if you own 2024 | — | Low (only 8 new colorings) |
For reference, here is the cover of the original 2024 edition:
The swatch pages: the only real plus
Honestly, this is the most useful addition. In the 2024 edition, the page backs were mostly blank. Here, the publisher used them to slip in color-swatch pages, handy for testing your markers and preparing your color ranges before you start.
Here is a solution page for one of the new colorings:
And for comparison, an old coloring already present in the 2024 edition:
Why it's a letdown
In the book's introduction, the publisher explains they wanted to "remake" the book for the release of Vaiana 2. And that's where it stings: they could very well have made a real sequel, a volume 2 entirely dedicated to the second film, with 50 brand-new colorings.
Instead, we get the 50 already-known colorings + only 8 new ones. For someone who already owns the 2024 edition (like me), it's frustrating: you're rebuying almost the same book for a handful of novelties.
Should you buy it?
If you do NOT own the 2024 edition: yes, go for it. It's a beautiful, well-made book, with 60 colorings in total and handy swatch pages. You get the best of both worlds. (See also my detailed review of the original edition.)
If you already own the 2024 edition: honestly, it's not worth it. Unless you're a big Vaiana fan who wants to color the artworks a second time, or the 8 new drawings + swatch pages genuinely appeal to you.
Final thoughts
"New Augmented Edition" is a slightly generous term for what is, deep down, the same book as in 2024 with 8 extra colorings and swatch pages. The idea of a true sequel dedicated to Vaiana 2 would have been so much more exciting.
A good book for newcomers, a letdown for the loyal fans. If you're hesitating and already own the original edition, trust your instinct: keep your money instead.
In the meantime, you can also try my free printable pixel mystery colorings, or color directly online in the PixelSecret gallery.
The visuals (illustrations, excerpts, photos) shown on this page are used for illustration purposes and remain the property of their respective authors/publishers. Trademarks and names belong to their respective owners. Colorings and photos are by Usako unless stated otherwise. Any reproduction, distribution, or commercial reuse is not allowed without the prior consent of the rights holders.