Welcome to my May side hustle review! I’ve decided that everymonth (or week) I want to deep dive into a new side hustle that has caught my attention. This week I’m diving into a trending side hustle: Selling dot-to-dot books on Amazon KDP.
In a world where digital side hustles are thriving, a fresh opportunity is emerging — creating and selling dot-to-dot books using Canva’s AI tools. If you’re looking for a creative, low-investment way to generate passive income, this guide will walk you through every step — from research to publishing.
🧠 Why Dot-to-Dot Books?
Dot-to-dot books, also known as connect-the-dots puzzles, are surprisingly popular among both children and adults. Kids love them for fun and learning, while adults use them as relaxing, meditative activities. With minimal competition in some niches, dot-to-dot books offer a smart entry point into the self-publishing market — especially when powered by Canva AI.
I love the idea of this side hustle, the creative opportunities for images to draw dot-to-dot images are endless!
🛠 Tools You’ll Need
- Canva Pro (for AI image generation and design tools)
- Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing account)
- Creative Fabrica or Pixabay (optional for additional graphics if you want)
Keyword research tools (e.g., Book Bolt, Publisher Rocket, Amazon autocomplete)
🔍 Step 1: Niche & Keyword Research
Before creating your dot-to-dot book, it’s essential to know who you’re designing for and what they want. Here’s how to conduct effective niche research:
1. Amazon Search Bar (Free & Powerful)
Start typing “dot to dot” or “connect the dots” into Amazon’s search bar. You’ll see autocomplete suggestions like:
- Dot to dot for kids ages 4-8
- Dot to dot animals
- Dot to dot for adults
- Christmas dot to dot
These are real user search queries — perfect indicators of demand.
Take a scroll through and see what catches your eye, and note what type of images you yourself would like to create! For example, I have young boys so anything with dinosaurs or trucks would instantly catch my eye.
2. Check Amazon Bestsellers
Visit the Books > Children’s Activity Books or Crafts & Hobbies sections to find top-performing dot-to-dot books. Study:
- Title
- Cover design
- Age range
- Themes
3. Use Publisher Rocket or Book Bolt
These tools show search volume, competition level, and profitability of specific keywords in the Amazon KDP ecosystem. Look for low-competition, high-demand niches like:
- Farm animals for toddlers
- Relaxation dot-to-dot for seniors
- Holiday-themed puzzles (Easter, Halloween, etc.)
4. Spy on Competitors
Check book reviews on Amazon. What do buyers love? What do they complain about? Use this to improve your own book.
Just like anything reviews can make or break you, learn from others mistakes and use that to your advantage!
🎨 Step 2: Create Dot-to-Dot Images Using Canva AI
With Canva Pro, you can now generate your own illustrations using AI tools like “Text to Image.” Here’s how:
- Open Canva → Click Apps → Search for Text to Image.
- Type prompts like “cartoon elephant for kids,” “simple rocket ship outline,” or “mandala flower drawing.”
- Choose the best output, adjust brightness/contrast if needed.
Convert to Dot-to-Dot:
- Use Canva’s “Draw” tool (or the line + circle shapes) to place dots around the image outline.
- Number each dot manually or using text elements.
- Keep designs age-appropriate (simpler for kids, intricate for adults).
Create 25–30 puzzles per book.
📚 Step 3: Compile and Format Your Book
Next up: after you’ve gone and created the images and dot-to-dot creations we need to format your book to be able to print.
- Page Size: Choose 8.5 x 11 inches (standard for activity books).
- Interior: Add 1 puzzle per page. Consider placing solutions at the back.
- Cover: Use Canva’s book cover templates (or custom design). Must include:
- Engaging title (with keywords)
- Age group or theme
- Fun, bold visuals
- Engaging title (with keywords)
Step 4: Publish on Amazon KDP
- Create a free account at kdp.amazon.com
- Upload your PDF interior and cover design
- Enter title, keywords, and book description optimized for SEO
Choose “Low Content Book”, set your pricing, and publish!
Pro Tips for Success
- Bundle themes (e.g., 3-in-1 dot-to-dot + coloring + maze books)
- Add educational value (e.g., letter/number recognition)
- Include fun facts with each puzzle
- Use seasonal trends (Christmas, Halloween, Summer)
Creating dot-to-dot books using Canva AI is not just a creative outlet — it’s a viable business model in 2025. With proper niche research, smart design, and the ease of Amazon KDP, you can launch a profitable passive income stream.
I love this idea, and the barrier to entry and effort to start is relatively low!
The key? Start simple, stay consistent, and iterate based on feedback.
