This is nice paper, it has a smooth hot press like surface and is thick and sturdy. I use inktense blocks with a water pen brush and the paper can handle it well, though I wouldn't try more than 5 layers. This is definitely more affordable than sketchbooks.

I have been an art teacher for over two decades. This paper is a good deal. It is sturdy and holds up well under repeated wetting and brushing. Excellent for student use.

Nice paper. Watercolors sit on top of paper and make interesting outlines. This is the most interesting so called watercolor paper I've used. The colors soak in and you can keep adding colors they don't mix at all on the paper. If you're serious about learning watercolors I'd pass on the paper. If you want fun paper to paint on, this is it. I love to see what happens in art, I'm just having fun. This gives me 200 pages of fun. The second pic I added is me trying to add more paint to make the paper fall apart. Most inexpensive paper cannot handle more than two swipes of the brush, this keeps going no problem. I'd imagine it's great for kids. Do keep in mind the size is not a full sheet of paper.

It could be more absorbent

This is a decent paper. It does curl up some under the water of watercolor. I tend not to use so much water. I like my paint vibrant. All in all, I like this paper especially for small paintings since it is 6x9. It's good for a beginner.

This is only a half sheet sized paper. My own fault for not checking dimensions. It ended up working excellently though. I bought this and used with my fourth grade students. They loved getting to watercolor, I loved the price. And honestly the half sheet worked even better with the amount of time I had with them.