Tag Archives: #activities

Top Activity Books for Children

2021, Activities, Children, Craft, , , , , , , , , ,

Like many parents, I am always looking for fresh ideas for my boredom-busting toolkit – interesting and meaningful activities, preferably requiring minimal supervision. I’ve really needed them during the current school holidays, and they’ll be helpful as we spend more time indoors during the cooler months. Anything to stave off moans about Being Bored, or battles about too much screentime! These terrific activity books fit the bill – they offer lots of open-ended ideas that encourage kids to play, think, reflect and create.

Usborne Design Activity Book by Alice James, Tom Mumbray and Petra Baan

Usborne has been publishing excellent children’s activity books for years – you may remember books about spycraft / origami / cooking from your own childhood. This Design Activity Book is another great example, and should offer plenty of fun and inspiration to kids who love art and visual design. Project ideas range from the more traditional, such as hand lettering, and designing logos and book covers, to more complex ones such as developing a board game, developing a website, and applying branding to a collection of items. Each idea is supported by lots of prompts and useful tips that draw upon the different steps of the design process. For ages 8+.

Chill Out: My Mindfulness Activity Book by Josephine Dellow

This activity book is not only fun and inspirational, but being based on mindfulness, can also help to support young people’s wellbeing in the longer term. Chill Out offers a good range of activities, puzzles, games and crafts, created with and for 5 – 8-year-olds; each activity encourages children to focus in on a task, settle the mind, and help to create a peaceful moment in their day. Chill Out is published by Ups!de Down Books, an independent publisher specialising in positive, age-appropriate and accessible titles around mental health and wellbeing. For ages 5-8.

Ninja Life Hacks Journal for Kids by Mary Nhin

This journal is a companion volume to the Ninja Life Hacks series, which are bite-sized, colourful books that aim to help children develop life skills. It covers topics such as managing emotions, developing resilience and learning respectful interactions.  The Ninja Life Hacks Journal turns these messages into goal-setting exercises that nurture a growth mindset: how to look past failures and learn from mistakes, practise positive self-talk and ultimately, develop grit and resilience.  Not only is it a useful workbook, it can become a great keepsake.  For ages 3-11.

101 Things for Kids to do Screen-Free by Dawn Isaac

Are you constantly trying to limit your kids’ screen time? Screen time is a big issue in so many families – especially during holidays –  so Dawn Isaac’s new book caught my eye right away. Dawn’s previous books on Outdoor activities and Rainy Day activities are both terrific resources, and this is no exception. The 101 Things described in this book range from the creative (no-sew sock creatures), to the silly (hands-free eating challenge) to the impressive (backyard mini golf).  There are crafts, recipes, outdoor challenges, games, and projects; most require few or commonly-found materials; some can be done on your own, while others are great for groups.  For ages 4-11.

The Joy Journal for Magical Everyday Play by Laura Brand

Laura Brand may not be well-known outside the UK – yet – but her great ideas around engaging with nature, creative crafting and the importance of play, deserve a wide audience. The Joy Journal offers fifty simple, engaging and open-ended play ideas that will appeal to a range of ages, including toddlers under supervision. Most of the projects are no-cost or low-cost, and use common household items, or scavenged natural materials such as flowers, leaves and twigs. Laura champions messy play, but offers helpful tips and “messiness ratings” for parents who may be more hesitant. The beautiful photograps and friendly chatty text means the book is a pleasure for the parent-reader as well! For ages 2+.

Rosie Revere’s Big Project Book for Bold Engineers by Andrea Beaty

Rosie Revere, Engineer is a firm favourite with both kids and adults, for its fun introduction to the engineering process, and its stereotype-busting story.  Now you can further nurture the inventiveness of your budding engineer with a Rosie Revere project book. With full-colour illustrations, Rosie Revere encourages readers to design and prototype solutions to everyday problems using commonplace items, and to learn from, rather than be discouraged by, failures and flops. The 40+ featured projects include designing a better bicycle, build a simple catapult, construct a solar oven, and more.  For ages 5+.

Bringing Book Week to Life for Children

Activities, Blog, Book Week, Children, , , , , ,

Each year across Australia, The Children’s Book Council of Australia brings children and books together celebrating CBCA Children’s Book Week. This year’s book week starts next Monday and during this time schools, libraries, booksellers, authors, illustrators and families will celebrate Australian children’s literature with children’s book character parades and amazing displays.

This year’s theme is Escape to Everywhere and aims to allow children to be transported to a world of fantastical creatures or larger-than-life characters. Click through for the list of books that have been shortlisted here.

Let’s explore a few ways you can bring Book Week to life for your children.

Costumes and Make Believe

Dressing up as our favourite character for Book Week parades in Primary School and curling up at bedtime under the cover with a book and a torch are just two of our strongest memories of reading as a child in the Booko HQ. There is a vast variety of options and inspiration for dressing up over on Pinterest – here are some of our favourites…

The Cat in the Hat by Dr Seuss

This Dr. Seuss’ classic is a deliciously anarchic story of a giant cat in a hat whose unexpected arrival turns a dull, rainy day into a madcap adventure. It’s a favourite in many families.

Here are some fabulous ideas for a Cat in the Hat costumes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pippi Longstocking By Astrid Lindgren

A true children’s classic. Pippi Longstocking is nine years old. She has just moved into Villa Villekulla where she lives all by herself with a horse, a monkey, and a big suitcase full of gold coins. The grown-ups in the village try to make Pippi behave in ways that they think a little girl should, but Pippi has other plans. She would much rather spend her days arranging wild, exciting adventures to enjoy. Generations of children have fallen in love with Pippi Longstocking as readers are instantly charmed by her warmth and sense of fun.

Find great ideas fro Pippi costumes here.

 

Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White

An affectionate, sometimes bashful pig named Wilbur befriends a spider named Charlotte, who lives in the rafters above his pen. A prancing, playful bloke, Wilbur is devastated when he learns of the destiny that befalls all those of porcine persuasion. Determined to save her friend, Charlotte spins a web that reads “Some Pig,” convincing the farmer and surrounding community that Wilbur is no ordinary animal and should be saved. In this story of friendship, hardship, and the passing on into time, E.B. White reminds us to open our eyes to the wonder and miracle often found in the simplest of things.

We think these costumes sum up Charlotte’s Web delightfully.

 

 

The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

Daywalt has created a colourful solution to a crayon-based crisis in this playful, imaginative story that will have children laughing and playing with their crayons in a whole new way.

Here are some amazing crayon inspired costumes.

 

 

 

Pig The Winner by Aaron Blabey

Pig was a Pug and I’m sorry to say, If he didn’t come first it would ruin his day. From award-winning creator of Pig the Pug comes a brand new tale about the world’s greediest pug. Pig the Pug is back and this time he is being a great big cheat. Pig will do anything to win, and, if he can’t, he throws great big tantrums. But when his latest attempt to beat his best friend, Trevor, backfires will Pig the Pug learn his lesson at last?

Click here for Pig The Pug face painting ideas.

 

 

91-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton

The 91-Storey Treehouse is the seventh book of Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton’s wacky treehouse adventures, where the laugh-out-loud story is told through a combination of text and fantastic cartoon-style illustrations.

Join Andy and Terry in their now 91-storey spectacular treehouse. They’ve added thirteen new levels, including the world’s most powerful whirlpool, a mashed-potato-and-gravy train and a human pinball machine. Why not try your luck on the spin-and-win prize wheel or hang out in a giant spider web (with a giant spider), or you can always get your fortune told by Madam Know-it-all or eat a submarine sandwich the size of an actual submarine while deciding whether or not to push the big red button . . .

Here are some great ideas for costumes for book week (we love the tree)

Listening / Library Activities

Hearing a story when you’re little is super exciting…especially for those that are not quite up to reading by themselves. Why not check out your local library and see what story time they have coming up.

This year the City of Melbourne has some great events for Book Week. Drop in to hunt for clues with Puss in Boots, pet detective, explore augmented reality at the East Melbourne Library with sessions for 3 to 5 year olds and 6 to 10 year olds, or you can also drop by one of the storytimes and escape into some of the stories shortlisted for the Book of the Year prize.

 

Food 

Be it a tea party with the children, or a bigger affair with their friends, story themed afternoon teas are wonderful.

Here are a few ideas for you…

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seuss

Imagine the squeals of delight and disgust when you offer your children a plate of green eggs, like these ones.

When Sam-I-am persists in pestering a grumpy grouch to eat a plate of green eggs and ham‚ perseverance wins the day‚ teaching us all that we cannot know what we like until we have tried it!

 

 

 

 

 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

This much-loved classic picture book follows the caterpillar’s week while he eats through a range of foods in preparation for his hibernation and subsequent appearance as a beautiful butterfly. Theming afternoon tea couldn’t be easier with these ideas…not to mention it’ll definitely encourage the children to eat their fruit!

 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley finds himself thrust into a new year and a new school where undersize weaklings share the corridors with kids who are taller, meaner and already shaving. Desperate to prove his new found maturity, which only going up a grade can bring, Greg is happy to have his not-quite-so-cool sidekick, Rowley, along for the ride. But when Rowley’s star starts to rise, Greg tries to use his best friend’s popularity to his own advantage. Recorded in his diary with comic pictures and his very own words, this test of Greg and Rowley’s friendship unfolds with hilarious results.

Just look at this clever party.

 

 

 

 

Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

A mad hatter’s the party would be delightful to bring to life in your own dining room…perhaps no tea cup throwing though…we love these ideas.

When Alice follows the White Rabbit down a rabbit hole, she finds herself in an enchanted world, filled with creatures like the Mad Hatter, the disappearing Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts. Alice quickly finds out that nothing is as it seems in the wild world of Wonderland.

 

 

 

Craft

Colouring, gluing, and snipping are all lovely ways to bring books to life for children. For those more daring, you could always whip out the sewing machine…here’s a few that will definitely be a hit…

Ten Apples Up on Top by Dr Seuss

Ten Apples up on Top has been helping preschoolers learn to count and read simultaneously. Simple illustrations and even simpler rhymes make this apple-balancing competition between a dog, a tiger, and a lion a fun, easy place to practice sight words and phonics.

Luckily some very clever craft people have shared their ideas on Pinterest here.

 

 

 

 

 

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen

Brave bear hunters go through grass, a river, mud, and other obstacles before the inevitable encounter with the bear forces a headlong retreat.

 

How sweet are these bear hunt crafts.

 

 

 

 

Corduroy by Don Freeman

This lovely picture book has always been a favourite in our house where a stuffed bear waiting hopefully in a toy department finds a home with a little girl. It’s endearing and beautifully illustrated.

These Corduroy activities are delightful.

 

 

 

Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter thinks he is an ordinary boy until he is rescued by an owl, taken to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, learns to play Quidditch and does battle in a deadly duel. A wonderful wizardly good book which has inspired a gazillion craft ideas just like these.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy!

5 activities for a non-boring school holiday

Activities, Blog, Children, Non-fiction, ,

Only a few more weeks until the September school holidays!  The prospect of a slower pace (perhaps even a sleep-in!?) is attractive, but school holidays can also mean squabbles and excessive screen-time if the kids are at a loose end.  So here are some activities that can lure your young’uns from the couch / TV / e-devices while stretching their creativity and imagination!  They are also great resources for nurturing an existing interest.

These ideas have been inspired by the excellent programs run by our librarian friends around the country.  Many public libraries have free or low-cost events specially designed for children and youth – these can range from theatre shows, games tournaments, craft sessions, to how-to workshops.  Some libraries even have specialist equipment such as recording studios and 3D printers – and will teach you how to use them.  So do check out your local library to see what they are offering these school holidays!

For those who like drawing / cartooning:
Kids Draw Big Book of Everything Manga by Christopher Hart

Christopher Hart is a bestselling author of how-to-draw books.  He has guides catering to all ages from young children to adults, and to all skill levels.  Kids Draw Big Book of Everything Manga is a beginner’s guide for middle-primary students, just starting to develop their own characters.  It starts with basic style elements that define a manga-style drawing, then offers stepwise instructions on how to draw typical characters, poses and equipment for genres such as monsters, fantasy and shoujo.

For those who like computer games:
Scratch for Kids for Dummies by Derek Breen

If you love computer games, why not try to create your own?  Scratch is a visual programming language that is easy to learn, allowing users to quickly start creating their own stories, animations and games.  (Users build projects by joining chunks of ready-made code together, like virtual LEGO).  There is also a version for younger children called ScratchJr available as a tablet app.  It is available free of charge and has impeccable educational credentials – created at the MIT Media Lab specifically to help children learn computer programming.

Scratch for Kids for Dummies can be used as a troubleshooting guide as well as a complete beginner’s course in Scratch.  It is divided into three sections – character design, animation and games creation.  Like other For Dummies guides, it feels approachable – it is easy to read and has clear stepwise instructions with lots of illustrations. Each chapter also ends with ideas for extending your skills.  Available in both paperback and eBook formats.

For those who love the outdoors:
Cronin’s Key Guide to Australian Wildlife by Leonard Cronin

The September Holidays is a great opportunity to head outdoors and enjoy some long-awaited warmth and sunshine.  Some local councils and libraries run a Junior Rangers program during school holidays to encourage young people to visit local parks.  Junior Rangers learn about nature and conservation through activities such as guided walks, wildlife and plant identification, puzzles and games.

Create your own Junior Ranger activities using Cronin’s guides.  The Guide to Australian Wildlife offers a general introduction to plants and animals for a range of habitats including coral reefs, rain forests, woodlands and deserts.  Other titles in this series focus on specific topics such as trees, wildflowers, mammals, reptiles, and rainforest plants.  Each entry is beautifully illustrated and contains a detailed description including information on location, size, type of habitat, diet etc.  Cronin’s Guides can be useful whether you are travelling or even at home – there’s a surprising variety of birds and wildlife even in suburbia!

For anyone who loves LEGO:
LEGO Awesome Ideas by Daniel Lipkowitz

Hot off the press is this latest book of ideas to help LEGO builders extend their play and stretch their imagination.  Following from the success of the LEGO Ideas Book (2011) and LEGO Play Book (2013), Daniel Lipkowitz now shows builders how to create whole imaginary worlds starting from a single creation.

LEGO Awesome Ideas is arranged in themed chapters, such as Outer Space and The Wild West.  In each chapter, it offers suggestions on what to build, how to build and what else to build, to help fans go from a single creation to developing a complete LEGO world.  Each topic is richly illustrated, including with step-by-step instructions and visual break-downs for clear guidance.

For those who love cooking, science and/or getting messy:
Kitchen Science Lab for Kids: 52 Family friendly Experiments from around the House by Liz Lee Heinecke

Using everyday objects to demonstrate science is a great way to engage kids and facilitate their understanding.  Kitchen Science Lab for Kids contains 52 simple experiments based on common and inexpensive materials.  The experiments are grouped by type (such as acids and bases, sunny science and life science), and cover key principles in chemistry, physics, and biology.  Each experiment includes step-by-step instructions, safety tips, a discussion of the relevant scientific principles and an extension activity.  They are simple enough that young children can participate, while interesting enough to appeal to teens.

Children who like to cook will also enjoy these experiments – after all, the process of gathering ingredients then carefully following a set of instructions is common to both cooking and to science!