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alive, and real. The friends start exploring their new power by drawing sunshine and butterflies, but then they go a step farther and draw a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Creating a living dinosaur, as we know from Jurassic Park, is generally a very bad idea. Chaos reigns until the kids figure out how to use their art to save the day.

Dog Loves Drawing by Louise Yates

Dog received a blank sketchbook as a gift. At first, he wasn’t sure what to do with it, but then he started doodling and a world of storytelling and adventures opened up! Dog creates new friends (duck, owl, and crab), and together they ride trains, explore the sea in boats, and find a desert island. For every problem that arises, Dog draws a creative solution. Be warned — after reading this book you should have some blank sketchbooks on hand for your newly inspired kiddos!

I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More! By Karen Beaumont

It is time for pure absolute silliness. This goofy adaption of the song “It Ain’t Gonna Rain No More” is fabulously colorful and messy. A young boy has been forbidden to paint anymore after painting on the walls of

his house. The call of the paint cannot be resisted, however, and soon he is painting his whole body from head to toe. Be prepared for “I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More!” to become a family favorite!

2020

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13

Crafts for Little Artists that Aren’t a Pain to Clean Up By Rebecca Hastings

I think there’s still glitter on my floor

From 5 years ago.

Arts and crafts have a way of sticking around, and while I want to encourage creativity in my kids, I hate cleaning up the aftermath.

Yes, we can make them clean up. I know. But seriously. Do they ever really clean it all up? If you’re going to be the one picking up from the latest craft session, here are 13 crafts that will make your job easier and allow your little artist to be creative.

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Combo Scratch Art Set

I love this. Still. And kids are drawn to it. Scratch through the black surface to reveal amazing colors. Reveal as much or as little as you want. This favorite comes with 16 boards, 2 stylus tools and 3 frames. Kids love the rainbow and metallic backgrounds.

Boogie Board Jot LCD eWriter

A small notebook sized LCD drawing panel, the Boogie Board Jot is perfect for drawing anywhere, even in the car. No mess and endless possibility. Kids love the erase button and the ability to start fresh. Great for keeping in your purse for kids to play with on the go.

Made By Me Build and Paint Your Own Wooden Cars

This one does involve paint, but it’s all pretty self-contained. Spread a piece of newspaper and grab a cup of water. Kids put together small wooden cars and then decorate using the stickers and paints provided. This one is great for keeping boys busy and giving them a chance to create.

Fashion Angels Portfolios & American Girl Doll Fashion Design Portfolio Set

Kids design outfits and unique looks on the doll like outlines provided. Tons of great activity books with stencils for those who love to create fun fashion looks. Makeup, fashion and even home decorating books give kids great ways to draw and imagine as they get older. Melissa & Doug Paint with Water Sometimes the little ones just want to paint. A great compromise that just involves water! Watch images and colors appear magically as your little artists swipes a wet brush across a page!

Alex Toys Craft Color a House Children’s Kit

Cardboard box play taken to the next level, kids can easily construct a house and then decorate it with crayons. Toddlers love this and it keeps them busy for hours!

Crayola Color Wonder Magic Light Brush & Drawing Pad

Half the fun of this amazing toy is the magic! Kids use the special brush to paint on their paper. It lights up with each color they pick and they create a masterpiece. Plus, it doesn’t leave marks on hands, the table or clothes!

Rainbow Wikki Stix

These bendy, twisty sticks quickly become a favorite of kids and adults. You can link them together, twist and create without making a mess to clean up. Another great toy for the traveling creative!

Sidewalk Chalk

Let nature take care of the cleanup! Kids love the ability to leave their mark and draw outdoors. A bucket of sidewalk chalk fits the bill, and all you