LO CAL R ES O UR CES / S CH O O L S , PR ES CH O O L S + N WA IS
From Page to Play! These interactive nonfiction guidebooks plot volumes of summer fun By Lindsay Zielinski
Ahh, summer break ... has a chorus of “I’m bored!” filled your home yet? When the boredom blues strike, reach for a trusty nonfiction activity book for your little (and not so little) ones that will help them nurture a new hobby, practice a new skill or learn more about the world around them — and buy you some time to drink your coffee in peace!
For the Outdoor Enthusiast
“The Backyard Bug Book for Kids” by Lauren Davidson Ages: 3–5 Crawling with bugs that one might see lurking in the backyard, this book is a triple threat: part story, part activity and part photo journal. It’s a perfect companion for your curious toddler’s backyard adventures. “Backpack Explorer: On the Nature Trail: What Will You Find?” by the editors of Storey Publishing Ages: 4–8 This field guide is perfect for pint-size outdoor enthusiasts who love to explore nature. From helping to find shapes in the clouds to worms in the ground, this interactive guide is sure to keep your kids engaged with art projects, games, realistic drawings and photographs. It even includes a working magnifying glass! “Curious Kids Nature Guide: Explore the Amazing Outdoors of the Pacific Northwest” by Fiona Cohen, illustrated by Marni Fylling Ages: 5–9 Encourage your little one to appreciate the beauty in their own backyard with this unique guidebook, which is organized by habitat (forest, freshwater, beach, backyards and parks) and helps kids make connections to their own neighborhoods and beyond. Featuring fun facts, full-color illustrations and a Pacific Northwest focus, “Curious Kids” is a perfect pick for even the youngest of Puget Sound–region explorers.
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For the Creator
“Paper Crafts for Kids: 25 Cut-Out Activities for Kids Ages 4–8” and “Preschool Paper Crafts: 25 Creative Crafts to Practice Hand-Eye Coordination & Scissor Skills” by Stefania Luca Ages: 4–8 / 3–5 Looking for a craft that is easy to set up and clean up? Think paper! These fun guides present 25 different paper crafts with easy-to-use templates for puzzles, hats, puppets and more. With a few additional household items, your little one will be busy crafting their paper creations all summer long. “Sewing for Kids: 30 Fun Projects to Hand and Machine Sew” by Alexa Ward Ages: 6 and older With this guide, you’ll introduce the kids in your life to sewing by hand and, later, sewing with a machine. Easy techniques and beginner stitches will help build confidence while working on projects such as a sharktail blanket, sloth backpack charm and a beanbag chair. “Clay Lab for Kids: : 52 Projects to Make, Model, and Mold with Air-Dry, Polymer, and Homemade Clay” by Cassie Stephens Ages: 4–10 Written for all skill levels by an expert art teacher, each of the 52 tutorials in this book is presented with complete and easy-to-understand instructions to support the development of each child’s creativity, imagination and fine motor skills. “How to Make Jewelry Out of Anything : A Complete Out-of-the-Box Jewelry Making Guide for Teens and Teens-at-Heart!” by Menucha Citron Ceder Ages: 10 and older For tweens and teens looking for a new hobby or who want to hone their jewelrymaking skills, this guide is a perfect fit. Follow along with 42 tutorials that explore specific jewelry techniques using items from around the house, natural materials you can find in your backyard and upcycled materials.
