5 minute read
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. 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 jewelry- making 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.
For the Scientist
“The Curious Kid’s Science Book: 100+ Creative Hands-on Activities for Ages 4–8” by Asia Citro Ages: 4–8 Perfect for younger budding scientists, this guide holds more than 100 science investigations to answer your child’s most burning questions, such as “Is slug slime as strong as a glue stick?” Parents will appreciate the clear directions and simple materials, and kids will love the playful experiments that help them understand what it’s really like to be a scientist.
“The Science Spell Book: Magical Experiments for Kids” by Cara Florance Ages: 7–10 Witches and wizards agree: If you really think about it, science is true magic. With easy-to-follow instructions, clear diagrams and photographs, and complete explanations about the science specifics, this bewitching book perfectly blends whimsy with home experiments in biology, physics and chemistry.
“Steve Spangler’s Super Cool Science Experiments for Kids!” by Steve Spangler Ages: 8–12 Featuring 50 STEM-tastic experiments ranging from beginner to advanced and that use materials found around the house, this collection is sure to provide your mad scientist hours of fun. Projects include an air-pressure can crusher, the world’s simplest motor, eggshell geodes and even a homemade lung! For the Builder
“The Big Book of Amazing LEGO Creations with Bricks You Already Have” by Sarah Dees Ages: 6–12 What’s not to love about Lego? Besides stepping on a rogue 2x4 in the early morning, these little bricks are the perfect play companion. This jumbo guide presents cool objects you can assemble using bricks you most likely already have on hand, such as a pirate ship, troll, Humvee and more. With the book’s story and scene suggestions, hours of Lego fun are in your future.
“Sticks and Stones: A Kid’s Guide to Building and Exploring in the Great Outdoors” by Melissa Lennig Ages: 7 and older With projects such as designing a stick catapult, creating a bug hotel, building a dam, making jewelry and crafting a fishing pole from a stick, the guide has something to interest even the starchiest couch potato. Each activity supports the development of problem-solving skills while nurturing creativity.
“Cardboard Box Engineering: Cool, Inventive Projects for Tinkerers, Makers & Future Scientists” by Jonathan Adolph Ages: 9–14 Perfect for recycling enthusiasts and budding engineers, this guide contains a variety of step-by-step photographic instructions for creating amazing things out of cardboard. Projects include a robotic hand, handmade spin art, a wind-powered tractor, a bouncy Skee-Ball and even a rocket blaster. ■ Lindsay Zielinski is a mom, wife and writer living in Tacoma. She spends most of her time in libraries, where she is always looking for her next favorite picture book.
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