Off the Page: 6 Picture Books and Paired Activities to Try at Home
by Janssen Bradshaw
One reason I love picture books is that they introduce a whole new world of playing, exploring, and learning to my children.
I can’t count how many times I’ve read a picture book with my kids and they’ve immediately asked to try a new skill or activity.
In that spirit, we’re pairing picture books with an activity you can do at home — perfect for long summer days!
-
Fantastic Folding
-
READ: More-igami
I have yet to meet a child who isn’t fascinated by origami. In this sweet book, Joey loves all things that fold — give him a map, an accordion, a hideaway bed, and he’s a happy camper. So when he discovers origami, he can’t get enough.
-
MAKE: Origami
Try this collection of origami tutorials for kids— there are so many different options, they’ll stay occupied for hours!
-
Snow Day, Any Day
-
READ: Snowflake Bentley
This Caldecott Medal book will give your nonfiction lover all the details they could want about snowflakes and the man who took gorgeous photographs of them.
-
MAKE: Snow
Afterward, make your own snow (you won’t believe how easy it is!) and enjoy some cold play while the sun is blazing outside.
-
Finger Puppet Fun
-
READ: Piggies
This charming book is one of my very favorites, with piggies getting into all sorts of delightful mischief in all seasons and times of day.
-
MAKE: Finger Puppets
Read this ten times, then make a collection of animal finger puppets of your own. Just don’t take them in the bathtub!
-
Playground Art
-
READ: Chalk
I love this wordless book about chalk drawings come to life. For these three kids, a day at the playground turns pretty magical.
-
PLAY: Sidewalk Chalk
Your sidewalk chalk might not have the same magical properties, but these games will definitely make you feel more inspired.
-
Young Star Gazers
-
READ: Zoo in The Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations
Available from:There’s something so fascinating about constellations — it’s like a magical puzzle in the night sky (and summer is the perfect time to stay up late enough to find them).
Also available from:
-
MAKE: Constellation Cards
Choose your favorites, and make your own set of constellation cards so you can enjoy finding these animals day or night.
-
Oceans of Fun
-
READ: Flotsam
Whether or not a beach trip is on your summer calendar, this is a really fun book that imagines all the amazing things that could be under the ocean’s surface.
-
MAKE: Your Own Ocean
Make your own little ocean at home — no sandy feet required.