For kinesthetic learners who learn by “doing” and for visual learners who learn by seeing, crafts are a fun and memorable way to learn. Here are some creative crafts to bring books to life.
Peg Caterpillar and Butterfly inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Cute and easy idea for creating the caterpillar and butterfly from The Very Hungry Caterpillar with wire, paint, and clothes pins.
Bubble Wrap Paint Dinosaurs inspired by Dinosaur Roar by Paul Stickland
Every kid (and adult) loves bubble wrap! Grab some bubble wrap, paint, and a piece of paper and you’re set to go!
What’s Outside Your Window Craft inspired by The Day is Waiting by Don Freeman
Don Freeman, author of Corduroy, left behind some brilliant, unpublished artwork before he died. His widow and a friend wrote a story, and compiled them into The Day is Waiting.
Train Craft inspired by Freight Train by Donald Crews
Inspired by the Caldecott Medal winner Freight Train, this craft consists of construction paper and a Kleenex box.
Apple Squash Bread inspired by A Garden for Pig by Kathryn Thurman
A great book that encourages gardening and eating vegetables. Here’s some apple squash bread to go along with the story. You could also plant a little vegetable garden to go along with it.
Paper Plate Paddington Activity inspired by Paddington by Michael Bond
Paddington recently hit the big screens and to celebrate, here is this awesome painting paper plate craft.
Paper Plane Activity inspired by My Friend Rabbit by Eric Rohmann
Caldecott Medal Winner My Friend Rabbit tells the story of rabbit, who always gets into trouble.
Giraffes Can’t Dance Wall Art inspired by Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
You will need some brads and card stock for this craft inspired by the adorable book Giraffes Can’t Dance.
Yertle the Turtle Stacking Game inspired by Yertle the Turtle by Dr Seuss
You need two egg cartons to make two dozen little “turtles.” Make little turtles and see how many you can stack before they all fall down!
Headband Craft inspired by Daisy-Head Mayzie by Dr. Seuss
Check out this cute and easy headband craft inspired by beloved author Dr. Seuss.
Weaving Word Webs inspired by Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
From this Newbery honor book, recreate Charlotte’s famous spider web words with paper plates, a hole punch, and ribbon.
Color Magic inspired by Mouse Paint by Ellen Walsh Stoll
Make your own homemade play dough inspired by Mouse Paint!
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Activities inspired by Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff
Filled with life’s ups and downs, this beautiful Newbery Honor book is about an orphan, Hollis Woods, who finally finds a family. It was turned into a beautiful Hallmark Hall of Fame movie featuring Sissy Spacek. Here are some snacks and discussion questions to get you started.
Activities inspired by Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Here is a collection of crafts, foods, and activities to go with the book and movie Because of Winn Dixie. This Newbery Honor classic tells the story of a young girl who befriends a dog in a new town.
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