Make it! Write it! Read it!: simple bookmaking projects to engage kids in art and literacy

2015 Gelett Burgess Children's Book Award Winner in Activity Book Category

Perfect for preschool through elementary–level educators seeking to enhance classroom lessons or parents and other caregivers looking for fun and creative hands-on activities for children, Make It! Write It! Read It! includes field-tested bookmaking projects that encourage self-expression while building both art and literacy skills. Seventeen easy-to-follow blank book designs—such as Accordion Fold, Hanging Tassel, and Paper-Bag-Pockets books—are presented and then applied to 23 specific cross-curricular book projects, including Alphabet, Pop-Up Jungle, and Flapping Insects books.

The projects require nothing more than imagination and standard classroom art supplies. With gentle prompting, kids can write poems, paragraphs, or simple stories related to their creations. Each activity includes educational objectives; skills developed; materials needed; clear, illustrated, step-by-step instructions; and literary connection ideas.

Longtime art educator Wendy M. L. Libby guides beginners who might need more direction but also suggests open-ended possibilities for more experienced bookmakers, teachers, and artists.