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Publisher’s synopsis: This hilarious and inventive drawing book by animator Chris McDonnell features page after page of off-the-wall gags and fillin doodle prompts. McDonnell’s infectious humor recalls MAD magazine at its finest. Ideal for an instant laugh or for anyone looking to spark their creative side, this interactive volume is the ultimate resource for fun with pen and paper.
I had the fortunate opportunity to attend Book Expo America this year and was introduced to so many new books and more! One of the booths that caught my eye was that of Hawk's Nest Publishing.
Hawk's Nest Publishing LLC is a publisher of coloring and activity books, but what makes them stand out from others is how they focus on sports. After all, Hawk's Nest Publishing was founded in 2006-- honoring the memory of Francis "Hawk" Connery, a well known coach and advocate for youth sports from Springfield, Massachusetts.
The creation of their first Coloring and Activity book was inspired by a family love of baseball shared by Peg Connery-Boyd and her three sons, Kevin, Ian, and Colin Boyd, who initially admired a sketch of Manny Ramirez that she had drawn.
Rain, hail or shine, summer, winter, fall or spring, activity books are fantastic boredom busters. They also make wonderful birthday gifts that are budget savvy. From doodles to stickers to making your own animation movies, this list of activity books showcases some of our favorites. We’ve also included a great resource for parents that is all about building your child’s self-esteem through reading, crafting and cooking.
Publisher’s synopsis: This is a doodle book, a journal, and a scrap book – the perfect buy for any child going away on summer vacation! Includes more than 50 vacation-themed doodles to complete, it doesn’t require any drawing skills, just a little bit of imagination!
Summer is wonderful for its down time, but there are times when I get driven crazy by the whining, "I'm bored, Mom. What should I do???" I love to have several activity books on hand for lazy afternoons, car trips and errands. Here are some of our current favorites for ages 5 - 8 (but I have to admit, our older children have fun with them, too!):
This is an incredible book with photographs to trick your eye. Steiner assembles mini-sets using household objects to create 3D scenes of famous landmarks. So in this cover image, she's used garlic and onions to make the domes, upside down recorders to make the minarets, and brussel sprouts to make the ornamental trees. Kids spend hours trying to spot the everyday objects she's used in these clever scenes. If you have a kid who loves the I Spy series, definitely check out Joan Steiner's books! I'm excited to see Look-Alikes: Seek and Search Puzzles, her newest book.
I found this thin book while looking for something else in the library and pulled it from the shelf to look at it. It turned out to be a unique type of activity book for teaching grades 4-8 about the Second World War.
The book relies on primary source documents for relating to the war. The book suggests that a teacher using this workbook begin by teaching students the difference between a primary and a secondary source document. The benefits of using primary sources for students is that as they learn how to interpret what they are looking at they become active historians rather than simply passive receivers of information (and usually someone else’s interpretation of history.)
The first part of the book contains teaching note on the various areas to be looked at, including teaching suggestions. This is followed by a reproducible page (see example below) that the students can use for evaluating each document they use.
The rest of the book contains the also reproducible primary source documents (see example below), beginning with pages from Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf, his plan for Germany written before he seized power. Using Hitler's book is something I have never seen before in other workbooks, but I think it is important to understand an enemy and how he thinks. Other topics covered are the Hitler Youth, movies and songs of the time, Auschwitz, and Roosevelt’s Day of Infamy speech, including his handwritten changes and corrections.
Children’s author Jeff Kinney continues to pump out his Wimpy Kid—related books—and for good reason. To date, there are five books in the series with a sixth in the works and each installment is as charming, fun, and engaging as the last.
Kinney’s latest effort, The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book, isn’t really a continuation of the series. Rather, it’s an interesting take on a children’s journal with page after page of fun fill-in questions, comics, and drawing opportunities. Sure to tide enthusiastic Kinney fans over until the November release of Diary of a Wimpy Kid 6, The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book will also prove to be valuable keepsake for parents. This is because the series of prompts featured in the journal encourages kids to record information about who they are now, often cheekily referencing the fact that children will want to remember these things when they’re “old,” which is 30-years-old in Greg Heffley’s world.
The book opens up with a prompt about desert island picks, featuring spaces for children to write in their favorite video games, songs, books, and movies, but this is just the beginning. Though many of the journal’s 224 pages are left blank with the intention of being used for actual journaling, there are dozens of fun writing opportunities that will enable parents to get to know their kids better (if they’re allowed to read the journal), while also enabling kids to get to know themselves better. It’s rare that children are encouraged to write outside of school and chances are that they wouldn’t have the opportunity to illustrate what’s in their brain, record their finest moments, write five things nobody knows about them, or make their own comics if it weren’t for Kinney’s journal.
Though some prompts are framed in a way that seems sort of trivial, like having kids design their dream house, practice their autograph, or create a sandwich to be named after them—all for when they become “rich and famous” (which is referenced several times throughout the journal), it’s all in good fun and, if actually followed through with, children and parents alike will be happy to have this keepsake when the little ones aren’t so little anymore.
From seeing the stars to taking a tour of the moon, The Klutz Guide to the Galaxy is an educational, entertaining, intergalactic treat. The book comes with 6 tools, including a build-it-yourself telescope and a no-batteries-required sundial, to help kids ages 8 and up navigate their way through outer space. The design and layout is kid-friendly, making it easy for galactic explorers to digest information and ponder some of the greatest scientific discoveries of our universe, right from their backyards.
Is it possible you have a young galactic explorer at your house? If so, reach for the stars and enter to win one of two copies of The Klutz Guide to the Galaxy. Giveaway begins April 25, 2011, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends May 23, 2011, at 11:59 P.M. PST.
Reading Level: 8 and up
Paperback: 67 pages
Book overview: THE KLUTZ GUIDE TO THE GALAXY by Pat Murphy and the Scientists of Klutz Labs
Isn’t it time you discovered your place in the galaxy?
Explore the universe without leaving the comfort of your backyard. When the scientists at Klutz Labs tackle outer space, we not only ask questions like “Where’s the Big Dipper” but also “If I lived on planet Mercury, am I already old enough to drive?” Use the included telescope, red light for night use, sundial, and astrolab to start exploring our great galaxy.
An extra entry will be given for each time you twitter about the giveaway and/or blog about it. You will need to paste the link in a separate comment to make this entry valid. Click here to follow us on Twitter.
Maximum entries: Three (3)
Giveaway Rules:
Shipping Guidelines: This book giveaway is open to participants with a United States or Canadian address.
Giveaway begins April 25, 2011, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends May 23, 2011, at 11:59 P.M. PST, when all entries must be received. No purchase necessary. See official rules for details. View our privacy policy.
Here are few books that are great for holiday time fun!
Monster Book of Drawing Bind-up Marc McBride (Scholastic) Monster Battles, Dangerous Beasts, Mythical Creatures ... learn to draw all of these with this wonderful book from the master of fantasy illustration, Marc McBride. With simple and well presented step-by-step instructions drawing monsters in battle, in flight, and creating your own mythical beast has never been this easy. As well there are examples of lettering styles for the creatures.
Australia and World Records 2011 Morse & Harris (Scholastic) Beginning with a section dedicated to just Australian records this book is for the readers who has lots of questions .... like
What is Australia's driest town?
What is Australia’s wettest town?
Which AFL player has kicked the most goals?
What is Australia’s coldest place?
What is Australia’s hottest town?
Who scored Australia’s highest test innings?
All of these questions and many more world records are answered in the pages of this full colour book. There is even a section on technology, human endurance, music and movies.
World Cricket Records 2011 (Scholastic Australia) Cricket is not over yet ... there's more to come so here is the book for the fanatics who want records ...
Who is Australia’s highest test run scorer?
Which country has the longest unbeaten streak in test cricket?
Which Australian bowler has the Australian record for the most ducks?
Who holds the record for the most test dismissals by a wicketkeeper?
Who is the only batsman to make three double-centuries in a single test series?
These questions can all be answered in this new edition. Full of cricket trivia and fascinating facts from all formats of the game including test, 20-20 cricket, domestic and women's cricket, and information about some of the stars past and present, this is a must for cricket buffs.
Enjoy the facts .....
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The holiday season can bring out the “Martha” in all of us. Unfortunately, ’tis the season to zap away the time required to be a “Martha.” So … this book list (or book-ish, at least) can be used a few different ways:
The obvious: You are shopping for a budding artist or crafting enthusiast.
The handy: Use some of these books to entertain your children while you get busy baking cookies, writing Christmas cards, or putting your feet up while you sip on some spiked hot apple cider.
The clever: You like to give books, but the kids you are buying for can’t sit still long enough to read or be read to. Art and craft books are like reading trickery: The craft keeps fingers busy while the instructions keep minds reading.
MoMA Make Art Mistakes: An Inspired Sketchbook for Everyone
by Museum of Modern Art New York
Reading level: All Ages
Diary: 128 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (October 27, 2010)
Publisher’s synopsis: With eye-catching interiors and playful activities, this open-ended sketchbook encourages would-be artists of all ages to look at the world around them and take chances expressing what they see. Inspiring and colorful graphic design will unleash the artist in anyone.
Publisher’s synopsis: Taro Gomi invites children to punch out more than 60 fantastic playthings, including ring-toss games, finger puppets, boxes, picture frames, a zoo’s worth of animals, and more! Packed with Gomi’s fun, accessible artwork and a delightful variety of games and toys, this book will appeal to children of all ages, engaging their imaginations and entertaining them all day long.
This is a book list for sports enthusiasts, young Einsteins-in-the-making, myth busters, restless minds and grown men! From Potato Chip Science to The World’s Most Amazing Facts and Records, there is seriously something for everyone. And, while I would recommend most of these books to the most reluctant of readers—particularly boys—I would suggest that you don’t rule these suggestions out for girls. Young girls in particular have very curious minds and very much enjoy a good hands-on experiment—there’s also a beautiful and energetic baseball book which tells the inspiring story of Effa Manley.
The Science Books
Potato Chip Science: 29 Incredible Experiments
by Allen Kurzweil (Author), Max Kurzweil (Collaborator)
Reading level: Ages 8-12
Paperback: 96 pages
Publisher: Workman Publishing Company (September 1, 2010)
Source: Author
The packaging of this kit (a “book & stuff”) alone has a ton of kid-appeal—it looks and feels like a bag of potato chips—but it’s not the cover from which we judge, it’s what is on the inside. Judge for yourself …
By Bianca Schulze, The Children's Book Review Published: September 18, 2009 Super Simple Sewing Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 20 pages Publisher: Chicken Socks; Pap/Toy edition (August 19, 2009) I love activity books for many reasons. They often keep children busy, inspire creativity, refine different motor and cognitive skills, but the most clever of all is that they are the best form of reading trickery. In other words, kids who prefer to be busy with their hands will not even realize they are reading -- provided the activity is one that they enjoy and that the instructions are not too difficult. This is where Chicken Socks, a collection of younger books by the Klutz team, comes in handy. The activities in the Chicken Socks collection are usually designed for 4 & up, and are well suited to less refined motor-skills and reading levels. Often with a little parental help, a 3-year-old will also have a lot of fun with these projects -- I know from experience. "Ready, Set, Sew! ...Soon you'll be able to sew like a pro!" Super Simple Sewing is a neat little set of 4 sewing activities: purse, bracelet, bird, and a door tag. Each project comes...
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Can you name the cake creations? (from my new activity book in progress)
yum…bakery
Jessica has been in a baking mood. I don’t bake, but I do draw food!
Before I became ultra-weird and acquired a profession as an animal communicator, I illustrated my first book, Cooking Art, Gryphon House Inc. I had so much fun drawing all the foods for the book. I discovered I am not much a cook, but very good at drawing food. This was our kitchen way back when!
0 Comments on I’m in a baking mood… as of 1/1/1900
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I had the fortunate opportunity to attend Book Expo America this year and was introduced to so many new books and more! One of the booths that caught my eye was that of 
Young readers/ artists will love these activity books such as the 
and the 
. Fans can color their favorite players, complete games and puzzles, and even connect-the-dots. Challenge your knowledge of players' numbers, and even complete a page about yourself that states who you're favorite player is and what your favorite position is. 
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, her newest book.
Junie B.'s These Puzzles Hurt My Brain!
2 Comments on Keeping kids busy: favorite activity books this summer (ages 5-8), last added: 7/19/2011
2 Comments on Primary Sources Teaching Kit World War II by Sean Price, last added: 6/16/2011
Can you name the cake creations? (from my new activity book in progress)
Before I became ultra-weird and acquired a profession as an animal communicator, I illustrated my first book, Cooking Art, Gryphon House Inc. I had so much fun drawing all the foods for the book. I discovered I am not much a cook, but very good at drawing food. This was our kitchen way back when!
I wrote about some of our favourite activity books here: http://www.wahm-bam.org/2011/07/summer-holiday-life-savers/
The spotting books are always fun!
Thanks for sharing the link, Zoe! I've shared your link on my Google+ post. I love the way you include pictures in your post!