Mom, I’m Bored! {10 Creative Books for Kids}

My friend Ginger from Literally Inspired (her blog’s tagline?  ‘a card catalog for the creative home’– love it!) is sharing her favorite creative books to keep kids busy this summer.  Summer is a time when creative ideas for kids are in big demand, and with long lazy days it never hurts to have some new activities for kids up your sleeve.  Thanks to Ginger’s list, you may never hear the words “Mom, I’m bored” again!

Hi Making Lemonade Readers!

OK, I’m calling it – Summer is here.

I grew up in Tennessee and summer always started the end of May. I’m not sure I can wait until the middle of June to start celebrating the season. Let’s be honest, when it’s 90 degrees and humid, that is not spring.

In our house, the summer season doesn’t really affect our day to day operations. I work full time outside of the home and my son goes to daycare. Some of you may be in this same situation, or you may be asking yourself, “what are we going to do this summer to stay busy?”

I am actually asking myself the same thing. I don’t have to worry about the 9-5 hours, but the nights are longer and so are the weekends. This kid is active from sun up to sun down.

Landon will be four this summer. He is at an age where his creativity and imagination are growing exponentially. It’s one of my favorite things about him. I can’t wait to see what he will up with next. This summer I want to spend time exploring his creative side. Right now his main focus is imaginary play. As much as I LOVE being a cat stuck in a tree who needs to be rescued by the brave fireman, I would prefer sitting at a table with glue and construction paper.

I have been doing some research and I have compiled a list of ten books that will help us all get craftier with our kids this summer.

** this list contains affiliate links.

1. The Nature Connection: An Outdoor Workbook for Kids, Families, and Classrooms

2. Martha Stewart’s Favorite Crafts for Kids: 175 Projects for Kids of All Ages to Create, Build, Design, Explore, and Share

3. Art Lab for Little Kids: 52 Playful Projects for Preschoolers (Lab Series)

4. Art Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Adventures in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Paper, and Mixed Media-For Budding Artists of All Ages (Lab Series)

5. Creative Play for Your Toddler: Steiner Waldorf Expertise and Toy Projects for 2 – 4s

6. Side by Side: 20 Collaborative Projects for Crafting with Your Kids

7. The Artful Parent: Simple Ways to Fill Your Family’s Life with Art and Creativity–Includes over 60 Art Projects for Children Ages 1 to 8

8. Imagine Childhood: Exploring the World through Nature, Imagination, and Play – 25 Projects that spark curiosity and adventure

9. Hand in Hand: Crafting with Kids

10. Crafting with Kids: Creative Fun for Children Aged 3-10

I hope you come by Literally Inspired and follow along as we test out some of the crafts featured in the books listed. If you are interested, check out our online book club. Every month I announce new books and post discussion questions.

What is the one thing you want to do this summer?

You can see my summer bucket list here.

Thanks Ginger!  Now, dish– what’s on everyone’s summer bucket list?