Book Themed Crafts: 21 Cute And Easy Ideas For Kids
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Book themed crafts are brilliant ways to boost reading and creativity for kids.
These hands-on projects are engaging and exciting ways to bring stories to life. Your students will love to be a part of crafting popular characters and themes from books that they listen to and read.
Crafts inspired by books have been some of the most fun activities that I've enjoyed with my boys. I'm sharing our favorites and tips for making the most of these creative ideas with your children. I hope these crafts help you make reading fun!
Related: If you like these crafts featuring book themes, you'll love these fun Dr. Seuss crafts for kids!
Books + Crafts = Powerful Learning Fun!
Want to easily make books come to life for your kids? Need some easy hands-on ways to encourage a love of reading? Perhaps you'd like to boost creativity while helping your kids learn and practice important skills?
Well, these book themed crafts for kids are incredibly cool ways to do all of those things and more!
Books have been an amazing way for me to connect to my boys -even before they were born! I started a collection of children's books while pregnant with my oldest. I would happily rub my growing belly while reading these books aloud. I couldn't wait to snuggle my baby and introduce him to the wonderful world of literature.
Reading a few books before bedtime became a positive habit that I enjoyed with all of my boys. We read and reread classics (like titles from Dr. Seuss and Eric Carle), as well as more modern series (like Froggy).
As my boys got older, crafts paired with our favorite books allowed us to extend these precious moments. Our creations ranged from simple to complex. The boys would have a blast making their own puppets (out of paper bags or wood craft sticks) to act out scenes with characters from a book. And they'd make all sorts of artwork to display on our refrigerator, windows, and walls.
Preparing for year 14 of our homeschool adventures had me reflecting on so many positive experiences like our craft times. I decided to gather our favorite book themed crafts to share with you in the hopes that it inspires you to give these activities a try, too!
Books Featured In These Easy Crafts for Kids
I thought it would be helpful to include a list of the books that have inspired these crafts. If you have these selections in your home library, sweet! If not, I encourage you to find out if your local library has these books. You can also learn more about these books and order by tapping on the images below:
The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Rise and Shine)The Grouchy Ladybug[GROUCHY LADYBUG][Paperback]The Rainbow FishBy Bill Martin Jr.Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?[Board book] September 15, 1996The Complete Tales of Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit: Contains The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Tale of Benjamin Bunny, The Tale of Mr. Tod, and The Tale ... Bunnies (Children's Classic Collections)Clifford the Big Red DogDon?t Let the Pigeon Drive the BusThe Brave Little Crab - A Children’s Book for Ages 4-10, Discover the Ocean Tale Teaching Kids that Whoever You Are, It’s Okay to Be Different - Inclusive Books for Kids to Help Embrace UniquenessGiraffes Can't Dance: 20th Anniversary Limited Edition
SNAP!How The Grinch Stole ChristmasGreat Day for Up (Bright & Early Books(R))Oh, the Places I'll Go! By ME, MyselfThe Gingerbread ManLet's Go, Froggy!Piranhas Don't Eat BananasTacky the PenguinElmer
Our Favorite Book Themed Crafts for Kids
This assortment of 21 crafts inspired by children’s books brings together the magic of storytelling and the joy of crafting. Each craft is carefully designed to capture the essence of beloved children's books, allowing young imaginations to soar. From creating whimsical characters to crafting enchanting scenes, these children’s book crafts are perfect for kids.
Hot Air Balloon Craft Ideas for Kids: 3 Super Cute & Simple Activities
These hot air balloon craft ideas for kids are fantastic and frugal ways to enjoy hands-on fun activities. These crafts work well with Great Day for Up! and Oh The Places You'll Go, both classic books by Dr. Seuss.
Toilet Paper Roll Crab Craft: How to Make and Enjoy
Are you looking for a fun and frugal activity for your kids to enjoy? This cute toilet paper roll crab craft is perfect! This easy-to-make craft is excellent for encouraging creativity and fine motor skills. It pairs wonderfully with The Brave Little Crab book.
Ladybug Craft for Kids: How to Make with Clay Pot
Our ladybug craft for kids (featuring a clay pot) is an awesome activity for kids for spring fun or any time of year! Creating these delightful little critters out of clay pots is an easy and fun activity that will help children explore their creative side. It's a fun craft for The Grouchy Ladybug!
Paper Chain Caterpillar Craft: Easy Activity For Frugal Fun
Making a paper chain caterpillar craft with kids is an excellent way to practice fine motor skills, color recognition, and more. Adapt this simple craft to use with The Very Hungry Caterpillar!
Frog Toilet Paper Roll Craft for Frugal Fun (Free Template)
Are you looking for a fun and easy craft project that is perfect for kids of all ages? Look no further than the Frog Toilet Paper Roll Craft! This simple and frugal craft requires only a few supplies and can provide hours of creative entertainment. It's a fun craft to go with the Froggy book series.
Grinch Christmas Crafts: Fun & Easy Activities (16 Free)
These Grinch Christmas crafts are fun and easy ways to enjoy hands-on holiday fun with kids. These printables featuring Grinch themes are perfect for quick activities that are mess-free and fun. Find out more about these Grinch crafts for kids and get your free set today!
Gingerbread House Coloring Page for 3D DIY Holiday Fun (Free)
This gingerbread house coloring page is a great DIY craft for holiday fun and a book themed craft. Featuring a super cute gingerbread man and decorated home in black-and-white, you'll be able to customize the colors, textures, and more with this free printable.
Rainbow Fish Craft
Inspired by the beloved book by Marcus Pfister, this Rainbow Fish craft is a fun activity and an excellent way to explore individuality. Older kids will have a blast experimenting with black glue, watercolors, and glitter to a one-of-a-kind rainbow fish.
by The Best Ideas for Kids
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Activity with An Egg Carton
The Very Hungry Caterpillar book is a beloved classic among toddlers and preschoolers, and this craft complements it perfectly. Kids will love painting and creating their caterpillars with an egg carton, bringing the beloved character to life.
by Two Pink Peonies
A Simple Piranha Softie Kids Can Sew
Meet Brian the piranha, the charming character from Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas. You'll fall in love with his personality and find it a breeze to sew a softie version of him. With only two pieces of felt, it's a great activity for parents to bond with their kids.
by Sew a Softie
Tacky The Penguin Inspired Craft For Kids [Free Template]
Step into the enchanting world of Tacky the Penguin. After hearing Tacky's incredible story of bravery and self-acceptance, your kids will be thrilled to create their own Tacky the Penguin craft.
by Simple Everyday Mom
Elmer Craft {Free Template}
Introduce your little ones to the beautiful world of Elmer with this delightful Elmer craft for kids. Inspired by the beloved character from the books, this craft is incredibly easy to do and looks just like Elmer himself.
by Little Ladoo
Clifford the Big Red Dog Craft
Are you looking for a craft that's as adorable as Clifford himself? These Clifford paper bag puppets perfectly match a good Clifford book. You only need brown paper lunch bags, scissors, glue sticks, and construction paper to bring this fun puppet craft to life.
by Mama of Minis
Pigeon Paper Plate Craft And Printable Template Inspired By Mo Willems Book’s
With a free template and a touch of imagination, your little ones can create a pigeon paper plate craft that even rocks. Inspired by the popular children's book, "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" by Mo Willems, this craft is a great way to bring the story to life and engage young imaginations.
by A Little Pinch of Perfect
Put Me in the Zoo Craft for Preschoolers – Dr. Seuss Paper Plate Craft
This children’s book craft is inspired by the beloved Dr. Seuss book, Put Me in the Zoo, and is perfect for little ones to explore their creativity. With this craft, children can create Spot using paper plates and colorful materials.
by Natural Beach Living
Make A Miniature Peter Rabbit Garden
Create a magical world of imagination with this adorable Peter Rabbit paper craft. This easy-to-make miniature playset is perfect for small-world play props, allowing your little ones to immerse themselves in the beloved Beatrix Potter stories.
by Barley & Birch
Potato Stamped Hungry Hungry Caterpillar
Kids can create a colorful caterpillar masterpiece with this potato stamped Hungry Hungry Caterpillar. After reading the book, let the little ones explore their artistic side by stamping adorable caterpillar shapes onto paper.
by Our Kid Things
Easy Art Projects for Kids
Create an art project inspired by the book Snap by Hazel Hutchins. With the help of this book, your young ones will learn to explore their art materials in a whole new light, discovering new colors and creating unique pieces they've never imagined before. Encourage your children to express themselves freely.
by Hands On Teaching Ideas
Toilet Paper Roll Giraffe Marionette
Inspired by the beloved picture book Giraffes Can't Dance, these adorable giraffe puppets are here to bring joy and laughter to your little ones. Whether it's a puppet show or a fun playtime activity, this giraffe marionette is sure to entertain. Bring the magic of Giraffes Can't Dance to life with this delightful puppet that will surely become a favorite in your household.
by Red Ted Art
Take Your Reading & Craft Time to the Next Level!
It's amazing how simple activities like crafts can really make books extra special. Have you enjoyed these books with your kids? And which of these book themed crafts will you be trying soon?
Please let me know if you have any questions or more crafts inspired by books to share in the comments section at the bottom of this post!