I've said it before...occupying the kiddies over a March Break spent in your own house can be challenging. I recently picked out a few special craft books to feed us with ongoing projects ideas. While the kids and I had a great time sewing these fun sprinkle doughnuts, I thought it would be wise to have them pick out their own books for personal inspiration. It's always best if kids find books that appeal to their own interests and tastes, right?
The kids browsed the selection of books available in DK's March Break boutique. I secretly hoped that one of them would select a learning to cook type of book, because then they could learn to cook in place of Mom. Alas, they chose otherwise.
My son selected "The LEGO Ideas Book," presumably to put to good use the hundreds of dollars worth of LEGO blocks in our basement. He poured over the pages of the book as soon as it arrived. He found lots of inspiration in the book's six themed chapters...transportation, buildings, space, kingdoms, adventure and useful makes. This New York Times best seller doesn't have step by step instructions, but rather provides inspiration, hints and tips from master builders so that you can use your own LEGO collection to build similar items.
The only drawback? Yes, my son wants even more LEGO now.
He also picked out the "Alien Robots Kit." Both he and my husband declared this one "very cool." If you have a son, take note. My son's selections are a good lesson in finding the right books to appeal to boys.
This kit comes with all kinds of motors, levers, gears, axles and propellers to build six kinetic alien monsters. The companion book explains the physics and theories behind what makes them work. My son has already assembled two of the alien robots, including this little guy, who has a spinning propeller and rotates around the base. I admit this science-impaired mother kind of found the kit cool too.
My little gal loves to draw, write, colour, scribble...if it involves paper and a writing tool, she has done it. Unfortunately, this means no printer paper left for us to print on (I'm not kidding) and piles of crumpled paper around the house. So, it was with my blessing that she ordered the "Doodlepedia: Animal Antics" book.
Perhaps this book will help to ensure that our next batch of printer paper lasts more than a few days.
This doodle guide to how animals live features a wide range of animals, from birds of the rainforest to animals from the grasslands of Africa to more local creatures such as bears, deer and owls. While doodling, my daughter has learned about what these animals eat, how they move and much more.
Time to Play
For the month of March, these books and a whole selection of other wonderful books for kids are 30% off on DK Canada's website. Take a look. They are lots of fun for kids (okay, and parents).
*I was provided with books for review purposes. I received no other compensation and the opinions are my own.
Linking to: No Time for Flash Cards
I remember those days well! My sons loved to dump out their whole crate of LEGO blocks right by the bed on weekends while my poor Hubby and I were sound asleep at 5 a.m. There is no sound quite like it! 'What Mom? We tried to be quiet!' Oh, how they loved those LEGO blocks! I got a laugh about not having any printer paper. That is so cute. Your children are darling. Have a fun week! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI can imagine the sound Karen. 5 a.m. is just cruel. ;) Thanks for your kind words. :) Have a wonderful week too! Joann
DeleteI remember the Lego days! Hope you can find lots of fun things to do with the kiddos during the break.
ReplyDeleteThanks! They are really looking forward to the break. Notice I said "they." ;)
DeleteOh I love both of their choices. Legos are pretty popular in my house too...something about boys and the building process. Plus you are right you can never seem to have enough Legos.
ReplyDeleteI hope you guys get things sorted out properly for your March break.
Have a great Monday Jo!
Yes, boys like to build don't they. Even my husband. He just made a bookcase. Have a great week Rachel!
DeleteNever deny printer paper left in this house either! They all look like great books.
ReplyDeleteKate
Just Pirouette and Carry On...
I'm going to have to hide a stash of printer paper. It will have to be somewhere really good. Nothing much is private around here. ;)
DeleteWe have the Lego book and the kids love it. And we also have the big problem of disappearing printer paper :)
ReplyDeleteI see I'm not the only one with paper issues. ;)
DeleteThere's always more Lego needed!! I remember it well!!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's never enough. There's always some cool new object to make. :)
DeleteThe whole upper floor of my house is littered with lego - might just have to get that book to keep my son busy over March break.
ReplyDeleteKate x
http://www.kateathome.com/
Sounds like a plan Kate. Good luck! :)
DeleteThat Lego book looks like it would be a hit in my home. My daughter loves Lego anything.
ReplyDeleteThat's great. My daughter isn't really into Lego, but recently she saw some "girl" Lego she admired. :)
DeleteAt 14 my son has finally declared he is 'probably' finished with Lego. He supplemented a frenzy of Star Wars Lego buying with his paper route income, but we finally had to put a complete stop to it. And let's face it, if I never step on another stray piece of Lego in stocking feet again, I will be forever thankful.
ReplyDeleteThese books look great ... love the model robots idea ... and the doodle book! Maybe your daughter could use a sketchbook? (better paper quality for drawing than printer paper) Have a great week :) Wendy
Well, I'm glad to know we might get a few more years out of the Lego. Good that your son paid for some himself too.
DeleteAs for my daughter, I cannot afford to keep that girl in sketchbooks. ;)
The best thing about crafting is that it grows with them! My son is now quite the handy mini-carpenter & my youngest daughter loves photography & sewing! Get 'em while they're young, I say lol!
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful Tabetha. Carpentry skills will always come in handy. Same goes for sewing. And photography is so much fun. :)
DeleteThose look really fun, for me too! I'm looking forward to the Lego stage... I do love me some Legos!
ReplyDeleteI admire you for that. I just can't get into building things. :)
DeleteThe books sound interesting... Except I'm not a fan of Legos (it's a personal thing between my feet and a few individual pieces). But, I bet your son will create some cool things! Had to crack up at the lack of printer paper, we have the same issue here. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, I see a couple people are concerned about Legos and their feet. I hadn't thought of that. But maybe that's because our Lego stuff is in the basement and I rarely go down there. ;) I'm telling you, Wendy, the paper thing is a pain. I still have nothing to print on. I am finding old scraps and they are jamming up my printer!
Deleteoh, yes, I'm taking note! These book choices are fabulous. I've been eyeing the Lego book for my son's birthday later this summer. I may have to add a couple more to my shopping list. Thanks to you and your demonstrators for the reviews.
ReplyDelete(stopping by from Mums Make Lists)
It's interesting to see what boys like to read. It's so different from what I was interested in as a child. But it's so important to find books they like, isn't it? :)
Delete