Summer’s here, so here’s a rundown of new activity books and kits to answer the “I’m bored” complaints:
Traveling with little ones will be a breeze with two new travel activity kits from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. “Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel,” based on the classic tale written and illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton, includes a miniature copy of the book, three of Burton’s stories (including “Mike”) on an audio CD, an activity book, four postcards, stickers and double-sided crayons.
“Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed,” based on the story by Eileen Christelow, includes miniature versions of two “Five Little Monkeys” books, three “Monkeys” stories on an audio CD, an activity book, bingo game, stickers and double-sided crayons. Each kit is housed in a sturdy cardboard box with a plastic handle, costs $12.99, and is aimed at children ages 4 to 7.
Andy’s cat Sam loves to play hide-and-seek. But Sam isn’t the only thing that young readers will be asked to find in “Andy and Sam: Hide-and-Seek” ($14.99, ages 3 to 7). Author and illustrator Liesbet Slegers leads kids on a merry chase through the pages of this picture book, asking them to find things hidden in the illustrations and then asking open-ended questions like: “The bird has a worm. Who do you think it’s for?”
Angelina Ballerina has won two tickets to the Cindermouse ballet. But who should share this special event with her? In “Angelina’s Invitation to the Ballet” ($16.99, ages 4 to 7), author Katharine Holabird and illustrator Helen Craig invite readers to open various envelopes to read letters that help tell the story and decide who should go to the ballet with Angelina.
Kids will discover endlessly interesting facts in the “National Geographic Kids Almanac 2011” ($13.99, ages 8 and up). Designed for browsing, this book features National Geographic’s trademark photographs as well as games, puzzles and Internet links.
Klutz established the market for the book/activity kit years ago, and the company continues to produce wonderfully creative products. Several years ago, Klutz added a line of products called Chicken Socks for younger kids. All of the kits contain a book with instructions and the needed materials. Here’s a look at their latest line-up:
Little ones can craft amazingly colorful handbags with “Paper Purses” ($14.95, ages 4 to 6).
Take some pipe cleaners, add large wooden beads and — voila! — you’ve got “Tree House Bugs” ($14.95, ages 4 to 6).
Kids learn first-hand about how to harness the sun’s energy with “The Solar Car Book” ($21.95, ages 8 to 12).
Rubber bandlike bracelets are all the rage, and kids can make their own unique designs with the “Glossy Bands” kit ($19.95, ages 8 to 12).
It’s easy to pack light for a long trip with “The Only Coloring-Puzzle-Game-Dot-to-Dot Activity Book You’ll Ever Need!” ($14.95, ages 4 up).
Kids: Want to try your hand at film-making? All the basics you need can be found in “The Klutz Book of Animation: Make Your Own Stop Motion Movies” ($19.95, ages 8 and up).
Learn lots of fun facts about the United States with “The Slightly Odd United States of America” ($12.95, ages 8 and up).
Kids can build three tiny planes with “Rubber Band Powered Flying Machines” ($19.95, age 8 to 12).
Sometimes it’s hard to write down what you’re feeling, but doodling can help, especially if you use “Doodle Journal” (Klutz, $16.95, ages 8 to 12).
Crafty kids can make a colorful sock monkey with a new kit, “Sock Monkey &Friends” ($17.99, ages 9 and up). The book also comes with clearly written instructions for making other types of stuffed animals from materials found at home or a craft store.
If you’ve got a child who loves to build, here are two great possibilities. First, there’s “1, 2,3, I Can Build” ($14.95, ages 4 to 8). Written and illustrated by Irene Luxbacher, this book — part of the “Starting Art” series — gives clear, concise directions for building all kinds of dwellings from easily-found art materials.
Second, young builders and their parents will delight in the possibilities of the cardboard “Modern Play House” ($19.99, ages 6 and up.) With reversible sliding walls, press-out furniture pieces, six flooring options and vinyl-cling design details, kids can create a different dwelling each time they play.
Kids can learn about 12 eco-systems as they have fun spotting details in “EcoMazes” ($14.95, ages 7 to 10). Author/illustrator Roxie Munro’s book takes young readers on an entertaining, interactive tour of ecosystems that range from alpine high mountains to the polar landscape of the Arctic.
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