From Page to Play: Creative Activities Inspired by Books
Books have the power to transport kids to magical worlds, introduce them to unforgettable characters, and spark endless imagination. But what if the magic didn’t stop when the last page was turned? Creative activities for kids inspired by literature can turn reading into a hands-on adventure that encourages children to explore their own creativity. Whether through drawing, crafting, or storytelling, these book-based activities help kids develop critical thinking, build confidence, and enhance their problem-solving skills. In this blog post, we’ll dive into a variety of fun and engaging creative activities inspired by children’s books that will not only deepen your child’s love of reading but also help them become little creators in their own right.
Draw a New Adventure
Inspired by Harold and the Purple Crayon
Materials: A large piece of paper (or a broken down cereal box, the inside of used wrapping paper, butcher paper, or anything else you can imagine) and a purple crayon (or any crayon, marker, pen, pencil, etc.)
Activity: Encourage kids to draw their own adventure!
Questions to Spark Creativity: Where will your journey take you? What magical places will you create? Who might you meet along the way?
Take it Further: Have a storytelling session where kids can tell their own stories using their drawings as a guide.
It’s Definitely… Not a Box
Inspired by Not a Box
Materials: An empty cardboard box and art supplies
Activity: Encourage children to transform their box… into anything but a box! Get creative. That isn’t a box! It’s a castle, a submarine, a rocket ship, a giant cupcake…
Questions to Spark Creativity: What can this box become? What adventure will you go on?
Take it Further: Hold an invention presentation where kids can explain their invention and take questions from the audience (you)
Story Stones
Inspired by Where the Wild Things Are
Materials: Smooth rocks, acrylic paint, paintbrushes
Activity: Paint small rocks with different images (monsters, forests, boats, crowns, fruit, flowers, etc.). Then, play a game with the story stones! Pick 3-5 stones at random, then use them to tell a brand-new story or adventure.
Take it Further: Act out the story or draw a picture of it!
Strega Nona’s Spaghetti
Inspired by Strega Nona
Materials: Spaghetti, pasta sauce, salt, pot, wooden spoon, and your favorite spaghetti recipe!
Activity: Make spaghetti according to your recipe! Make sure that kids are doing age-appropriate tasks and remember- safety first. Serve spaghetti, just don’t make too much!
Take it Further: Have a literary luncheon! What other recipes can you create based on stories you know? Maybe add some meatballs to your spaghetti, courtesy of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
Puppet Show
Inspired by Pinocchio
Materials: Socks, paper bags, or paper glued on popsicle sticks, plus markers
Activity: Decorate your item with markers to create your very own puppets. Then, put on a puppet show for family and friends!
Take it Further: Collaborate with friends to put on a bigger puppet show!
Make Your Own Picture Book
Inspired by The Dot
Materials: Paper and a writing utensil (markers, pens, pencils, crayons, watercolors)
Activity: Fold paper into a booklet. Then, draw and write a story!
Take it Further: Have kids read their books aloud to you, or as a bedtime story for stuffed animals.
By bringing books to life through hands-on activities, kids not only deepen their love for reading but also build creativity and confidence. Whether they’re drawing, crafting, or acting, these playful activities help kids dream, imagine, and create their own stories.
Which of these activities would your child love? Happy crafting!