Screen-Free Activities That Combine Reading With Crafting

When a child has the opportunity to combine a hands-on activity with a story they love, it makes reading all the more engaging and relatable! That's why pairing beloved books with popular crafts is a savvy way to keep your child entertained for hours — all while they continue to hone their reading skills. Plus, crafts and activities are not only lots of fun, they're also a great way for children to develop social-emotional learning through self-awareness, problem-solving, and cooperation.

Here are seven ways to pair popular books with Klutz activity kits, which kickstart imagination. 

1. Dream Big!

Pair Klutz Watercolor Dreams — in which kids can paint 20 delightful watercolor designs, including woodland animal friends! — with the whimsical picture book Happy Dreamer by Peter H. Reynolds. In this tale, your child will have the chance to explore what it means to dream and the many ways to find happiness. 

2. You Got What It Takes! 

Craft together with the Klutz LEGO: Gear Bots, in which kids can make mechanically engineer toys that move. Pair it with Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot #1 — a funny story about Ricky the mouse becoming friends with a Robot.

3. The Sky’s the Limit! 

Your child can explore the science of rainbows — and project them into their rooms! — with the Klutz Maker Lab DIY Rainbow Catcher. Keep them looking up to the sky with Chicken Little: The Real and Totally True Tale by Sam Wedelich. 

4. Glitter Magic! 

Have a child who loves glitter? Let them decorate mermaids' tails with glittery, sparkly, shiny materials from the Marvelous Book of Magical Mermaids  — then explore what it means celebrate the sparkle within yourself by reading the book Mermicorn Island #1: Search for the Sparkle by Jason June together. 

5. Outdoor Fun! 

On a warmer day, go outside with the Light Up Rocks & Gem Collection, which is the perfect kit to start or grow a rock collection. Then, help them learn more about the stones they love with the book Animated Science: Rocks & Minerals.

6. Delicious Crafts & Reads! 

Foodie favorites like Klutz: Kids Magical Baking and Peppa Pig: Loves to Bake engage kids who dream of whipping up masterpieces in the kitchen. 

7. Problem Solve and Build STEAM Skills! 

Stir up your child's imagination with Klutz: Gross Nose Science, which allows kids to explore the human nose through some extra gross experiements that are perfect for your little slime-lover. Pair the craft with The Magic School Bus: Explores the Senses a wonderful STEAM tale that will take readers on an incredible journey to explore the senses.