Little Books = Big Stories
Posted: March 21, 2013 Filed under: Art & Healing, Child Centered Activities 15 CommentsYears ago I was lucky enough to sit in on some book-making workshops while still living in Chicago. The process was satisfying and the product prompted all sorts of ideas to use with children. Around that same time I became interested in using stamps/stamping to tell a story. Always looking for ways to help children tell their stories and realizing that drawing could be frustrating or intimidating, I thought about cartooning, which led me to the use of stamps and stamping.
Here I combine the media for use with my four year old. She has officially entered the magical world of inventing and reciting stories and wanting us to make up our own. And in good timing, a friend recently gifted us with stamps her children no longer use (thank you Ann!).
Here is a three point binding:
Using a piece of ribbon or yarn, come up through the hole on one end and down through the hole on the opposite end. Then come up through the center hole with each end of the yarn. You can tie a bow or knot with the ends of the yarn to finish off the binding. A bead or other small object can be added here for additional decoration.
For an accordion book, simply fold a long, rectangle-shaped paper, in half, then half again and again, until you are satisfied with the number of frames you have. I glued a second folded paper to my first to expand the pages I would have to work in.
Once we had our books prepared, I made a started sample to show my daughter the concept without giving her the whole story.
My daughter quickly got to work, silent at first then chatting away about what was happening on her pages.
And here is her finished book…
“Once upon a time there was a very lonely frog and he wanted a playmate and he stayed in the water all day long. He waited and he waited and he could not miss abong.” (couldn’t get to the bottom of what that last word means!)
“The hummingbird decided she would have the day off with no one.”
“Night came and the stars came out. The frog was still waiting for a friend. He yelled out to the darkness.”
“In the morning he noticed he had a new playmate and they had a big wedding and they kissed and kissed and had big cakes and pies. They had a BIG party. The End.” – the blue half circle with symbols are the “decorations”
What would be the next logical thing to do once you’ve finished making your own book? Share it!
THE END!!
an Art Farm 
the cheeks on that baby!
I know, isn’t he too much?!
heavenly heavenly. sooooooo many brilliances tucked in here! the story is magnificent. the book is beautiful. did i mention the story is pure poetry? so funny, i just wrote about how my whole imagination was born back in the days when my prized position was little legs dangling over the edge of the armchair, picture book spread wide across my lap. you are sparking the magic, empowering the flame early and wholly. and oh goodness, as laurie says, “the cheeks on that baby!!!” some day we should think about having you make a book for people who live to spark the art in the child. xoxoxo we love you, becc.
Wow! This is such a beautiful story and the story of how the book came to be is equally beautiful and full of love! How extraordinary our voices can be when given a fun, safe, loving space. Becca, you are such a treasure. I love this and thank you for sharing it! xo
Thank you Heather for understanding the depth of what is here – there is great power. Love to you.
Oh such wonderful memories to bring forward! Thank you so much for your feedback. Love you.
Thank you so much! I love your memories coming thru here.
What wonderful fun,and to write a book at such a young age..
I am looking forward to the next book..
I expect we’ll be printing daily Oma!!!
what a beautiful story of you and E writing a book! Just wonderful. M
xxoo!
so wonderful………
yes it is and THANK YOU AGAIN for the stamping materials!!!
Hi Becca, I’m just seeing this now. I’m so thankful you put this on your website. So fun, so helpful. I am totally inspired. Huge hugs, Annamarie
Thanks AB! Maybe some version of this would be helpful with the children you work with!