special advertising section // Duncan suggests giving guests the opportunity to become authors by having them create a new book. Give kids blank books (available at craft stores) and have them write and illustrate a new story with crayons and stickers. Need help or ideas for other activities? Head to the local library and ask the children’s librarian for suggestions.
to learn what they love most about a title. BUILT-IN PARTY ACTIVITIES A book-based party certainly lends itself to story time, an easy activity that kids enjoy. One way to make it special is to have a character read the book. “Storytelling is one of the first activities we host during birthday celebrations,” Duncan says. “Children of all ages connect to the characters in the story. Some recite the tales word for word, others wait with anticipation to hear what happens next.” In addition to story time, activities from the book may be easily adaptable for the party, whether that’s having the kids all draw on a long
EASY FAVORS, CAKE AND DECORATIONS Book-based parties make picking a favor PHOTO COURTESY OF ROYAL PRINCESS PARTIES easy. All the moms lauded giving books; Glaser piece of butcher paper like says books are useful Ramona Quimby did with her and don’t add to the clutter. dad in Ramona Quimby, Age Duncan notes that books are 8 or conducting simple scibig hits and that having the ence experiments as part of a birthday child label them for Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist their guests can be a fun. You party. can also add items for the
Celebrations
children to wear when reading the book, such as a hat to go with a Curious George, The Cat in the Hat or Madeline or crowns to go with royal titles. A cake featuring the main character of the book is always a good idea, and you don’t have to look far for decoration inspiration. Stick with the colors on the cover of the book and be sure to use books themselves. READING IS FUNDAMENTAL While the focus should be on the fun, there’s the added benefit of promoting reading among little ones. “Book-based birthday parties are an exciting way for children to be introduced to new characters or a new series they may not have heard of before, or they can revive a love of reading through the excitement of a friend’s party,” says Glaser.
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