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Books to Read When.... You're Bored

Summer is almost upon us, which means you will inevitably hear "I'm bored!" or, "There's nothing to do!" So, when that moment comes, refer back to this list of books that will give your kids something to do, no matter what types of activities they enjoy!

By Mary Kay Carson
New York: Odd Dot, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group, LLC, 2023. Informational. 410 pages.

If you would like to take your nature walks to the next level, this is the book for you. Learn about different plants you may see along your journey, try one of the plethora of nature-based activities, and post about your findings in a nature journal. This is a great guide to a variety of plants, and will give your kids so much to focus on as you hike!

By Sarah L. Schuette
North Mankato, MN: Capstone Press, 2021. Informational. 141 pages.

This quick guide, which contains many activities that use items that you will already have on hand, gives you 65 projects that it touts that you can do in 10 minutes (while these projects are simple and some of them may be done in 10 minutes, depending on the age and skill level of the child, some may take longer.) From paper fortune cookies to glitter putty to space rocks, kids will love making the items in this book. This is a great book to have on hand when your child gets bored.

By Kate Messner
Washington, DC: National Geographic, 2020. Informational. 160 pages.

If your child is interested in mysteries, this is the book for them. In this book, the reader solves 4 different mysteries while learning about the real forensic science that law enforcement uses to catch criminals. Each crime begins with a scenario, shows kids the evidence, gives them the suspects, discusses the real science behind the evidence collection, then lets kids decide who did it (and lets them know if they were right!) This fun, interactive book is sure to be a favorite for your Harriet The Spy and Mr. Lemoncello's Library obsessed kids.

Written by Megan Hewes Butler
Illustrated by Emily Balsley
New York: Odd Dot, 2022. Informational. 256 pages.

If one idea for what to do today isn't enough, what about 365? Ranging from the easy (how to make a rubber band ball) to intricate (how to make a cookie puzzle) this book has something to do no matter how much time you have to kill. Plus with illustrations and boxes to let you know what supplies you'll need, it will be easy to choose from the many projects contained in this book. Or just do a project a day for the entire time you have the book checked out! Whether you like games, crafts, or STEM activities, there's something in here for you. 

Paper and Tape Crafts
By Jennifer Perkins
Oakland, CA: Rockridge Press, 2023. Informational. 97 pages.

Sometimes you need a craft idea using only supplies that you're 100% sure you already have at home. This book is here for just those moments. Whether you want to make a cardstock cactus, a mini piƱata, or a confetti filled bookmark, this book will give you hours of fun with minimal supplies. The step-by-step instructions are clear and the crafts are simple, making this a great choice for those who are just ready to start crafting on their own.

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