Books to Cure Summer Boredom

Summer is upon us, and the two most dreaded words for a mom in the english language are of course "I'm Bored!"  So I am here today with some tricks, I mean books, for you to use against any kid who utters those foreboding words.

No I am not talking about a novel or a chapter book.  That will more often than not get you the evil eye roll.  I am talking about books that give your kids something to do, without you (or with you if you are so inclined).  That is what I call nirvana.

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To purchase any of these recommendations, click on the photo and it will take you to Amazon.  A portion of each purchase will go to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

Creating Really Awesome Free Things: 100 Seriously Fun, Super Easy Projects for Kids by Jamie Dorobek 

I love this book because you will not have spend your kids college savings at Michaels!  This book actually uses what you have around the house.  Out of paint sticks, use a chopstick.  Out of chopsticks, use a twig.  That I can get behind.  The crafts are cute, think pizza purse or emoji photo props and super easy is just up my alley.

Big Magic for Little Hands: 25 Astounding Illusions for Young Magicians by Joshua Jay

This book is wonderful because kids can perform tricks using the things they have around the house.  They also get to learn how to levitate their sibling ... levitate!  How cool is that?  There is a chapter about how to scare the pants off your parents, not that kids haven't already mastered this trick.  If you gives your children this book, be prepared for an evening show where they display their new found skills and you can ooh and aah over their performance.

Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids by Revell

I can't tell you how much fun I had as a kid learning and telling jokes.  This book gets kids reading and they don't even realize that they are working on their literacy!  Hee Hee!  You just need to be prepared to be bombarded with jokes at dinnertime and you have to appreciate the corny in all of them.

The Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes Craft Kit by Klutz

This book has been used so many times in my house it has a place of honor in the craft drawer!  Kids spend so much time refining their planes that an hour has gone by before they know it.  They can use this solo as they test how far their individual planes can fly or they can have competitions with friends to see whose airplane has the most props.  There may or may not be a sibling competition currently underway in my home, but I am forbidden to pick sides!

Sewing School: 21 Sewing Projects Kids Will Love to Make by Andria Lisle 

The youngest sewers may need parental help with these projects, but kids who already know the basics will find lots of cool projects that don't need a sewing machine!  I love to see the creations my daughter comes out with when she is inspired.  I am hoping she perfects her throw pillow technique this summer because momma has a new outside patio she needs to furnish!

Klutz LEGO Chain Reactions Craft Kit by Klutz

The reason I love this book so much is that if your house is anything like mine, it is overrun with Legos!  At least my kids have a hard time getting inspired after they have built the kit that was purchased and I end up just stepping on Lego pieces from sets that have been played into oblivion.  So bring on a book that teaches them how to make machines that can throw things with those leftover bricks.  I never thought I would say this, but it is a mother's dream.

The Big Book of Boy/Girl Stuff by Bart King

These books have updated their covers from when my kids were young, but they still remain books your children will go back to time and time again.  These are laugh out loud funny and touch on just about every subject kids care about from friends to sports to food.  They are full of activities, advice and even a few pranks to keep things interesting.  My kids read theirs ragged.

Pranklopedia: The Funniest, Grossest, Craziest, Not-Mean Pranks on the Planet! by Julie Winterbottom

Ok, first of all, fear not.  I am not recommending that your kids prank you all summer so that you are afraid to go into the house.  This book is decidedly not mean and teaches kids clever ways to "get you or a friend" without causing embarrassment.  However, you will need a good sense of humor and the ability  to laugh at yourself.  And who knows, you are certainly allowed to take a look at the book and  return the favor!

Lettering: in Crazy Cool Quirky Style by Klutz

I have included this book because as the mother of tween girl, she is always experimenting with bubble letters and cool ways to write things to her friends.  This book is filled with examples and teaches kids all sorts of fun new ways to write the alphabet.  You may even find yourself sitting down with your child and creating some quirky shopping lists.