When then 7-year-old Hannah and 4-year-old Kate McCowan, of Winslow, Maine, got to chatting about their beloved grandfather, their mom, Jennifer, couldn't resist jotting down their funny observations. She supplemented their gems ("I think Papa's an astronaut") with answers to questions she later asked ("What does Papa look like?"; "What is your favorite thing to do with Papa?"), and compiled them in a small book -- one observation per page -- that the girls illustrated. The lucky object of their affection was thrilled with his "All About Papa" book.
Inspired by the McCowans, we devised our own "All About" project. But why stop with Grandpa? With this easy technique, you can write the book on anyone you choose!
Check out more ideas for easy-to-make Gifts that Celebrate Family.
- Materials
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- 4 3/4-inch square piece of cardboard
- White paper
- 1 lid from a 10 1/2-ounce coffee can
- Colored pens or pencils
- Glue stick
- CD/DVD envelopes in various colors (available at office stores)
- 11- by 5 1/4-inch piece of card stock
- Instructions
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Interview your child about a relative, gathering 6 to 8 observations.
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To make the pages, trace the cardboard on white paper. For each observation, you'll need two pages. Cut out the squares, then use the coffee-can lid to trace a circle in the center of half of the squares.
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Write each observation on a blank square, then trim the square to the desired size. Have your child draw in the circles with the colored pens or pencils to illustrate the text in the squares.
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To assemble the book, run glue along the inside of a CD/DVD envelope flap. Lay a second envelope face down on the first, flap creases aligned, and press the flaps together. Repeat this process to add as many envelopes as you have drawings. -
Slip each drawing into an envelope so that it shows through the window. Glue the corresponding text to the facing page.
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To make the cover, fold the card
stock, short side to short side. Glue the envelopes inside, with the flap creases aligned with the card stock crease. Let
the book dry, then title and decorate
the front.
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