The Big Book of Books & Activities: An Illustrated Guide for Teacher, Parents, & Anyone Who Works with Kids!

I postponed buying this book because I felt I could download mini-book templates off the Internet and make my own. I use mini-books as inserts for file folder unit studies (also called lapbooks), and also to teach various concepts in a visual way. I finally broke down and purchased it and am glad I did. It contains dozens of simple and interesting book structures, and then lists and/or shows possible uses for each book. It is much easier having these great ideas in one book rather than trying to keep track of various computer printouts. The pictures in the book are black and white, but that doesn't detract from the usefulness of this book. A++

This is a great book for teachers and homeschoolers. This book basically teaches you how to make simple small books using paper, pencils, and a stapler. That is it. There are a lot of examples and pictures that show you different ways to use each book. The ideas are great. The directions are easy. Well worth the money. Enjoy.

Elementary school teacher Dinah Zike has written this great book to explain ways to make little books by using special folds and/or glue. Many different styles of mini-books can be made quite easily. Children themselves can make many of the little books, with a parent or teacher guiding them. The instructions are easy to follow and you will soon be coming up with many ways to incorporate these little books with learning. Making little books with tidbits of information or with vocabulary words is one way to bring a hands-on element to learning. Children will be happy to have little books that they authored.The photographs illustrate different ways these books can be used. Some examples are making vocabulary books with flip pages-with the word on the outside and the meaning inside. Other ways are to make themed books to contain information learned such as books about different kinds of dinosaurs. Going further into the book we learn how to make 3-D structures such as a pyramid and little shelf units out of recycled cereal boxes. Mobiles and little stand up holders to prop up papers are shown. There are dozens and dozens of different types of folds and booklets to make. The book is well written and the instructions and diagrams are easy to follow. Some people use these little books inside of folders to make a single-themed presentation book that holds all the little books within its' cover. Some people call these lapbooks and you can view many examples online by doing a simple Internet search.This is a must have for getting your creative juices flowing and for learning new ways to use scraps of paper to make little books! I also recommend another of her books called "Dinah Zike's Big Book of Projects: how to design, develop & make projects from kindergarten through college".

I think every homeschooling Mom should have this book on her resource shelf! It takes the humdrum out of school for students from ages 4 on up! Gives learning new meaning, as boring worksheets are replaced by hands-on activities. The end results are products the students are not only proud of, but can refer to over and over. Reinforces learning in wonderful, creative ways!

I own this book. I occasionally teach mini classes on it's uses. I find it very good for bringing out the creativity in children and adults alike. It makes learning fun. The projects turn your academic subjects into works of art. I highly recommend this book.