Show Me a Story: 40 Craft Projects and Activities to Spark Children's Storytelling

This collection invites children between the ages of 5 and 12 to create stories about their everyday lives and imaginings. Divided into four sections (“story starters,” “story evolution,” “story activities,” and “story play”), the book provides a variety of projects to make and use. Each one includes a list of materials, clear step-by-step instructions, teaching tips, and other ideas that can be adapted for younger or older children. Bright photographs feature boys and girls engaged in each activity. Story prompts painted on wooden disks and worn as necklaces; a pretend neighborhood created with wood, paper, and craft foam; a story terrarium in a glass jar; and a traveling puppet theater with tongue-depressor puppets are among the projects. A reference desk game provides information, a time-line mural promotes sequencing, and word lists inspire characters and settings. Outside activities encourage children to observe and think like storytellers, and their stories-whether written or told-come together. With binoculars and treasure maps from their adventure kits, they can experience the stories they have created. Back matter includes templates and puppet-theater backdrops. Public and school libraries will want this rich, innovative craft book in their collections.-Mary Jean Smith, formerly at Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TNα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Best Picks winner in Dr. Toy’s 2012 Best Children’s Products Program

―Cool Mom Picks

Honors winner in the Book category

―Homeschool.com

“Parents, teachers, and child-care providers will find plenty of inspiration in these projects, and children will enjoy using them in their creative pursuits.”

―Washington Family Magazine

“Low on tech, high on terrific”

―Scrapbooking & Beyond

“Have you ever thought about combining craft projects and story telling? What an ingenious idea!”

―MassMoms

“This book is truly a great resource”

―San Francisco/Sacramento Book Review

“What memories and people – especially families – are all about: stories (both true and imagined), told and retold within groups of people. This is an official rave.”

―NBCLatino.com

“Each craft project is presented in an easy-to-follow way, with colorful photographs of the adorable and fun-looking projects.”

―The Deseret News

“Emily K. Neuburger’s guide to inspiring storytelling in children welcomes readers as easily as a mother on a playground. … the book makes storytelling simple … Show Me a Story is a necessary book for parents, educators, and those who might be searching for new ways to spark the creativity of young people.”

―School Library Journal

“A must-have book for parents and teachers, this amazing book is full of creative ideas to develop a child’s storytelling skills. From story stones to picture tales to story maps, your children’s imagination will blossom as they enjoy the activities listed in this book. Regardless of their reading level, this book is a great tool for developing reading comprehension, sequence, characters, setting, plot, and so much more.”

―Parenting Magazine Group

“Unique and beautiful … this book can be the beginning of endless hours of creativity for both kids and the grown-ups who spend time with them.”

“Public and school libraries will want this rich, innovative craft book in their collections.”

Winner of a 2012 Family Choice Award