• A child's mind contains worlds of imaginative energy and stories that can fill volumes of books. No one can be more original than your child with his or her wacky made up characters and remarkable tales. To tap into that creativity and help children channel their imaginings, parents can do bookmaking art projects with their children.
  
  

Accordion Book

• One of the easiest craft projects to make, the accordion book only requires a piece of paper you will fold lengthwise. Make sure each part is equal to the others, and you will have the template for your bookmaking project. Paste a piece of cardboard into each panel to be sure the fold will be sturdy. Children will love decorating each page and writing their stories on the span of the paper. Because of its simplicity, the accordion book is perfect as your first bookmaking activity with the kids.
  
  

Artsy Poetry Book

• Poetry lends itself well to bookmaking art projects for children. To make this book, you and your child can begin by creating an accordion book out of a piece of paper and writing the poem there. Once done, give your child all the art materials he or she needs to make a masterpiece out of each panel. While the colors are drying, take an envelope and make a craft project out of that, too, by having your child turn it into a canvas itself. Seal your first activity, which is the accordion book, into the envelope. Your child's poem will always be waiting to surprise you when you open it.
  
  

Step Book

• This bookmaking art project will give you a book that has sections you can flip vertically or horizontally to reveal parts. These sections become bigger as the reader moves down the book. Many things are possible with this format. With each step of the book, the children can make a list of their favorite activities with their parents. Flipping through the pages will guide you in the activity to do with your children. Alternatively, you can make a step book for your children so you can let them experience the excitement of counting numbers as they flip up each page.
  
  For this type of book, you will need three pieces of paper, some yarn or string, coloring materials, and a hole puncher. Align the pieces of paper together so that each top edge is 1.5 inches above the top edge of the next piece. Fold each top part of the three pieces to make the first three sections, then do the edges so that you get six sections. Punch holes into the edge of the top parts and at the back, and use string to hold the book together.