NNFN2023 Ideas: Shape Books

Shape books are great fun to make and appeal to all ages! These can be made in a variety of different ways- regular (where the front and back cover match), those with added elements (such as legs or wings) and the three fold variety where the front cover opens down the middle instead of from the edge. There are some excellent books on this subject available and it can become very addictive!

A basic ‘body’ shape like the one on the left above can be transformed into a whole variety of creatures by adding (or drawing) additional elements. The cat could become a tiger or a lion, but also a rabbit or a dog. Add an ached shape under the body to create legs for an elephant or a cow…whatever you can imagine. A basic bird shape like the one shown can become a parrot or a penguin. Cut the feet off by curving into the body and you have a robin or a blackbird. Fish, butterflies, boats, buses…any basic shape can be stapled, sewn, hole-punched or glued to make a wonderful little book!

This is an activity which can be enjoyed at any time of year- not just saved for National Non-Fiction November.