For a fun activity with educational value, and something you can do together with your kids on a wet afternoon, book nook kits could be the magical craft activity to forge meaningful bonds over. It gives parents a chance to create meaningful connections. It also lets kids’ imaginations run wild. Listen to them share with you what they imagine to be the scene depicted in a book. Now, you can help them bring that vision to reality in a magical book nook that’s the size of a standard paperback. Once completed, it slots in between books on a bookshelf to add that magical touch, and possibly encourage kids to explore more reading genres.
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Fun facts about book nooks
Book nooks are also called bookshelf inserts. It’s believed to have originated in Japan, and it’s now a popular craft activity around the globe with online communities sharing their own designs. Some people even add in 3D printed miniature furniture and figurines, and vinyl stickers to use as wall decor within these miniature worlds.
For a touch of whimsical charm, LED lights can be inserted acting as street lighting. Or to provide a romantic fireplace in a miniature reading room. A camping fire in an enchanted forest, or to create a cyberpunk vibe.
Book nooks are not made to any particular scale. However, the furniture and accessories that go in these are typically of a similar size to doll house accessories, sometimes smaller.
Book Nook Kits
Book nook kits are like flat-pack 3D puzzles with the accessories. Sometimes these kits include the lights and accessories. This can include paint, decals, glue, and illustrative instructions. All of this allows those new to the crafting to get set up and running quickly. Providing an opportunity to create a book nook in an afternoon or weekend. Once created, insert on the bookshelf, completely transforming its look from bland to enchanting. Depending on the design of the kit, there may be an illusion of the scene continuing infinitely. The result can look like a portal into another world hidden in the wall that the bookshelf is on.
Popular themes for book nooks
Space exploration: For fans of astronomy, this theme can include stars, planets, and nebula to create a cosmos illusion illuminated by LED lights.
Fantasy worlds: These can be enchanting forests, or imaginary cities complete with wizards, miniature bottles for potions, and spell books lining the walls.
Street alleys: Many of the alleyway kits depict scenes from literature such as the Sherlock Holmes series featuring 221b Baker Street. Or they can offer more general alley settings that can depict Victorian era streets with cobbled pathways.
Different Cultures: For learning about different cultures, check out a Tokyo Alley book nook kit. This can introduce the types of restaurants in Japan, such as a Ramen bar. or the fish market to introduce sushi and discuss how diets differ by country.
Realistic book nook kits often depict scenes from different regions. They can also feature historic bookstores, quaint streets with vintage street lights, cafes, and market stalls along side streets. Imagination is key and creativity is highly encouraged!
Difficulty Levels and Age Ranges for Book Nook Kits
The majority of DIY book nook kits are suitable for ages 14+. However, that’s due to the small parts, and the electrical wiring for LED lights. With adult supervision, kids of slightly younger ages can paint decals and furniture. They can mold figurines out of clay. Arrange succulent plants in miniature planters. And overall help to customize the kit into what they want to have on their bookshelf.
Conclusion
As a family activity, book nook kits can give busy families a creative activity that everyone can enjoy together. These provide an opportunity to share ideas. Make some memories. And cherish a custom piece of memorabilia.
Just think of all the fond memories you will make each time you look at the mini wonder on the bookshelf!
For more on this topic, check out the full Summer Learning collection
