Just like any muscle in our body, the brain needs to be constantly engaged, especially when school’s out. Here is a selection of activity-filled books that will keep little ones occupied—and learning at the same time.
Hands-on Learning
‘Super Fun Math Games for Kids: Fun, Hands-on Activities for Learning with Shapes, Puzzles, and Games’
By Rebecca Rapoport and J.A. Yoder
Working on math during the summer months may not seem like the best idea, but in this case, it might actually work! The activities use mathematical principles in order to create 3-D projects or a work of art. From using a makeshift compass to draw perfect circles to using toothpicks to create and solve puzzles, the projects—or labs—utilize readily available materials to engage the analytical mind and the kinesthetic learner. Drawing a Koch snowflake or unraveling the secrets of the Eulerian circuit has never been easier to grasp than through these easy-to-do hands-on labs. (My kids especially enjoyed Lab 15: “Drawing Parabolas”!) Pick and choose a topic depending on your child’s math abilities. Activities may suit children ages 7 to 12.
New Shoe Press, 128 pages, June 17, 2025
Edible Creations
‘The Best Kids Cookbook: 60+ Fun and Simple Recipes to Get Kids Cooking’
By Danielle Kartes and Brooke O’Neill
Danielle Kartes, of hashtag RusticJoyfulFood fame, is a cookbook author and has appeared on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” many times as its culinary expert. Her latest cookbook is a true beginner’s book with preliminary discussions on the best way to crack an egg or how to grease a pan, as well as a brief definition of cooking terminologies (sauté, steam, simmer) and a reminder of safety guidelines. Easy-to-follow recipes include “Piggies in a Blanket” for breakfast, “Beany Cheesy Quesadillas” for lunch, “Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Greeny Orzo” for dinner, and “Sunshiny Tropical Fruit Salad” for dessert. Before you know it, you’ll be expecting breakfast in bed, not just for Mother’s Day! This cookbook will be great for any wannabe chef.
Tommy Nelson, 160 pages, Aug. 19, 2025
Get Creative
‘Make Art Kawaii: 20+ Fun Drawing Activities and Projects’
By Ellen Philpott and Ilaria Ranauro
“Kawaii” is the Japanese word for “cute,” and this popular aesthetic is characterized by adorable characters, rounded shapes, and soft colors evoking childlike innocence and charm. This simple art form appears in digital art, emojis, and many a child’s doodle sketchpad. “Make Art Kawaii” gives the basic ideas behind this style of drawing (it has a lot to do with proportions!). Tapping into the child’s creativity, budding artists will learn to create their own characters, draw their own backgrounds and backdrops, and even make their own theater. Or, if they choose, they can also create their own kawaii flipbook. The instructional text, sticker sheets, and templates for the activities are all packaged in an art box, which helps keep materials together. A great way to let some of those creative juices flow during the summer months! Great for children, ages 7 and up, who love to doodle and draw.
Design Eye, 48 pages, July 8, 2025
‘Friendship Bracelet Kit: Design and Customize Friendship Bracelets to Wear and Trade’
By Editors of Chartwell Books
Princess Charlotte, daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales, sported a friendship bracelet at an event last year. It sparked even greater interest when King Charles III was seen with this handmade band—presumably a gift from his grandchild—gracing his royal wrist. In this beginner’s kit, which includes a project book, alphabet beads, round and star-shaped beads, as well as elastic cords and colored threads, eager fingers will learn about the different kinds of knots necessary to complete a project. Projects are not limited to bracelets, as these may also extend to anklets, headpieces, key chains, and zipper pulls—to name a few. The clear and colorful illustrated instructions will set the young jewelry maker off to a good start! Great for beginners, 9 and up.
Chartwell Books, 48 pages, July 1, 2025
Year-round Schooling
By Lauren Giordano, Stephanie Hathaway, and Laura Stroup
For some homeschoolers and year-round learners who don’t take an academic break during the summer, this textbook-workbook combo on the planet Earth will engage scholarly curiosity about the planet we live on. Brightly colored and beautifully illustrated, it covers topics from the Earth’s atmosphere to its hydrosphere. It presents a macro look at Earth’s place in our solar system down to its natural resources and biochemical cycles that make life possible. This is great for those interested in astronomy, geology, life sciences, and environmental sciences. Self-learners in Grades 3 to 7 will find this very informative, and the accompanying 128-page workbook will challenge their knowledge on these topics with over 100 activities, games, and puzzles.
Quarry Books, 144 pages, Feb. 4, 2025
What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to features@epochtimes.nyc
