MakingBooks

Periodically I talk about books Opal has written. They're all short, for two reasons; first, she's 3! she doesn't write long books! And second, they're basically all written on single sheets of paper via this method: http://www.makingbooks.com/hotdog.shtml This can be done easily with printouts as long as they're only printed on one side (and also with paper lined on one side, like hotel notepads). In fact, the Marriott Wardman Park's pads are the best size and paper weight ever; nice heavy paper that makes little square books. A few pre-folded books and a pen fit in almost any space (including a pocket) and will liven up many situations. Some good topics:

• My favorite ____________________________
• Retelling of fairy tales, fractured or not
• Social stories, parent version: you write out how things SHOULD go when you ride on an airplane, for instance.
• Social stories, kid version: kid says what's important to them about where you are, what you're doing...
• Blue things (round things, cars...)

Of course this is only if you need a topic. Often kids know exactly what they want to say in a book.

It does really help to have a pen or pencil. If you're writing in crayon, anything smaller than letter or A4 paper makes for a VERY short book.