Asian Stories and Crafts

With library programming budgets being cut to the bone, one way of doing fun summer programs is to do a more elaborate version of storytime, attracting some older kids along with their younger siblings by having lots of crafts and games to follow the stories. There are several entertaining picture books that feature craft ideas at the back of the book, to extend the theme of the story.

One program could be based around Asian stories and crafts, using the books listed below. These books include either origami or tangram activities. The only costs involved would be for paper and refreshments, and then you have a "do it yourself" multicultural library program!

ORIGAMI STORIES:

Falwell, Cathryn. BUTTERFLIES FOR KIRI.
Kiri must try several times before she can complete an origami butterfly. This story can also inspire children to make watercolor paintings and collage artwork. Instructions for an origami butterfly are at the end of the book.

Wells, Rosemary. YOKO'S PAPER CRANES.
Yoko, the kitten seen in Wells' PBS animated TV series, makes and sends an origami swan to her grandmother in Japan.

Hamanaka, Sheila. BEBOP-A-DO-WALK.
Set in New York City, two girls walk to central park, and they learn to make origami boats. Instructions included.

Melmed, Laura Krauss. LITTLE OH.
A mother tells the story of a paper doll that becomes separated from her human mother.

Bang, Molly. THE PAPER CRANE.
An old man can only pay for his restaurant meal with a paper crane, which magically comes alive and dances. Also available as a "Reading Rainbow" video.

Schimmel, Nancy. JUST ENOUGH TO MAKE A STORY.
Not a picture book, but great for librarians who want to try a simple memorized story to perform. Instructions for origami stories are included.

TANGRAMS:
Tompert, Ann. GRANDFATHER TANG'S STORY.
Grandfather uses tangram figures to tell a folktale about a fox. Instructions for tangrams are included.

Pilegard, Virginia W. THE WARLORD'S PUZZLE.
To avoid punishment for breaking a valuable tile, an artist suggests that the warlord hold a contest, to see if anyone can mend the tile.

July 21, 2003