10+ Best Craft Books for 8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for the perfect way to unleash your child's creativity? You've hit the jackpot with our roundup of the best craft books for 8-year-olds! These books are packed with fun, engaging, and easy-to-follow projects that are perfect for little hands and big imaginations. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that promise hours of crafting fun for your young artist!

Fun Craft Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Complete Book of Arts and Crafts by the American Education Publishing
  • Genre(s): Crafts, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive craft book provides a wide range of fun and creative activities designed to engage children and encourage their artistic abilities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It includes a variety of projects that cater to different skill levels, ensuring that every child can participate and enjoy the process of creating.
  • Perfect for: Creative kids who love hands-on activities and exploring different materials and techniques.

• My First Sewing Book by Susan Akass
  • Genre(s): Crafts, How-To
  • Synopsis: This book teaches basic sewing skills through simple, fun projects designed specifically for young beginners.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to the basics of sewing, fostering a useful skill while also encouraging creativity and the satisfaction of creating something on their own.
  • Perfect for: Young crafters interested in learning how to sew and making their own toys and accessories.

• Crafty Science by Jane Bull
  • Genre(s): Crafts, Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: More than just a craft book, this volume combines the fun of making things with basic scientific principles, allowing kids to learn as they create.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great way to blend creativity with education, teaching scientific concepts in a hands-on, engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are curious about how things work and love to explore through making.

• The Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes by Doug Stillinger
  • Genre(s): Crafts, How-To
  • Synopsis: This book offers step-by-step instructions for folding aerodynamically accurate paper airplanes and includes special, tear-out paper designs.
  • Why we recommend this book: Each project is not only fun but also introduces basic aerodynamic principles, combining play with learning.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring pilots and engineers, or any kid who loves to build and experiment with flying objects.

• Making Amazing Art! by Sandi Henry; illustrated by Sandi Henry
  • Genre(s): Crafts, Art, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book covers 40 different art projects that use materials from around the house, teaching children how to see the artistic potential in everyday objects.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages resourcefulness and creativity, showing kids that art can be made from simple, everyday materials.
  • Perfect for: Young artists who enjoy experimenting with different textures, colors, and techniques.

Educational Craft Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Crafts for Kids by Gill Dickinson
  • Genre(s): Crafts, DIY, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book offers a range of over 50 projects specifically designed for children, including making friendship bracelets, custom t-shirts, and simple pottery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Fine motor skills, creativity, and basic crafting techniques
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides clear, easy-to-follow instructions and uses materials that are readily available at home or in school.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy varied crafting activities and parents looking for family bonding projects.

• The Joy of Origami by Margaret Van Sicklen
  • Genre(s): Crafts, Origami
  • Synopsis: The book introduces the traditional Japanese art of paper folding through 50 fun and creative projects, ranging from simple to complex.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Manual dexterity, patience, and understanding of geometric shapes
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning origami enjoyable and accessible, with each project helping to build skills progressively.
  • Perfect for: Children who love detailed, hands-on activities and those interested in exploring cultural arts.

• Super Simple Hand-Lettering Projects by Kiley Bennett
  • Genre(s): Crafts, Art, Educational
  • Synopsis: A beginner's guide to hand-lettering, featuring easy-to-follow tutorials and projects like creating your own greeting cards and wall art.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Typography, artistic expression, and fine motor skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to the art of lettering, combining creativity with practical skills in a fun way.
  • Perfect for: Young aspiring artists and writers, and those who enjoy personalized crafts.

• Kids' Container Gardening by Cindy Krezel
  • Genre(s): Gardening, Crafts, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book provides step-by-step instructions on how to start a small garden in containers, perfect for places with limited space.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of plant biology, responsibility from caring for plants, and basic gardening skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable lessons about nature and science through a hands-on approach that's both fun and educational.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in nature, science, and those who enjoy outdoor activities.

• Stitch Camp by Nicole Blum and Catherine Newman
  • Genre(s): Crafts, Sewing, Educational
  • Synopsis: Aimed at teaching kids to knit, crochet, sew, and felt, this book offers 18 easy projects designed to inspire young crafters.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Sewing and knitting skills, creativity, and self-confidence through making
  • Why we recommend this book: It's perfect for beginners and provides a solid foundation in multiple crafting techniques.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are interested in learning about different types of fabric-based crafts and those who enjoy making their own clothes and accessories.

Challenging Craft Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Origami Master Class: Flowers by Marcio Noguchi and Sherry Gerstein
  • Genre(s): Crafts, Origami
  • Synopsis: This book offers detailed instructions on how to create lifelike origami flowers. It includes designs from simple to advanced, enhancing the reader’s folding techniques.
  • Why this book is challenging: The projects require precision and an understanding of complex folding sequences, which are more advanced than typical children's crafts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a deep dive into the art of origami, fostering patience and attention to detail while creating stunning flowers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love challenges and have a keen interest in detailed craftwork and artistic expression.

• The Artful Parent: Simple Ways to Fill Your Family's Life with Art and Creativity by Jean Van't Hul
  • Genre(s): Crafts, Art, Parenting
  • Synopsis: This guide offers inventive ideas for engaging children in the arts, including drawing, painting, and sculpture projects.
  • Why this book is challenging: It encourages the exploration of complex art concepts and techniques that go beyond typical child-focused crafts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a wonderful resource for fostering creativity and a love of the arts, providing a variety of artistic outlets.
  • Perfect for: Families seeking to incorporate more creative activities into their daily lives and children who are eager to explore diverse artistic mediums.

• Cool Engineering Projects for Kids by Megan Olivia Hall
  • Genre(s): Crafts, Engineering, Educational
  • Synopsis: The book explores engineering principles through hands-on projects like building bridges, rockets, and circuits.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces basic engineering concepts and requires problem-solving skills to complete the projects.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning about engineering fun and accessible, encouraging critical thinking and innovation.
  • Perfect for: Young engineers and problem solvers who enjoy building and understanding how things work.

• The School of Art: Learn How to Make Great Art with 40 Simple Lessons by Teal Triggs; illustrated by Daniel Frost
  • Genre(s): Art, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book teaches art fundamentals through 40 engaging lessons, covering everything from color theory and composition to perspective.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex art theories and practices that are typically taught at higher educational levels.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a structured approach to learning art, making complex concepts accessible and enjoyable for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young artists who are serious about developing their skills and understanding of art.

• Robotics: Discover the Science and Technology of the Future by Kathy Ceceri
  • Genre(s): Robotics, Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This educational book introduces children to the basics of robotics, including how to build and program their own robots.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers technical subjects such as electronics and programming, which require logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fantastic introduction to robotics, offering both theoretical knowledge and practical applications in a kid-friendly format.
  • Perfect for: Tech-savvy kids who have an interest in robotics and engineering and enjoy hands-on learning experiences.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-year-old develop great reading habits while exploring craft books, you've come to the right place. Here are some fun and effective exercises designed to make reading a more engaging and beneficial part of their daily routine. Let’s dive in!

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special place at home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a comfortable and inviting environment that encourages reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite crafts or book-themed decorations.

• Book-Themed Craft Day
  • What it is: Choose a craft from the book and dedicate a day to creating it.
  • How it helps: Reinforces reading comprehension and connects the joy of crafting with reading.
  • Tips: Plan the craft day after finishing the book to celebrate the reading achievement.

• Storytelling Sessions
  • What it is: Have your child retell the story or a part of the book in their own words.
  • How it helps: Enhances memory and understanding of the narrative.
  • Tips: Encourage the use of craft items to create storyboards or scenes from the story.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart that tracks reading and rewards accomplishments.
  • How it helps: Motivates continuous reading and setting goals.
  • Tips: Include small incentives like extra craft time or a special treat for reaching reading milestones.

• Interactive Reading Time
  • What it is: Read together with your child, taking turns to read aloud.
  • How it helps: Improves reading skills and makes reading a shared, enjoyable activity.
  • Tips: Use different voices for characters to make the reading session lively and fun.

• Book Review Scrapbook
  • What it is: Maintain a scrapbook where your child can paste pictures and write short reviews of the books they read.
  • How it helps: Encourages expression and critical thinking about what they read.
  • Tips: Combine this with craft skills by decorating the scrapbook with materials related to the books.

These exercises are not just about reading; they’re about making reading a fun, integral part of your child’s daily life. By incorporating crafts and interactive elements, you’re setting the stage for a lifelong love of reading and creativity. So, grab some craft books, and let’s make reading exciting!