Seeing my daughter play with her paper dolls today flooded me with memories from my own childhood. For me, paper dolls were more than mere toys; they were a portal to my imagination. As a child, I would save my allowance for weeks, dreaming of the perfect set to enhance my collection. Each doll was a chance to create an entirely new world, brimming with stories and adventures.
In those serene moments, I could turn my room into anything my imagination conjured. I dressed them in intricate outfits, each paper piece a cherished gem. If you grew up in the seventies, you probably have your own fond memories of these simple yet enchanting toys. They allowed children to play freely, sparking creativity in ways that many contemporary toys often fail to do.
Although classic paper dolls may seem outdated in today’s toy landscape, there are still fresh dolls for kids to explore and enjoy. I feel a surge of excitement whenever I encounter a classic toy reimagined for a new generation. It’s as if the child within me stirs, eager to partake in the joy.
Recently, I discovered a new series of press and play books from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, distributed by Raincoast Books. These books aim to bring the same joy and creativity to today’s children that paper dolls once brought to us. Each book encourages kids to engage and play, merging storytelling with interactive experiences. Watching my daughter interact with these modern toys fills me with nostalgia, reminding me of the countless stories I created as a child and bringing the magic of paper dolls full circle.
Princesses (Make It Now!): Press Out and Play offers a magical experience for children. This durable activity book enchants young imaginations with five colorful princesses and their charming animal companions. Kids can easily press out the dolls from the pages, bringing them to life.
After separating the dolls, children are encouraged to unleash their creativity. They can use crayons, markers, or colored pencils to personalize each princess, enhancing the vibrant illustrations with their artistic touch.
To elevate the fun, the book features a variety of playful stickers. These stickers allow kids to dress the princesses or embellish their surroundings, enabling them to mix and match for unique styles and scenes that spark imaginative play.
As children turn each page, they immerse themselves in a realm of creativity and enjoyment. The activities of pressing out, coloring, and sticker application keep young minds actively engaged. Princesses (Make It Now!) fosters artistic development while delivering hours of fun, making it an ideal choice for playdates, quiet afternoons, or rainy days.
The Princesses (Make It Now!) craft book presents a charming update to the classic paper dolls many of us cherished in our youth. Unlike those delicate paper figures, these dolls are made from sturdy board pages, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of playtime. This durability allows children to enjoy their imaginative play without the fear of tearing or damaging the dolls.
Targeted at children aged 6 to 7, my five-year-old daughter found the craft both simple and enjoyable. She was able to complete it on her own, demonstrating how accessible this activity can be. I believe that even younger kids, around three years old, could participate with some adult assistance.
I am certain that both the Princesses (Make It Now!) and Animals (Make It Now!) Press and Play books will captivate young minds for hours. Each page introduces new characters, and every crafted doll adds a personal flair to their playtime. Parents can eagerly anticipate watching their children dive into a vibrant world of creativity and enjoyment.
Raincoast Books is an award-winning Canadian book distributor based in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Website:http://www.raincoast.com