Once the book is written and the illustrations are done, dads need to publish the book so that it can go on the shelf along with the other books in children’s home library. Perhaps, children can even have a special place on the shelf for the books they wrote themselves.
There are many ways to make self-created books, ranging from the cheap and easy to the expensive and time-consuming. Some printing shops will be happy to help us, but why not save money by doing everything ourselves with the children?
Here are some areas to consider:
- Photos: These can be used instead of or in addition to drawings.
- Collage: Another alternative to drawing is to cut out pictures and make a collage.
- Paper: Thicker paper will last longer and coloured paper will add variety.
- Printing: Computers offer a wide range of fonts, font sizes and colors, not to mention graphics that come with basic computer software or can be downloaded from the Internet. Also, dads can print the words on computer, leave space for drawing, and then children can add drawings or other graphics, such as cutouts from magazines, by hand.
- Covers: These should be especially strong and durable. For example, dads can reuse cardboard. Also, they can use thick plastic for the cover.
- Binding: Many easy ideas can work:
a. The simplest thing to do is to make a book by folding a piece of paper.
b. Equally easy is to put several pieces of paper together and use staples along the left side of the paper.
c. Bookshops and stationery shops offer folders and files.
d. Another popular idea is to punch holes along the left side of the paper, thread colorful yarn through the holes and then tie the pieces of yarn. Metal rings can also be placed through the holes.
Dad reminder: You can start to read to your kids at ANY age. It’s fun for the kids and dad. It really is a dad duty!
– George Jacobs, Ph.D. and Wan Loh Inn, Ed.D.
Dr. George Jacobs, Ph.D. and Dr. Wan Loh Inn, Ed.D. are the authors of many books (including “The Read Aloud Guide”, textbooks for teachers and students, curriculum guides, and children’s storybooks).
Find out more about reading aloud to your kids.