Share Your Book Cutting

What can we use instead of a stapler if we don't have one at home?

If you don't have a stapler for step 8 (staple twice along the folded spine), glue a thin line of strong craft glue along the folded spine and hold it with a clothespin until dry, or punch two holes and tie the pages with yarn or ribbon.

My pages became uneven after cutting—how can we avoid or fix this when trimming about 1 cm off the open edges in step 6?

To keep the pages even when you trim about 1 cm off the open edges in step 6, have an adult guide the scissors using a ruler as a cutting guide or use a paper trimmer, and if already uneven, re-stack and carefully re-trim small amounts until even.

How do we change the activity for a preschooler compared to an older child?

For preschoolers, an adult should do steps 2–8 (stacking, folding, trimming, stapling) while the child focuses on colouring and stickers in steps 11–12, and for older kids let them use 8–12 sheets, write a full story, add glued-on small decorations, and design a decorated cover in step 10 before sharing.

How can we make the mini-book more special or longer-lasting before sharing it on DIY.org?

To enhance the mini-book (steps 10–12), laminate or reinforce the cover with cardstock and glue, add a little pocket glued inside for notes, create a pop-up page from an extra folded sheet, or personalize with photos and washi tape before showing and sharing.