How To Make A Hidden Treasure Book

World Book Day may have fallen earlier this month, but when you have a four year old child who devours reading books at the rate of knots then every day is a book day! Seeing my son settle himself down to read a book independently is one of the most amazing things I've seen as a mum, and it is reassuring to know that he already has a love of books.

Every child has at least one favourite story, and this easy craft activity can be used to help explore the book and bring the story to life.

How To Make A Hidden Treasure Book

Materials you'll need:

• photocopies of illustrations from your child's favourite book
• a hollow book box, available from Hobbycraft (although these are easy enough to make from a cereal box which is taped over the bottom and top, and the front is cut open along the top, right-hand side, and bottom.)
• PVA glue
• craft paint
• paintbrush
• scissors

How to do it:

1. Photocopy favorite images from the pages of your favorite book.
2. Paint the hollow book box with a co-ordinating colour. Allow to dry.
3. Cut out images from the photocopies and ask your child to arrange them on the box how they'd like them. Discuss the most important aspects of the story, their favourite sections and ask them to show the book's story with pictures or important sections of text.
4. Spread PVA glue on the back of each image and place them on the box in the correct place. Wrap any paper ends that extend outside the edge around the sides and onto the back, if necessary. Once glued into place, leave to dry.
5. Dilute some PVA glue with water in a 2:1 ratio. Add glitter for extra sparkle. Paint over the front, back and spine of the box..
6. Leave the box to dry completely.
7. Use to brighten a bookshelf, hiding secret treasures from unsuspecting grown-ups!

Five tips on how to make story time more fun:

1. Dress up as the characters from your favourite books with your child for story time. You don't necessarily need expensive outfits, whip out the face paints and get creative!
2. Discuss the book after reading; did your child enjoy it? What did they learn? Would they like to read it again? Who was their favourite character and why? (More tips on reading together here.)
3. Read out loud and give spirit to the characters – make it a family affair! Whether that be mum, dad or a grandparent children will relish the opportunity to spend time with the family.
4. A great way to help those who might be disengaged from reading is to watch a television or film adaptation, following the story in the book; seeing the story acted out can help children visualise it and spark their imagination.
5. Make story time fun with an easy to follow craft idea on how to bring your favourite book to life.

Netflix has a fantastic selection of TV shows and film adaptations of well-loved storybooks for the whole family to enjoy. The Boy likes watching Thomas The Tank Engine, and there's plenty of others like Winnie The Pooh, The Chronicles of Narnia or for older children the Lemony Snickett series.

I am a member of the Netflix Stream Team for which I have received a year's subscription of Netflix, my thoughts and opinions are honest and unbiased.