5 Ways To Re-Purpose Too-Loved Picture Books

Every once in a while, in my children’s book buying frenzy, I get to bring home books that have been, well, too-loved by their previous owners.  These are books that may look great outside, but are filled with writings in the inner pages.  More than once, I bought books that seemed to be in mint condition but actually had missing pages.  In some occasions, I get hold of books that are just too precious to let go, despite the condition.

Yes, I am a self-confessed addict.  Part of this addiction is finding ways to make these damaged books into treasures again.  Here are five ways to re-purpose those too-loved books:

1. Story pieces

Make story pieces by cutting out the characters and scenes from some of the pages, laminating them and gluing them to popsicle sticks. My daughter loves our magnetic board so I also make magnetic story pieces. I put self-adhesive magnets on the pieces and voila, story pieces. I have also used felt or velcro for use in our felt storyboards.  You can use these pieces to make storytelling more interactive. You can even make up your own stories.  It is also great for story sequencing.

Add drama into your storytelling by using cutout pieces from unusable books and sticking them to popsicle sticks. Photo shows story pieces cut in the middle and filled with cellophane. We used these as shadow theater puppets.

2. Bookplates

I was introduced to this “art” by an aunt who loves thrift store shopping. It was a perfect solution to my decorating woes. I happened upon this Tudor collection book in a local bookstore. The condition was barely fair so it was perfect to cut and frame. The frames were about P100 each. Don’t they look pretty? These are perfect decorations for a child’s room.

I heard, too, that very rare framed illustrations sell for hundreds of dollars! As I tell my husband, these books are investments! Ha!

Framed bookplates from an old Tudor Dolls collection book

3. Storybook quilt or scrapbook

I know of some parents who have read-aloud journals to document their reading journey with their children. While this is still in my bucket list, another creative way to make a memento of your child’s favorite read-alouds is through a “quilt”. Get a poster board and make a collage of the titles and characters of your most cherished storytime moments. Frame and hang in your living room for an interesting showpiece.

4. Storybook Jar

Cut out pieces from different books and place it in a Storybook Jar. As a special weekly treat, pick one piece from the jar for the day’s read-aloud.  You can also make up your own memory game. Take turns picking a piece from the Jar and try recalling the title of the book where the picture is found.  As an extension for older kids, cut out interesting passages from the storybook pages. Whoever guesses the book where it came from wins the game. Never ending fun from books that you almost threw away!

We capped every Jesse Tree session during the Christmas season with a storybook that we picked from a fishbowl. The Energizer Bunny loved the daily surprise!

5. Puzzle

For bigger pieces or pages, make your own puzzle. Laminate the page and cut into several pieces.  Have a preschooler who is into cutting? Let her do it! Draw lines that she can follow for instant scissors practice. Simple and inexpensive learning moment.

Cutting activities make our usually energetic Bunny preoccupied for long periods of time. If your preschooler is so-inclined, have her cut the puzzles pieces. She will love having been able to “make” her own puzzle.

We’d love to hear what do you do with “throw-away” (gasp!) books that you get? Share your ideas in the comments.

Have fun!