Bookmarks Archives - What Do We Do All Day

Reading Freedom Coloring Page and Bookmarks

Erica — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 19:12:30 +0000

With the increase in book bans and challenges, parents, educators, librarians and good people everywhere must redouble thier efforts to ensure our children have reading freedom!

Melanie's latest coloring page shares a message that literacy is a key foundation of freedom. It features the Statue of Liberty and a group of children holding up books sitting on her crown.

Spark a conversation with your children, students and library patrons with this bookmark and coloring page set that promotes a love of reading.

As you can see there is a little word play on Lady Liberty's crown! That's because READing is essential for FREEDOM.

Print out the coloring page (By clicking on the following link you agree to our terms of service* see end of post) -->: Reading freedom coloring pages and bookmarks

The coloring page includes two sheets of bonus bookmarks. One set of bookmarks includes a spot for kids to write their name so they can claim their love of reading. The other set is for you to give out to fellow readers. Perhaps your kids can hide them in library books as a surprise for others!

Helpful book lists:

More coloring pages:

About the Illustrator

Melanie Hope Greenberg supports reading freedom and reads banned books in her spare time.

She is also an award winning author and illustrator of more than 15 children’s books. She was an Artist-In-Residence at the Eric Carle Museum and her books have been featured as a NY Times Great Children's Read. Her cheerful, vibrant illustrations can be found in books such as Mermaid Parade, Good Morning, Digger, Down in the Subway and A City Is.

One of Melanie's favorite parts of being an author/illustrator is talking about her craft with students at libraries and in classrooms. You can learn more about author visits (virtual or in-person) at her website.

*Terms of Service: this coloring page is used with permission from Melanie Hope Greenberg and is for non-commercial use ONLY. You many print out as many copies as you like for personal, library or classroom use. If you would like to share this coloring page, you MUST link to this blog page. It is expressly forbidden to link directly to the coloring page pdf file.

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Handmade Watercolor Bookmarks: Easy Gift for Kids to Make

Erica — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 18:51:23 +0000

Handmade watercolor bookmarks are great gifts for kids to make for teachers and classmates. Bookmarks are useful so they won't collect dust or be put in the give away pile!

These artistic, diy bookmarks are easy for kids to make and the watercolor resist technique means kids can personalize the bookmark for the recipient.

Note: this post contain affiliate links that earn commission from qualifying purchases.

How to Make Watercolor Bookmarks

Not only do handmade watercolor bookmarks make a great gift, but making the bookmarks is a fun art project.

Materials

Watercolor paper
White crayon, or clear wax pencil
Watercolors
Paint brush
Scissors

Optional materials:

Laminator and laminating sheets
Hole punch
Ribbon and beads

Instructions

Cut watercolor paper into strips about 1 and a half inches wide and 6 inches long. If you are going to laminate the bookmarks, I recommend using thin watercolor paper rather than the heavy, expensive stuff.

Using the wax crayon write the name of each recipient on individual bookmarks. Sure, your child's handwriting may not be perfect, or ready for to open an Etsy story, but that makes each bookmark more special.

If your child has trouble with using a white crayon on white paper, if is perfectly fine to use a colored crayon.

Next, paint over the writing with watercolors. Allow your child the creative freedom to choose colors and method of application. The only necessary instruction is that they need to cover all the writing with watercolor paint in order to reveal the name on the bookmark.

If desired, paint the reverse side of the bookmark.

MORE: Creative fun with salt and watercolors

Optional Steps

After the bookmarks are dry, you will want to decide if you are going to laminate the bookmark. If they are gifts, I recommend doing so. Most people don't have their own laminating machine. We took our bookmarks to the local copy shop, which laminated them for us.

In addition, if you want to add a tassel to the bookmark, use a hole punch to make a small hole in the top of the bookmark. Next, tie a ribbon through the hole, adding beads, if desired, for an extra-fancy look.

Presentation

We wrapped each personalized watercolor bookmark up with a small moleskin notebook. If these are gifts for teachers, they may also love to get a new read aloud book for the classroom!

You could even have your child make personalized gift wrap.

Of course the teachers LOVED the bookmarks my son made. How could they not?

More Handmade Bookmarks

Once you discover how fun and easy it is to make your own bookmarks, you will want to try some new ideas. Here are some more diy bookmark ideas:

First published 2010, updated 2023.

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Library Bookmarks with a Circus Theme!

Erica — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 16:37:19 +0000

Will the right bookmark help kids remember to return their books to the library? It can't hurt to try! These free, printable, eye-catching circus themed library bookmarks coloring page feature fun messages that aim to do just that.

Children's book illustrator and author, and library patron, Melanie Hope Greenberg, has been bringing readers a year of coloring page bookmarks and these wonderful circus library bookmarks are a great addition to the collection.

Each of the three printable bookmarks features a different circus character–dancing unicorn, juggling clown and elephant–in addition to a gentle reminder about returning the book to the library.

Who Could Use a Library Bookmark?

A better question, is "Who couldn't use a circus library bookmark?"

However, here are some ideas!

Librarians will love handing out these bookmarks to young patrons. Use the free coloring pages as a story time activity, or with a summer reading package. Or, cut out individual bookmarks and slip one in a book when young readers check out their next best read.

Teachers can also use these bookmarks with classroom libraries. Give students a bookmark coloring page to work on during down time, and kids will be sure not to no to forget their books at home (fingers crossed!).

Families, scout troops or other youth organizations can print out library bookmark coloring pages, color them in and then distribute them to libraries as part of a service project. A local library may love to get a stack of free bookmarks to hand out. (Just be sure to check with your library to find out the best way to go about it.)

Make the Library Bookmarks

How to make the bookmarks

Print out circus library bookmarks
Get your bookmarks here (by clicking on the following link you agree to our terms of service; see end of post for details*): Return to library circus bookmarks
Gather supplies
You need the bookmark printable, scissors, crayons, pencils or markers and other craft supplies as desired.
Color and cut
Seems obvious, right? Color the bookmarks however you want. No need to stay in the lines. Feel free to embellish with stickers, sequins, glitter glue or whatever you want!

When you are finished coloring and decorating, cut individual bookmarks out with a scissors or paper cutter (with adult supervision!).
Tip
For a sturdier bookmark, print on card stock, or laminate finished bookmarks.
Read and use!
And don't forget to return books to the library!

More Coloring Pages

Melanie has more library and circus themed coloring pages, as well as bookmarks.

About the Artist

Melanie Hope Greenberg always returns her library books. She is also an award winning author and illustrator of more than 15 children’s books. She was an Artist-In-Residence at the Eric Carle Museum and her books have been featured as a NY Times Great Children's Read. Her cheerful, vibrant illustrations can be found in books such as Good Morning, Digger, Down in the Subway and A City Is.

Not only does Melanie love libraries, she's been doing author visits at libraries and classrooms since 1991! One of her favorite parts of being an author/illustrator is talking about her craft with students. You can learn more about author visits (virtual or in-person) at her website.

Melanie's iconic book, Mermaids on Parade, is available at your local library! It was selected as a Bank Street Best Book, and for the Texas Reading Club and PBS Kids Summer Reading Lists. It was named one of the Top Reprints of 2019 by Fuse#8.

MERMAIDS ON PARADE

written and illustrated by Melanie Hope Greenberg

Read the reviews and testimonials on Melanie's Blog.

Ingram 2019 Paperback ISBN 978-0578552125
Paperback 34 pages x 8.5 x 11 inches Perfect Bound $13.99
1st Edition Putnam/Penguin 2008
Print-On-Demand - can be purchased by schools, libraries, stores.
Institutional Book Ordering from Ingram
Or, buy it from Amazon

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Four Seasons Tree Bookmarks Coloring Page

Erica — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 20:40:53 +0000

There is something magical about the changing of the seasons. Why not add a touch of extra magic to your child's reading with these four seasons bookmarks! This coloring page includes four bookmarks, each featuring a tree. There's spring, summer, fall and winter. Children's book author and illustrator, Melanie Hope Greenberg has been creating some dynamite bookmarks for this blog and these seasonal trees are the latest adorable addition.

How to Make Seasonal Tree Bookmarks

Color-Your-Own Four Seasons Tree Bookmarks

Print out coloring page
Get your bookmarks here (by clicking on the following link you agree to our terms of service; see end of post for details*): Four Seasons Coloring Page
Tip
For sturdier bookmark, print out on white card stock or other heavy paper.
Color
Color the trees of every season. Do not worry about using the "right" colors, or staying within the lines. Use colored pencils, markers, crayons, pastels or paint.
Cut out the bookmarks
Best to use scissors, rather than a saw.
Read a book
Find a favorite book, read it. When you are ready to stop (or just have to take a snack break) place a seasonal bookmark between the pages. Use the season that corresponds to the current season, the season you currently wish it was, or a random season. You made the bookmarks and so the choice is yours!

BONUS! Here are some four seasons coloring pages:

EXTRA BONUS! See all our fun coloring page bookmarks here!

About the Artist

Melanie Hope Greenberg is an award winning author and illustrator of more than 15 children’s books. She was an Artist-In-Residence at the Eric Carle Museum and her books have been featured as a NY Times Great Children's Read. Her cheerful, vibrant illustrations can be found in books such as Good Morning, Digger, Down in the Subway and A City Is.

Did you know Melanie has been doing author visits since 1991! One of her favorite parts of being an author/illustrator is talking about her craft with students. You can learn more about author visits (virtual or in-person) for schools and libraries at her website.

Melanie's iconic book, Mermaids on Parade, was selected as a Bank Street Best Book, and for the Texas Reading Club and PBS Kids Summer Reading Lists. It was named one of the Top Reprints of 2019 by Fuse#8.

MERMAIDS ON PARADE

written and illustrated by Melanie Hope Greenberg

Read the reviews and testimonials on Melanie's Blog.

The post Four Seasons Tree Bookmarks Coloring Page appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Pizza Party Bookmarks Coloring Page

Erica — Tue, 18 May 2021 13:58:50 +0000

What's better than a pizza party?

Why, a pizza party with a reading theme, of course! Which is why this pizza party bookmark coloring page is just the thing to you need to keep the kids busy while they wait for the piping hot pizza to arrive!

As with the rest of our coloring pages, these pizza bookmarks are designed exclusively for readers of What Do We Do All Day by children's book author and illustrator, Melanie Hope Greenberg. In fact, Melanie has created a number of wonderful bookmark coloring pages just for you, and you can see them all here --> bookmark coloring pages.

If you look carefully, you can see there is a sneaky math lesson built into the pizza illustrations!

But let's not waste anymore time, there are bookmarks to print out (for free, of course!) and pizza to eat. Just remember to wipe those greasy little fingers before you get started.

How to Make Pizza Party Bookmarks

Get the coloring page
Click on this link to get the pdf (by clicking on the following link you agree to our terms of service; see end of post for details*): Pizza slice math bookmark coloring page

TIP: For longer-lasting bookmarks, print out on heavy paper or card stock
Clean hands
Wipe the pizza grease off your hands.
Color, color, color
Plop a pile of colored pencils in the middle of the table and let everyone grab whatever colors they want to create the bookmark of their dreams.
Cut out the bookmarks
Seems obvious, right?
Enjoy!
Send the bookmarks home with the kids as a party favor, read a book, mark your place, the choices are endless!

BONUS! Combine the pizza bookmark coloring page with this pizza parlor coloring page that kids can turn into a 3D building for pretend play!

Note: this post contains affiliate links.

Meet the Coloring Page Artist

Melanie Hope Greenberg is an award winning author and illustrator of more than 15 children’s books. Her cheerful, vibrant illustrations can be found in books such as Good Morning, Digger, Down in the Subway and A City Is.

MERMAIDS ON PARADE

written and illustrated by Melanie Hope Greenberg

Read the reviews and testimonials on Melanie's Blog.

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Poetry Bookmarks Coloring Page

Erica — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 17:49:28 +0000

April is National Poetry Month! What better way to get a little extra poetry-goodness in your life, and your children's lives, than with a poetry bookmark? Every time you open your book, you'll see a lovely poem and a smile will spread across your face!

Like all our monthly coloring pages, children's book author and illustrator, Melanie Hope Greenberg designed these four bookmark poems just for you. You may even notice that some of the poems are from our poetry reading challenge!

Poetry Bookmark Instructions

First: Get and print the coloring page (by using on the following link you agree to our terms of service; see end of post for details*): Bookmark poems

TIP: For longer-lasting bookmarks, print out on heavy paper or card stock

Next: Break out the coloring pencils, crayons, fancy markers or whatever coloring medium you wish to use and color away.

Then: Cut out bookmarks.

Finally: Break open a favorite book and slide that bookmark inside.

Bookmark poems:

"There Was an Old Man with a Beard" by Edward Lear.
"Who Has Seen the Wind?" by Christina Rossetti
excerpt from A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare
"An Earth Song" by Langston Hughes

Do you love bookmarks as much as we do? Check out all of Melanie's bookmark coloring pages here; or take a look at our DIY bookmarks like this cool bookmark you will never lose!

Note: this post contains affiliate links.

Meet Our Coloring Page Artist

MERMAIDS ON PARADE

written and illustrated by Melanie Hope Greenberg

Read the reviews and testimonials on Melanie's Blog.

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Read Alike Bookmarks for Kids!

Erica — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 13:18:28 +0000

A good bookmark doesn't just help you remember where you left off reading. It also doesn't just help you preserve pages from the viciousness of dog-earing or spines from the indignity of being placed open and face down.

A good bookmark–the perfect bookmark–tells you what to read next! That's why parents, librarians, teachers, as well as kids will love these read-alike bookmarks!

These printable bookmarks are based on our Read Alike Book List series. I turned the top sixteen most popular lists into bookmarks with five "read next" recommendations.

Each read alike bookmark boasts that the child is currently reading a well loved book and declares that they will read the following five books next. None of this wishy-washy, "can" read next stuff, right? These are books they will read next!

Five book recommendations is an inspiring number without being too overwhelming for more reluctant readers or slow readers. Ambitious kids will want to refer to our read alike book lists for ten or more read alike book recommendations.

Make the Bookmarks!

Instructions:

Request the printable in the form below that says "Get the 16 Bookmark Printable"
Head over to your email to get the printable and print it out.
We recommend using heavy paper or card stock, but standard white paper will work just fine.
Cut out the bookmark(s) that you want to use.
Get reading!

Read Alike Book Suggestions

Here are links to the lists that have companion bookmarks:

But wait! There's more. In case you don't see your child's favorite book on the above lists, we have more "what to read next" ideas in the following posts:

And if you keep losing those pesky bookmarks, make one of these snazzy magnetic ones! Here's a video to show you how. You could even turn your favorite read alike bookmark into a magnetic bookmark!

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Valentine Bookmarks Coloring Page

Erica — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 12:48:35 +0000

Sure, you could run out to the store and pick up a pack of ready-made valentines for your child's class at school. But wouldn't it be more fun if they gave each of their friends a valentine bookmark coloring page? These exclusive and love-ly (see what I did there?) bookmarks are designed by children's book author and illustrator, Melanie Hope Greenberg. And like all of the coloring pages Melanie makes for you, they are totally free.

Before you print these out, you'll want to decide the following: will each classmate get their own printable sheet with four cute valentine bookmarks to color on their own? Or, will your child color and cut out enough single bookmarks for everyone? A third option is to give a single uncolored bookmark to each child. Which will it be? You decide!

Valentine Bookmark Instructions

Download and print the coloring page (by clicking on the following link you agree to our terms of service; see end of post for details*): hearts and love bookmarks

We recommend printing on card stock or other heavy paper for durability, but plain office paper will also work.

Color and cut out!

Read a book and mark your place for future reference!

Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

More Valentine's Day Coloring Pages

Want more Valentine's Day coloring pages to mix things up? Give these coloring pages out as another alternative to traditional Valentine's Day cards. Check out the adorable (and free!) coloring pages below:

Note: this post contains affiliate links.

Meet Our Coloring Page Artist

Mermaids on Parade, written and illustrated by Melanie Hope Greenberg

Read the reviews and testimonials on Melanie's Blog.

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Winter Bookmark Coloring Page

Erica — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 16:47:55 +0000

You won't ever be fully prepared for an afternoon of cozy reading without just the right bookmark. That's why, when your kids ask for a cup of hot cocoa to go with their snowy day reading time you need to be sure to also print out this adorable winter bookmark coloring page designed exclusively for us by Melanie Hope Greenberg.

The four bookmarks, featuring snowy scenes, a snowman wrapped up in hat and scarf and even a few penguins, are perfect to save your reading spot in your favorite read aloud book.

What you need for the perfect winter afternoon:

A good book from this list of winter chapter books
A cup of hot cocoa or apple cider
Colored pencils or crayons
Our winter bookmark printable (get it below)

What to do:

Download and print the coloring page (by clicking on the following link you agree to our terms of service; see end of post for details*): Snowy scene bookmarks

For extra durability, print out on card stock, but any paper will do!

Crack open the book and begin reading to your children.

Let the children color their bookmarks and drink their hot beverage while listening.

When you're done reading, cut out a bookmark and place it at your stopping spot.

Close the book and give your kids a hug!

Happy reading.

Not winter? See more bookmark coloring pages that will transport you out of cold winter days!:

Note: this post contains affiliate links.

About the illustrator:

MERMAIDS ON PARADE

written and illustrated by Melanie Hope Greenberg

Read the reviews and testimonials on Melanie's Blog.

She also has a new reprint of her wonderful book, Aunt Lilly's Laundromat. If you contact Melanie she will even send you a free teacher's guide for Aunt Lilly's Laundromat (as well as for her other books). The book addresses the following themes: Art, Brooklyn, Caribbean, Citizens, Community, Cultural Identity, Diversity, Haiti, Immigrants, Laundromats, Money, Neighborhoods, Neighbors, Settings, Songs, Store Owners, Traditions, Workers

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Exclusive, Printable Bookmarks to Color

Erica — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 17:53:00 +0000

Stop dog-earing your book pages or tearing off a bit of scrap paper to mark your reading spot! Instead, take a relaxing break during a stressful afternoon or a rainy day and color in one these exclusive, free, printable bookmark coloring pages.

While it will be tempting to color the bookmarks and keep them for yourself, they make great gifts! For a more durable bookmark, simply print out on cardstock or laminate individual bookmarks. Slip a bookmark into a book for an extra-special birthday gift, Mother's day surprise or any other holiday!

All the themed, free printable bookmarks featured and designed by author and illustrator Melanie Hope Greenberg, have been showcased as part of our coloring page of the month series, so if your kids, tweens and teens love coloring pages, take a look at our dozens of adorable free, printable coloring sheets!

Check out our wide selection of bookmark templates and designs below. All the bookmarks are in a free, pdf format that you can quickly download, print and color.

Kindness Coloring Page Bookmarks

Coloring page bookmarks are an easy project for any day. Use markers, crayons or colored pencils to add pizzaz to these adorable kindness coloring page bookmarks. What better way to brighten someone's day than to decorate a sweet message on a bookmark and leave it inside a book for someone to find! You could even add a personalized message to the back of the bookmark. I know I would smile if I discovered one in the next library book I brought home!

Get it here --> the free, printable kindness bookmarks

Mermaid Coloring Page Bookmarks

Add some whimsy to your reading experience with these cool mermaid bookmarks. Let your imagination soar as you color in these mythical sea maidens and gentlemen. Artist Melanie Hope Greenberg was inspired by the annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade, and one of the bookmarks features a roller coaster ride. So tuck them between the pages of your current reading material.

Get it here --> sail away with these free, printable mermaid bookmarks

MORE: Your mermaid-loving kids will also adore these mermaid paper doll coloring pages.

School Coloring Page Bookmarks

Some kids are excited about back to school, others not so much, but whatever their attitude, get them in the spirit with these school-themed bookmarks. Teachers can pass them out in class as a free-time activity or give them out as a special treat to encourage reading.

Print the bookmarks --> encourage literacy with free, printable school-themed bookmarks

Add in more school coloring pages with these selections:

Build a paper school house with this schoolhouse templat e coloring page
Relax with a homework help coloring page

MORE: Don't miss how to make bookmarks you will never loose, and how to make darling personalized bead bookmarks.

Summer Coloring Page Bookmarks

Need something to jazz up summer reading with the kids? Grab a handful of pens, and head outside for a fun craft activity. Librarians can even use this free printable coloring bookmark page into their summer reading program materials or have kids color while they listen to a read aloud.

Get it here --> have fun in the sun with these summer bookmarks.

Check out all our summer coloring pages here!

Seaside Coloring Page Bookmarks

Dream of heading off to the beach, even in the depths of winter when you pull out these cute seaside bookmark coloring pages! Use them for summer reading programs or inspiration, or for no other reason than they are uniquely adorable.

Enjoy the bookmarks here --> seaside bookmarks

Continue the fun with this beach coloring page.

Winter Coloring Page Bookmarks

When you're cozied up with a book and a hot beverage on a cold winter's day, don't forget just the right bookmark! For extra family fun, read aloud to the kids while they scribble away on some winter-themed cute printable bookmarks. Choose from a snowman, penguins or a restful, snowy landscape!

Go here to get started --> winter bookmarks

Valentine Bookmarks

These adorable heart themed bookmarks make a great alternative to traditional classroom Valentine's Day cards! Teachers could use them as encouragement for reading. Print out as many as you need to get everyone ready to read their favorite book!

Get them here: Valentine Bookmark coloring page

Poetry Bookmarks

It doesn't have to be National Poetry Month for kids to color in these adorable bookmark poems. Bonus: when they read the poem every time they crack open a book, they'll have the poem memorized in no time!

Pizza Party Bookmarks

Bookmarks that make you hungry for a snack and teach a sneaky math lesson? Yes, please! Just wipe those greasy fingers before you start turning pages.

Get the pizza bookmarks here.

Four Seasons Bookmarks

Enjoy the changing of the seasons with these collection of spring, summer, fall and winter trees. Use each bookmark during the corresponding season, or pick one at random.

Get the tree bookmarks here.

Reading Liberty Bookmarks

Show your support for reading and shout out the importance of access to books for kids with this Lady Liberty coloring page and bookmark set that sends a message of reading freedom.

Get the Reading Freedom bookmarks here.

Want more diy bookmarks? Try these:

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