When I start making a busy book, or even just a page for a busy book, I start with a list of ideas. I write down what I know the kid I’m making it for is currently into, and I do a bit of research on developmentally appropriate skills for kids their age. The little guy I’m making this book for will be turning 2, so the focus is on fine motor skills, coordination, and problem-solving. I look at the toys that develop those skills and think about how I can incorporate those concepts into a busy book.

I usually end up with a list of ideas, which I narrow down to the pages that I think will be most engaging. I have all sorts of lists of pages I might make in the future, though a lot of them will probably never be made because kids grow and their interests change so fast.

This car page was the first one I decided on for the new busy book I’m making. This little guy loves cars, and moving them along the cords on this page will help him develop fine motor and coordination skills.

Materials and Tools I used for this page:

• Sketchbook
• Pencils (I like these mechanical pencils, but any will do)
• Printer Paper (Any scrap paper you have around is fine, as long as you can see through it enough to trace something – or print off the templates below)
• Scissors – I like these tiny ones for cutting out small shapes and these self-sharpening ones (If you sew, do not use your shears on craft felt, it will dull them)
• Water Soluble Pencils
• Craft Felt
• Buttons (1″)
• Sewing Needles
• Clips (I prefer these to pins)
• Embroidery Floss
• Paracord
• Lighter

How I made it: