Book Making Is Simple and Fun
First kids choose from different sizes and page counts for their book. Little kids should probably go with an 8 page board book while older kids with a real story to tell may like the mini books with a lot of pages to write on.  They also decide whether to write the entire story themselves or use some of the pre-printed fill-in-the-blank templates.  Then they go to the wall of markers and fill up their caddy with color, pick a workspace on the communal table and get cracking. When the pages are done there are a few more decisions to be made, like the color for the cover, the author’s bio and if you would like a photo for the back cover.

My 5 year old, sometimes easily distracted, son took about 2 hours from start to finish for his 8 page book, but I noticed older kids finishing theirs a lot faster.  You then hand it all in and it goes to the production studio at the back of the store and 15 minutes later your child is presented with his very own book.  (Sometimes if the store is very busy or there is a party going on it can take a little longer to produce the book – so you are always free to pick it up at another time.)  Board books are $28 - $39.

                                                         

If they don't feel like writing

The Perfect Keepsake or Gift
The make-your-own books are the perfect gift for parents, grandparents or anyone who would oooh and aaaah over the masterpieces.

A Great Class Gift Idea
A minimally designed gallery book can be an affordable and thoughtful class gift for you favorite teacher.  Ask each child in class to write a letter or draw a picture for the teacher, bring it into the shop and they will print it up, one page per child, with a soft cover.  They start at $45 and take about 48 hours to produce. 

Camps, classes and more
While there, check out their creative summer camp offerings.  Creativity Camp for younger kids with art project and activities inspired by children’s literature including Mo Willems, Eric Carle and other favorites. Older kids can opt for Creative Writing summer camp. They also offer a unique birthday parties locale and enriching after school classes starting in the fall.

Scribble Press
1624 First Avenue
212-288-2928
Open: 10:00- 6:00 pm daily
 

Looking for more craft kid ideas? Check out these posts on the subject.

NYC Kids Crafts: 5 Paint Your Own Pottery Studios

10 FREE Kids Crafts Places in New York City