Nellie Shepherd's "My Picture Art Class" and "My Puppet Art Class" will keep creative little hands occupied for hours.PHOTOS Click photo for larger image.
	Click photo for larger image.

It's summer, and you're happy to see the kids relax from the rigors of the school year. But you're also tired of seeing them fixated on electronic playthings, and you want to find a way to spark their creativity.

To get you started, here are some books to help kids create all kinds of things, from birdhouses to cookies to cartoon characters. And remember -- this is just a sample of the many kids' activity books available at your local library or bookstore:

For the youngest artists (and their parents), try "My Picture Art Class" and "My Puppet Art Class" (DK, $12.99 each). Written by Nellie Shepherd, these picture book-sized volumes are filled with colorful photos of happy preschoolers at work on various projects, including paper flowers and a snake sock puppet. Clear written directions accompany apt photos. (Ages 2-5, although much older children and even parents could enjoy expanding on these fun projects.)

If you're looking for a quick craft to fill a bit of time, try "20-Minute Crafts" (Sterling, $12.95). Part of the "Hands on Crafts for Kids" series, the book by Kathy Stull offers 29 crafts that range from holiday-related (a valentine frame and a Christmas cat) to more general things, such as sports magnets and alien pencil toppers. One important note: most of these crafts call for specific art supplies, so stock up before you start. (Age 4 up.)

For an activity the entire family can enjoy, try "My Paper Memory Quilt: A Family History Pack" (Chronicle, $12.95). Written by Bill Zimmerman and illustrated by Maria Carluccio, this set includes a book with instructions and ideas for getting started, as well as 24 paper panels that can be used to create a paper quilt. (Age 4 up.)

In "Hemp Jewelry" (Kids Can, $12.95), kids can learn to make bracelets, necklaces, anklets and even watch bands and earrings from colorful hemp cord. Author Judy Ann Sadler provides clear instructions for the 16 projects. Detailed step-by-step illustrations by June Bradford help to make these projects accessible to boys and girls. (Age 8 up.)

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"Birdhouses" (Kids Can, $12.95) aren't for spur-of-the-moment projects -- most of these cool houses for feathered friends call for tools and other items and involve some careful measuring. If you're prepared, though, the projects are creative and fun; for example, there's a birdhouse crafted from an old boot. Many of the houses are designed to attract specific birds, such as the wacky-looking "space condos" created from corrugated plastic drainpipe for purple marlins, birds that live as a group.. (Age 10 up.)

Crocheting is easy with the help of author Kelli Ronci, who shares her knowledge in "Kids Crochet" (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, $19.95). Featuring photographs of finished projects by John Gruen and helpful illustrations by Lena Corwin, this book shows kids how to create 15 different projects while learning crochet basics. Among the projects are the bracelet-like "friendship cuffs" and juggling balls, as well as a hat, a scarf and even a sweater. Both boys and girls are featured in the photographs, and most projects would interest both genders. (Age 8 up.)

Make "fizzing" soaps and bubble-bath blends with directions from "Totally Cool Soapmaking for Kids" (Sterling, $9.95). Written by Marie Brown, this book has lots of colorful photos showing how to create "soap on a rope" and "bath bon-bons," among other projects. (Age 8 up.)

Kids can make all kinds of treats with "Bake and Make Amazing Cookies" (Kids Can, $12.95). Author Elizabeth MacLeod includes simple instructions for such edibles as a cookie pizza, magic wand cookies and even "potato chippers." June Bradford's illustrations help simplify the instructions even further. (Age 8 up.)

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Aspiring artists might want to try their hand at creating some interesting characters with "Cartoon Cool" (Watson-Guptil, $12.95). Writing in easy-to-understand language and using lots of illustrations, author Christopher Hart shows kids how to draw the "retro-style characters" so popular today on such animated shows as "Dexter's Lab" and "Johnny Bravo." (Age 8 up.)

Two great activity books for girls:

Girls who want to give their rooms a new look will find lots of ideas in "Room Crafts" (American Girl, $9.95). The projects include creating a no-sew fleece pillow and funky bed drape. Instructions are simple, and the book includes lots of colorful photos showing what the finished projects will look like. (Age 8 up.)

Dozens of great craft ideas can be found in "The Girls' World Book of Friendship Crafts" (Lark, $14.95). Author Joanne O'Sullivan shows how to make "a great wall of photos," a "back in time clock" and a T-shirt memory quilt. Lots of photos make this book fun to leaf through. (Age 8 up.)