I’ve never met an activity book I didn’t like.  They’re just fun, right?

I don’t know if the Anti-Coloring books I had as a kid (see pics below) launched the whole genre, but now there are so many great “anti-coloring” books to choose from, all of which encourage children’s creativity and art skills. They are great boredom busters and make great gifts too.

Your stash of rainy day activities should definitely include at least one of the Taro Gomi activity books:

Rosie Flo Coloring Books are cute as a button and all the rage:

I am a huge fan of all the Usborne “Things to Make and Do” activity books:

I also really like these “Little Footprints” activity books by Autumn Publishing (printed on 100% recycled paper) about animals in different habitats (the ocean, the forest, the pond, etc.).

The Rosie Flo, Usborne and Little Footprints books are all based in the UK but are readily available here at all the big bookstores and probably your local toy store too. Usborne books are sold through mom and pop franchises online and also here.

Photos of the Anti-Coloring book courtesy of Skip to My Lou.