A special thank you goes out to Clavis Publishing for sending my family BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE Book to review and for providing press information. This story inspired a Paper Kite Craft and opinions expressed are that of my own.
One of the toughest ideas faced as a kid, is the concept of having to wait for something (at least it is for my kids). Patience is a skill that takes time to grasp and hopefully gets easier as they mature.
However our main character in BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE by Alan C. Fox and illustrated by Eefje Juijl, is a great example of a child being patient and even shows the value of hard work.
My daughter read this book to her brother and between the colorful illustrations and the story, they really enjoyed it. They even wanted me to read it to them again.
As I read it to them, I could see my children’s real life experiences through Fox’ s depiction of Benji’s disappointment when his toy broke. I also liked how Benji stepped up to complete chores to earn his new kite.
From a visual standpoint, I love how the illustrator Eefie Huijl depicted the character’s expressions as well as the beach at sunset. I could picture myself there during that time of day with the shadows creating silhouettes of the family.
Have your children ever struggled with waiting for something they wanted in the past? What are some of the ways you have tried to help teach them the value of patience?
About BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE:
Benji adores kites. All kinds of kites – big or small, plain or fancy, square or diamond- shaped. He loves flying them at the beach, watching them float high in the sky. One day Benji sees a giant orange kite at the toy store. He wants it more than anything else – ever. But his mom explains that he’ll need to earn the money to buy the kite. So Benji buckles down and weeds the garden for the next two weeks – the vegetables in the morning and the flowers in the afternoon. It seems like he’ll never be done.
Finally the special day arrives, and Benji’s mom hands him the giant orange kite of his dreams. At the beach, Benji lets his kite soar higher and higher with every gust of wind. He watches it rise above the people, the hotdog stand, and even the houses beyond. Soon the kite becomes a distant speck in the sky. Benji is thrilled. But when it’s time to pull the kite down and head back home, Benji can’t bear to do it. He wants to set the kite free to fulfill its destiny among the clouds. Benji lets the twine go and the kite disappears into the sunset sky. The kite may still be up there yet.
How To Make a Paper Kite Craft and Supplies needed:
3 Types of Construction Paper, (Orange, Red, Green)
2 Craft Sticks (and thank you Craft Project Ideas for sending me these handy items.)
Glue
Pencil
Ruler
Safety Scissors
Looking for another fun craft idea? Check out this Flower Frame Craft That Looks Like A Picket Fence!
Directions:
First glue the craft sticks together in a cross shape, allow this to set. Then, take a ruler and trace a kite shape around the craft sticks on the orange construction paper. Cut this shape out.
I also made a Kite Template to Download to make this easier.
Next, glue the center of the sticks to the kite shape. Then cut out ribbon shapes from the 3 pieces of construction paper and glue to the bottom of the kite. Allow this Paper Kite Craft to dry and once set feel free to tape to a mirror to look like it is suspended in air.
Alan C. Fox is the bestselling author of three books for adults, PEOPLE TOOLS, PEOPLE TOOLS FOR BUSINESS, and PEOPLE TOOLS FOR LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS. His two children’s books are BENJI AND THE 24 POUND BANANA SQUASH (Clavis 2017) and BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE (Clavis 2018). An entrepreneur, philanthropist, and relationships expert, Alan is also the publisher of the poetry magazine, Rattle. He founded a charity that works to maximize the potentional of youth as well as an organization that encourages young people to become active in helping others. Alan lives in Los Angeles, California. To learn more, visit Alan’s website: alancfox.com
Eefje Juijl is a graduate of the School of the Arts Utrech, creates colorful illustrations for children’s books, magazines, postcards and more. She lives in The Netherlands with her partner Philip, her son Guus, daughter Fien, and their dog Jip.
I hope your family also enjoys BENJI AND THE GIANT KITE and you have a great time creating your own Paper Kite Craft!
Carlee @ FLL
Looking for another fun craft idea? Check out this Flower Frame Craft That Looks Like A Picket Fence!
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