Herb Innovation Center
Contact Us
The University of Toledo
Main Campus
3100W Gillham Hall, MS 914
Toledo, Ohio 43606
Make a Book: Reading, Writing, and Illustration Camp
In this five-day camp, students will be guided step-by-step through creating their very own book. Campers will explore different types of stories and illustration styles, learn how to build a strong plot and interesting characters, and practice reading with expression. They will also discover how to choose illustration styles that fit the mood and message of their story.
Each day includes three 45-minute classes—one focused on reading, one on writing, and one on illustration—plus a snack break to recharge. By the end of the week, campers will bind their finished books and share them during a fun read-aloud celebration.
This camp is a great way to strengthen literacy skills while letting kids express their creativity through both words and art.
Tentative Agenda
- 8:45-9:00 a.m. Check in
- 9:00-9:05 a.m. Welcome and students divided into three groups
- 9:05-9:10 a.m. Review camp rules and expectations
- 9:10-9:55 a.m. Class Session A (45 minutes)- Reading, Writing, or Illustration
- 9:55-10:10 a.m. Groups switch activity session and have a snack (15 min)
- 10:10-10:55 a.m. Class Session B (45 Minutes) - Reading, Writing, or Illustration
- 10:55-11:00 a.m. Groups switch activity session (5 minutes)
- 11:05-11:50 a.m. Class Session C (45 minutes) - Reading, Writing, or Illustration
- 11:50-12:00 p.m. Transition students outside for pick up.
Reading Sessions
- Day one: Exploring types of literature and parts of a story
- Day two: Finding main ideas, plots and subplots
- Day three: Expressive reading
- Day four: Reading parts of our favorite books
- Day five: Camper book reading session
Writing Sessions
- Day one: Types of literature and storylines
- Day two: Mapping stories and developing characters
- Day three: Descriptive language use
- Day four: Editing and writing our final draft
- Day five: Summary writing and Author page
Illustration Sessions
- Day one: Exploring book illustrations – styles and materials
- Day two: Matching the style to the genre and story
- Day three: Illustrating our stories
- Day four: Creating our book covers
- Day five: Book binding
