Looking for a screen-free, zero-cost, creativity-boosting activity for kids? Making a no-cut mini book from a single sheet of computer paper is one of the easiest—and most fun—DIY projects you can do at home or in the classroom. This tiny book invites kids to draw, write, doodle, imagine, and create their own stories. And the best part? You don’t need scissors, glue, or fancy supplies. Just one piece of 8×11 paper and a few simple folds.
This project is great for all ages: preschoolers who want to make their first “book,” school-age kids who love comics or graphic novels, and tweens who enjoy journaling, list-making, or designing their own zines. The folding steps are easy enough for little hands, and the finished booklet becomes a keepsake kids will be proud of.
First – A download-able template: Make a No-Cut Mini Book With Kids (Using Just One Sheet of Paper!) is provided at the bottom of this post. Print at home or in the classroom 🙂
Here’s how to make your own no-cut mini book:
Step 1: Fold in half
Start with your paper flat on the table. Fold it in half across the short side (a hamburger fold). Press down the crease so it’s nice and crisp.
Step 2: Fold in half again
Fold the paper in half again, the same direction as before. Now you’ve got a smaller rectangle. Crease firmly.
Step 3: Fold in half one more time
Give it one last fold across. You’ll have a chunky little rectangle—this will become your mini book. Press the fold.
Step 4: Tuck in the corners and shape your book
Gently open the folded paper so it begins to look like a small book. Tuck in the corners, smooth down the edges, and crease the “spine.” That’s it—your no-cut mini book is ready to fill!
Now comes the fun part: decorating the pages! You can draw borders around each page, add a title to the cover, create comics, write stories, make a gratitude journal, design a sticker book, record fun facts, or turn it into a tiny field guide. Kids love seeing how a plain sheet of paper transforms into a real book.
This activity encourages fine-motor skills, storytelling, creativity, and independent play—and it’s perfect for rainy days, classroom centres, library programs, birthday party stations, or travel-friendly fun.
Tip: Make a few mini books ahead of time and keep them in your bag for on-the-go boredom busters.
Give this simple fold-and-create activity a try with your kids—and watch their imaginations open up one tiny page at a time!
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