Appropriate grades or age groups:
Preschool and Younger
Elementary School
Middle School
High School & Beyond

Estimated time to complete activity or implement technique:
Varies with each book

Materials needed (if applicable):
Paper, art supplies, pen, pencil, or computer, and your imagination

Activity set-up/instructions or description of technique:
Write a simple (or not-so-simple) story of your own. Create the characters, setting, all of the action and fun in the book. Illustrate the story using the art supplies and your imagination. For younger children these books may consist of 1 sentence per page with a crayon drawing, and may not flow as well as an older child's story.
When you're done, bind the pages together in a binder, or create your own cover with construction paper or cardboard. Make sure you give your book a title and include your name as the author and illustrator!

Other suggestions or comments:
By writing and reading their own stories, children become interested in reading what other people have written. This also helps younger readers and those with a little difficulty in reading improve their abilities because they wrote the story! They can re-read their own words over and over, giving them a great sense of accomplishment.