Pick up a cute new book with crafts, DIYs and creative ideas, including drawing, sewing, crochet and colouring. Some are are out now and others are available to pre-order or add to your wish list. I’ve included Amazon links below but you can also order through other sites, like Bookshop (UK/US) which supports independent bookshops near you.
Let’s start with some official character tie-ins and The Miffy Crochet Book (UK/US) has 16 projects themed around friends, fun times and bedtime. That includes amigurumi toys of Miffy and her friends, decorations and wearables for Miffy-themed birthday party and a blanket, pillow and hanging mobile. There’s a range of skill levels so everyone can have a go. The publishers are sharing free patterns too – get the first one. Out September
Search Press also have Moomin Embroidery (UK/US) with 10 Moomin-inspired embroidery projects for beginners and above, plus bonus motifs and alphabet to embellish them. Get the free Moominhouse pattern. Out Now/August
We featured The Mofusand Cat Café Cookbook (UK/US) in a post recently but it’s part of a series with Mofusand: An Official Coloring Book (UK/US) and a matching journal, all released on the same day. Both books have beautiful design throughout that makes them must-buys for mofusand fans, even if you never use them. The recipes do look worth trying though with more everyday cafe type food, rather than fiddly designs. Out September
If you’re more of a Ghibli fan, the latest release in the Ghibli’s Table cookbook series is themed around Ponyo! Of course it includes a recipe for Lisa’s Ham and Egg Ramen but there’s loads more recipes too, both from the movie and inspired by the location, story and characters. It’s in Japanese but aimed at kids so should be easy enough to follow with the Google Translate app. Get it from Amazon Japan or CDJapan (both JP). Out now
We often feature tutorials from Club Crochet and now they have a book too! Crochet Goomis (UK/US) includes 50 amigurumi crochet patterns for original critters and characters like butterfly-loving Bigfoot Bobby, Barnaby the gossiping walrus, and Flint the treasure-hoarding dragon. Beginners are welcome and every pattern includes a video tutorial to help you along. Out September
Or how about some Chubbigurumi (UK/US)? This book is especially good for beginners and anyone who likes to customise as all the Chubblings have a shared body shape with different outfits and accessories that will be easy to mix and match or add your own ideas. There’s 20 different animals to make and all the photography is very fun. Out September
All Panic No Disco: Existential Crisis Embroidery for Your Inner Critter (UK/US) has a very unique concept that’s perfect for these trying times! As it’s created by @theartfulpossum, you know there’s plenty of possums in the twenty designs of relatable critters, but also raccoons, hedgehogs and a silly goose. Perfect for self-care and gifting. Out September/August
Chisshy Origami is one of my favourite origami channels and their new Cute & Delightful Origami for Girls book has tutorials for princess and prince dolls, animals, flowers, food and gifts, for playtime or decorations. The book is in Japanese but there’s diagrams and access to video tutorials. Get it from Amazon Japan or CDJapan (both JP) or watch the video. Out now
Angela Nguyen aka pikarar has a new book in her drawing series; Kawaii: How to Draw Really Cute Stuff Around the Farm (UK). It has step-by-step diagrams for over 50 fun things to find around the farm including animals, people, veggies, equipment, buildings and more. Out August (no US release date yet – check here for updates).
I don’t often include colouring books as they can be very lazy but The Official Momiji Coloring Book (UK/US) is much more special with two magical colouring adventures and all-exclusive original illustrations. The stories are themed around their their recent Magical Meadow and Out of This World doll and plush collections with the same cute characters. Out Now
If times are tough, Chibird has a new collection of encouraging comics, Bad Days Aren’t Forever (UK/US). As always, they’re filled with positive, motivational and comforting messages that will be great to dip into on hard days or send to a friend. Out September
I’ll be back with another roundup in time for Christmas gifting and wishlisting. Check my previous book posts too as the preorder books should all be in shops now. What’s going on your wish list?
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