Turn book covering into a party! When textbooks have been handed out but the homework hasn't yet piled up, it's prime time for a little book beautification. Set out a bunch of covering materials (see ideas below), some scissors, a pencil, a ruler, maybe some munchies and drinks, and let the kids hit the books.

1.CARGO PANTS POCKET COVER

This cover is ideal for carrying cargo such as pens and milk money. Cover the book (see directions below), then cut a pocket off an old pair of cargo pants and attach it to the cover with double-sided tape.

2. DESIGNER BAG COVER

For those kids with a favorite clothing store or designer, here's an easy, inexpensive way to give their textbooks style. Flatten a bag from the store and fold it around the book using the directions below.
TIPS: Step A (below) is the time to center the words or pictures you'd like to show. If you use a plastic bag, tape each fold in place.

3. PEN AND PAD COVER

This cover makes jotting down homework assignments easier than kindergarten. Start with a covered book. To create the pen holder, cut a 6-inch piece of 3/4-inch-wide electrical tape. Stick a 1 1/4-inch piece of tape to the center of the 6-inch piece (sticky sides together). Next, wrap the nonsticky part around your pen and attach the sticky ends to the edge of the cover. Repeat to make the second band. Attach a Post-it note pad to the inside flap of the book cover with double-sided tape or a glue stick.
TIP: Use one half or one third of a pad if it's too bulky.

A. Fold paper in half around a closed book. Crease the paper sharply around all edges of the book.

B. Remove the book and trim the paper--leaving a 2- to 3-inch margin around the creased rectangle.
(TIP: Measure and mark the margin with a ruler and a pencil before you cut.)

C. Fold in the top and bottom edges of the paper along the lengthwise crease lines. Then fold in the right and left edges of the paper along the side crease lines.

D. Slide the front cover of the book into the folded paper "sleeve" along the left edge of the paper cover. Repeat with back cover and right side.

HERE ARE SOME IDEAS FOR OTHER COOL COVER-UPS:

Old movie posters (ask at your local video store)

Fabric (use tape to hold the folds in place)

Old road map

Wrapping paper

Newspaper comics

Brown or colored paper

Con-Tact paper (do not remove adhesive backing; this will damage the book)

Heavy Tinfoil