![Photo: Courtesy of Mrs. Courtney Hauser](https://ellenmahoneyauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/1.-Best-PhotoGreat-Ideas-Book-350x216.jpg)
Photo: Courtesy of Mrs. Courtney Hauser
Coming up with ideas for books is a natural part of an author’s life. It can be as challenging as it is enjoyable. Children can also take part in this creative part of the writing process.
In a recent school visit to West Tualatin View Elementary near Portland, Oregon, I had a wonderful opportunity to talk with students in Mrs. Courtney Hauser’s third grade class. I was so impressed by all the students—they were curious, attentive and courteous. Students asked great questions and were eager to learn more about my work as an author. I was also impressed with Mrs. Hauser who was very thoughtful and helpful.
![2. WTV CLASSROOM](https://ellenmahoneyauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/2.-WTV-CLASSROOM-1-350x169.jpg)
For the visit, I brought in copies of Gandhi for Kids, Nellie Bly and Investigative Journalism for Kids, and Earthrise, and gave brief overviews of each book.
I hoped to make the visit interactive, so each student received a worksheet along with a yellow “idea” booklet.
The worksheet was titled, Creating Book Ideas for Kids-Mahoney, and students could fill out the worksheet that used the “who, what, when, where, and why” formula for coming up with their own book ideas.
![3. GREAT IDEA BOOKLETS](https://ellenmahoneyauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/3.-GREAT-IDEA-BOOKLETS-350x263.jpg)
In addition, students were encouraged to illustrate the cover of their own yellow “idea” booklet.
![Photo: Courtesy of Mrs. Courtney Hauser](https://ellenmahoneyauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/5.-HARD-AT-WORK-copy-228x350.jpg)
Photo: Courtesy of Mrs. Courtney Hauser
Students could keep these booklets to jot down ideas for books they might have in the future. I mentioned that many writers often carry a small notebook or journal with them at all times to write down fresh ideas that pop up.
The idea for the booklet activity originated from the “Make a Great Ideas Box” activity in Nellie Bly and Investigative Journalism for Kids. For this activity, young readers learn about decorating a recycled box to store their own great ideas!
![7. GREAT IDEAS BOX](https://ellenmahoneyauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/7.-GREAT-IDEAS-BOX-350x253.jpg)