Student creates Dr. Seuss character with 3Doodler pen.

Giving in 3D: Make Picture Books Accessible with 3Doodler and Build a Better Book

Imagine Where the Wild Things Are without the iconic images of Max and the malicious beasts.

Could you experience the humor and horror of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! without seeing the grumpy grinch himself?

With 3Doodler pens, it is possible to bring these remarkable illustrations to those who have never seen them before. By feeling 3D outlines, people with visual impairments across the world can experience these classic characters in a new way.

We have teamed up with Build a Better Book to make this dream a reality. We’re asking classrooms, artists and individuals across the globe to join us in making cherished illustrations accessible.

This year, International 3D Printing Day and Giving Tuesday both fall on December 3rd, and we thought this would be the perfect time to share your Doodles with those who have never been able to experience them before. We are calling this day 3D Giving Day, a first-of-its kind humanitarian day centered around giving 3D creations.

3D pen art: Book with green leaf atop

3D Giving Day with 3Doodler

For classrooms, this is a low prep activity that will bring meaning and engagement to your students as they gear up for the holidays. For artists and individuals, it can be as simple or as intricate as you’d like!

Materials Needed

  • Students doodling Dr Seuss with 3D pen
  • Students doodling Dr Seuss with 3D pen
  • Students doodling Dr Seuss with 3D pen

How to Participate
  • Fill out this form to register for the event.

  • If you’re a classroom, pick one or more books for your students to use for the project. If you’re an artist or individual, pick the book of your choice. We’ve included a list of suggested books below.

  • Have participants use DoodlePads or clear laminated sheets on top of the selected picture book pages they wish to trace. Tip: Use masking tape to hold the DoodlePad or clear laminated sheet in place so it doesn’t move while the image is being traced.

  • Next, use the 3Doodler pens and filaments to trace the images on top of the DoodlePad or laminated sheet.

  • Once the Doodles are finished, carefully bend the DoodlePad or laminated sheet to pop the Doodles off.

  • Take pictures of the completed Doodles and share them on social media. @3Doodler #3Doodler #BuildaBetterBook #3DGivingDay

  • Email us at [email protected] and we will help you find the best local charity to take your Doodles to.

*Be sure to check our compatibility chart to ensure you get the right filaments and accessories for your 3Doodler pens. We welcome mixed media approaches to the project, so please feel free to use traditional 3D printers, cardboard, clay, etc.

Some Suggested Picture Books For 3D Giving Day (Linked Below)

How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus
Where The Wild Things Are
The Giving Tree
How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah?
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
The Snowy Day
The Cat in the Hat
Make Way For Ducklings
The Polar Express
Llama Llama Red Pajama
Elephant and Piggie

We are so excited about 3D Giving Day, and we can’t wait to see your gifts to the community.

Please share your 3D Giving Day creations on social media, give Tricia and Mindy a follow, and stay tuned to our emails for more to come!

@3Doodler #3Doodler #BuildaBetterBook #3DGivingDay


The Build a Better Book project works with school and library Makerspaces to engage youth in the design and fabrication of inclusive media, including picture books, games and graphics. They use both low- and high-tech Makerspace tools, such as 3D printers, laser cutters, MakeyMakey, conductive boards and craft materials, youth design, fabricate, test and refine multi-modal books, games and STEM graphics that incorporate tactile and audio features. These products are designed by and for learners with visual impairments as well as other physical and learning disabilities. Through the project, middle and high school youth develop technology skills and learn about STEM careers as they design and create multi-modal picture books, graphics and games that can be seen, touched and heard! Learn more about Build a Better Book here.

Images Courtesy of Tricia Fuglestad

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