It's the time of year when schoolwork gets more serious, thus the need for lighthearted activity books. These are bright and creative, and encourage kids to doodle and make bracelets and dreamy desserts.

"PhotoPlay!" by M.J. Bronstein; Chronicle Books; 128 pages; $12.99.

I'm hoarding this book for myself. With wonderful black-and-white photograph prompts, this doodle book is an ingenious way to encourage creativity in kids of all ages. The photographs range from people to animals to cars and buildings, with hilarious, quirky prompts irresistible to ignore. On one page, a man is swimming in the sea, and artists are encouraged to finish the picture after the prompt, "Victor is swimming near a long, graceful sea monster." On another page, cats Jesse and Puffy are watching an alien (readers fill in the alien).

With a subtitle of "Doodle. Design. Draw," this mod, zesty photo-based doodle book is a delightful invitation to draw outside the lens.

"Brazilian Bracelets: Making Friendship Bracelets & More" by Florence Bellot; Schiffer Publishing; 64 pages; $24.99.

With a five-thread starter pack included, this high-quality craft instruction book gives easy directions for concocting Brazilian bracelets of all shapes and sizes, decorated with diamonds, dots, fish, crosses, zigzags, charms and beads. Hair braids and wraps, too, aren't forgotten; and readers — probably ages 8 and up — can learn how to make over 20 variations of bracelets, with step-by-step instructions, drawings, photos and suggested color combinations.

Creative crafters can alter designs to make eyeglass straps, key chains and napkin rings.

"Doodle Florida: Create. Imagine. Draw Your Way Through the Sunshine State" by Laura Krauss Melmed; illustrated by Phillip C. Wells; Duo Press; 120 pages; $12.95.

You don't have to live in Florida to have fun with this sunny, beach-themed doodle book. This one is full of black-and-white illustrations of manatees, rockets, seashells, orange trees, cruise ships and even an Elvis playing guitar in an underwater show. Details about these Florida attractions are included. (Under the Elvis, the text reads, "There is an underwater music festival at Looe Key Reef.")

I love the sunshine-shaped description on the sunny yellow back cover of this uber-fun book, which says: "For artists in training, renowned fancy-pants artists, unknown artists, and pretty much anybody who likes to have fun, from ages 3 to 100."

"Dessert Designer: Creations You Can Make and Eat!" by Dana Meachen Rau; Capstone Young Readers; 112 pages; $12.95.

The baking business is huge lately, and kids and teens want in on it. This book makes the delicious hobby even easier, with no baking involved. Readers are instructed to pick up cupcakes, cookies, cakes or candies from their local stores, and then head to the kitchen to add amazing designs to their dessert masterpieces. Other party favors and gems can be made without any bakery items at all. (Pick-a-Flower Party Favors are just small round candies made into little blossom bundle trees with floral foam).

With easy step-by-step directions, Rau's creative book encourages unique results, such as glitzy armadillos, super sweet sushi, flower turtles, winter icicles, an enchanting peacock and even a cake that looks like a swimming pool, complete with lounge chairs and a diving board.

"Doodle America" by Jerome Pohlen; illustrated by Violet Lemay; Duo Press; 180 pages; $12.95.

"Create. Imagine. Doodle Your Way from Sea to Shining Sea" says the cover of this cool, portable art book. Divided into four different regions that cover the United States, this drawing book offers whimsical sketches that kids can fill in with doodles, drawings, coloring, stories or whatever they want.

As a fun way to introduce younger children to landmarks, state flowers, museums and other American icons, "Doodle America" is also a great way for older kids to test their creative limits.

To find out more about Lee Littlewood and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.