Bears in Books

In our previous blog article we listed a few links to craft projects featuring bears that we found around the web. We also had a free download of a bear paper bag puppet pattern.

We are continuing the bear theme with a list of books that we thought would be interesting and fun to pair with a bear puppet.  We’ve noticed that kids become more engaged during reading when a puppet is used to help bring a book alive.

WHY USE A PUPPET WHILE READING?
    • Kids love puppets.
    • Puppets boost creativity and stimulate kids’ imaginations.
    • Sometimes kids feel more comfortable reading to a puppet rather than to an adult.
    • A puppet can be used as an impartial character allowing kids to express their true emotions.
    • A puppet made from our patterns is perfect for story time because it is soft and pliable.  It can be stuffed into a small place ready to pop out to engage the kids.  And it is easy to wash!
Books Featuring Bears

Mother Bruce is about a grumpy bear who ends up reluctantly raising four goslings.  The artwork is edgy, clever and funny.  Written by Ryan T. Higgins.  Ages 4-7, preschool to kindergarten.  One of a series. 


The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland.  For ages 3-5, preschool to kindergarten.  Four friends seeking shelter in a cave don’t realize that there is a very cranky bear trying to sleep.  After some hilarious mishaps about doing what they think would help the bear to cheer up (which only make him crankier), they finally figure out what to do to help him do what he really wants to do….sleep.


Big Bear Hug (Life in the Wild) by Nicholas Oldland.  Very cute story about a bear who loves to share his love by hugging every animal and tree.  After he meets a human who is going to chop down the most magnificent tree in the forest, the bear must decide how to save the tree – with anger or love?  The illustrations are so expressive!   Ages 3-7, preschool to 2nd grade. 


National Geographic Readers: Bears by Elizabeth Carney has bright colored pictures and short sentences along with simple questions to engage the kids.  Gives good information about different types of bears in language geared for kids.  For kids 6-9, grades 1-4.  Younger kids would enjoy looking at the pictures as an older reader reads the book.


Free Download of a Bear Felt Hand Puppet Pattern

Don’t have the time to sew a puppet?  Need a puppet fast?  We have a free download for a bear hand puppet pattern using felt squares available from craft stores.  The puppet can be made without sewing – all you need is a hot glue gun.

Need a puppet with a moving mouth and make expressions?  We’ve got the pattern!

Need a puppet that can talk and make facial expressions?  You can sew one with our Bear Puppet Sewing Pattern.  The pattern is available as a digital download so you can start sewing immediately. We recommend using fleece and felt fabrics because they are inexpensive, readily available from craft stores, washable and easy to sew.  Customers tell us how easy our step by step patterns (with lots of pictures) are to follow especially after watching the video tutorials.  In fact you can watch our free video tutorial on how to sew the bear puppet right now!  

What our customers are saying: 

“Very detailed step-by-step instructions with color photos. Can’t wait to get all the supplies and make this puppet.”

“The puppets turn out really well and are a joy to use!”

Bear Puppet Pattern