In our previous blog article we listed a few links to craft projects featuring bird that we found around the web. We also had a free download of a bird paper bag puppet pattern.
We are continuing the bird theme with a list of books that we thought would be interesting and fun to pair with a bird 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?
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- 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 Birds
I love this book! The art is just exquisite! The book is wordless, but the story doesn’t need words. I always enjoy “reading” wordless books to preschoolers because then they can ask questions and make up their own story. The story is about how Hank gets the egg back to its mother. Hank Finds an Egg by Rebecca Dudley. For ages 3-6, preschool to 3rd grade.
Bird Builds a Nest written by Martin Jenkins and illustrated by Richard Jones is a beautifully illustrated sweet book. It is more of a concept book dealing with science and physical forces explained simply than a story but has an ending of a nest full of eggs that pleases toddlers. For ages 4-6, preschool to grade 1.
A little girl is fascinated by the sights and sounds of the birds she sees outside her window. She then imagines what it would look like if she could ask the birds questions. Birds is written by Kevin Henkes and illustrated by Laura Dronzak. It is a lovely book. The illustrations are colorful and many of them are so imaginative to help stir up kids’ imaginations. I really enjoyed the narration – it felt like a little girl actually asking questions. For ages 4-8, preschool to kindergarten.
The Paper Crane (Reading Rainbow Book) by Molly Bang is the retelling of an ancient Japanese folk tale. Business returns to a once prosperous business after an old stranger pays for his meal with a magical paper crane that comes alive and dances. This book is a visual treat for all ages and imaginations. For ages 4-8, preschool to 3rd grade. If you are feeling adventuresome, you can make your own origami crane. I found this tutorial to be the easiest one to follow because he marked every fold with a magic marker- How to Make a Paper Crane: Origami Step by Step – Easy.
National Geographic Kids always does a great job of introducing animals (or birds) to kids using great photos and gives just the right amount of information without too many details. Little Kids First Big Book of Birds is no exception. For ages 4-8, preschool to 3rd grade.
Free Download of a Bird Felt Hand Puppet Pattern
Don’t have the time to sew a puppet? Need a puppet fast? We have a free download for an bird 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 Bird 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 bird 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!”
