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

We are continuing the cow theme with a list of books that we thought would be interesting and fun to pair with a cow 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 Cows

There is something about cows that attract kids. It might be the inviting large eyes and cute ears. Authors and illustrators also enjoy using cows as subjects. Here is a short list of some of our favorite books that feature cows. In addition to story books, we like to include one resource for the little ones. 

I love this book by Jan Thomas.  Let’s Sing a Lullaby with the Brave Cowboy is for ages 3-8, preschool to 3rd grade.  The Brave Cowboy is trying to sing his cows to sleep but has a few fearful interruptions.  I love music and the song that goes with the book is just adorable.  The song is available from janthomasbooks.com

Are You a Cow? by Sandra Boynton is about a demanding chicken who wants to know who you are and asks a lot of questions.  Kids will gain animal recognition skills and an important understanding that no matter who you are, you are important.   For ages 1-5 years, preschool to kindergarten.

When the farmer turns his back, the cows kick up their heels to play tag, go swimming, bicycling and in general have a good time.  But when he watches them, they return to being cows again.  When Cows Come Home is written in rhyme with brilliant splashy water color illustrations.  Written by David L. Harrison and illustrated by Chris L. Demarest.  For ages 4 – 8 years.

Cows Can’t Fly written by David Pilgrim is about a little boy who draws cows flying.  And the next thing you know, he sees cows flying even though no one sees them because they won’t look up in the sky.  Very imaginative book written in rhyme.  For preschool to 1st grade. 

Even though Seedlings: Cows by Kate Riggs is a kindergarten level reader, younger ones will enjoy having it read to them.  It has great photographs and the simple facts about cows are easy to read.  

Free Download of a cow felt Hand Puppet pattern

Don’t have the time to sew a puppet?  Need a puppet fast?  We have a free download for a cow 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 Cow 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 cow 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!”