In our previous blog article we listed a few links to craft projects featuring dogs that we found around the web. We also had a free download of dog paper bag puppet pattern.
We are continuing the dog theme with a list of books that we thought would be interesting and fun to pair with a dog 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 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 Dogs
There are so many wonderful books featuring dogs that it is so hard to pick just a few. The following books are some of our favorites.
Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathman is always a hit for kids 4-8 years. Kids get a big kick out of Gloria’s antics while Officer Buckle is reading safety tips. The illustrations are adorable and with Gloria’s help, learning safety tips is fun. This is a good book to read during “Community Helpers” themed story times since the characters are a policeman and police dog.
Don’t shy away from “reading” wordless books because it gives kids the opportunity to use their imaginations. A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka is an affectionate story about Daisy’s favorite ball being broken by a bigger dog. The story helps children who are dealing with the loss of something special. For kids 3 – 7 years. Preschool to 2nd grade.
Amazing Dogs by Laura Buller is filled with fun facts about dogs. Kids can discover all of the incredible things dogs can do. The book is perfect for 5-7 year olds who can read fluently with a little help. The book also works well for kids as young as 3 as long as someone can read to them. Filled with wonderful pics of dogs at work!
Maggie and Milo by Juli Brenning and illustrated by Priscilla Burris is a fun story for the Preschool to Grade 1 set. Maggie and Milo set off to go frog hunting at a pond. After waiting for “a million minutes” Maggie gets bored. Thankfully she has Milo to help her find frogs. The illustrations are just delightful.
No list for books featuring dogs for the younger set would be complete without the classic Clifford The Big Red Dog books. The books are for ages 3-5, preschool to kindergarten. Clifford is a BIG red dog and he is a good friend to Emily Elizabeth. The Clifford books are timeless because of the stories and messages.
Free Download of dog Hand Puppet pattern
Don’t have the time to sew a puppet? Need a puppet fast? We have a free download for a dog 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 that can talk and make expressions? You can sew one with our Dog Puppet Sewing Pattern. If a puppet is made from our pattern using red fleece, the finished puppet looks remarkably like Clifford. We didn’t intend that when we designed the pattern. We just liked the look of big eyes and big floppy ears. The pattern is available as a digital download so you can start sewing immediately. Customers tell us how easy our patterns are to follow especially after watching the video tutorials. They also say the puppets turn out really well and are a joy to use!
