We are continuing the dolphin theme with a list of books that we thought would be interesting and fun to pair with a dolphin puppet. We even have a free pattern to make a simple dolphin felt hand puppet!
In a previous dolphin blog article we listed a few links to craft projects featuring dolphins that we found around the web. We also had a free download of a dolphin paper bag puppet pattern.
WHY USE A PUPPET WHILE READING?
When I was a volunteer reader for a local preschool I noticed that kids became more engaged during reading when any type of puppet is used to help bring a book alive.
- 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 Dolphins
Anything by National Geographic is excellent. My local library had Dive, Dolphin by Shira Evans which is for ages 2-5. I would recommend checking your library for other books in their series. I also read and enjoyed National Geographic Kids Dolphins for ages older kids kindergarten to 2 years old. For the budding marine biologist, Absolute Expert Dolphins for ages 8-12 is the perfect choice.
The author and illustrator, Maxwell Eaton III, had too much fun creating his book The Truth About Dolphins. It is for ages 4-8 but younger kids won’t catch on to some of the inside jokes. All of the facts are true but with a humorous presentation. It was a fun read.
Baby Dolphin’s First Swim is a gorgeously photographed, age appropriate (4 years and up) book that follows a baby dolphin on his first day in the ocean. The book was developed in conjunction with the American Museum of Natural History. The text is not too wordy to keep the interests of listening preschoolers and for beginning readers.
There are so many things I love about this book but the main one is that the author and illustrator of Tara the Dolphin is 11 years old. Shreya Kumar Pradhan has done an excellent job of teaching the golden rule (which adults seem to have forgotten) without being preachy. I love her style of art and she is compassionate about keeping our oceans clean for the sake of everyone. I am gifting this book to other young people to show them that they too can publish their own book successfully. Great job Ms. Pradhan!
Free Download of a Dolphin Felt Hand Puppet Pattern
Don’t have the time to sew a puppet? Need a puppet fast? We have a free download for a dolphin 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 Dolphin 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 dolphin 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!”
