We are continuing the donkey theme with a list of books that we thought would be interesting and fun to pair with a donkey puppet.  We have all kinds of different types of puppet patterns for you to choose from!

Why Use a Puppet While Reading to Kids?

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.
• 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 can help tell the story.
• Most importantly, kids love puppets!

Take Your Pick of Puppet!

You can use any type of puppet from a simple stick puppet or paper bag puppet to a felt hand puppet or a puppet that has a moving mouth.

We have quite a few of different templates or patterns to choose from:
• Free download of a template to make a Donkey Stick Puppet
• Free download of a template to make a Donkey Paper Bag Puppet
• Free download of a pattern to make a Donkey Felt Hand Puppet that uses craft felt from craft stores. You don’t even have to know how to sew, the whole thing can be hot glued!
• A Donkey Puppet made from our purchased sewing puppet pattern 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 Donkeys

Usually I list an educational type of book with interesting information and facts but I couldn’t find anything about donkeys.  I did find three story books that I enjoyed.  The different books would appeal to different ages. 

This lift a flap book is perfect for the youngest to oldest preschoolers.   Who’s in My Bed? is written by Helen Piers and illustrated by Dave Saunders.  It is the story of a tired donkey who is ready for bed but discovers someone has already taken it.   As the flaps are lifted we discover that all of the animals are in the wrong bed.  It has a cute ending where everyone ends up where they are supposed to be.

Me First is written and illustrated by Max Kornell.  It is for ages kindergarten to grade 2.  Hal and Martha are brother and sister with a lot of sibling rivalry until they discover that sometimes being first isn’t so great.  One day while competing who can do something first they discover sometimes its better to have your sister or brother beside you rather than being in front of them.

Even though Sylvester and the Magic Pebble was written back in 1969 it still is relevant today.  It was written and illustrated by William Steig who received many honors for his children’s books.  The story and the illustrations stand the test of time.  Steig received the Caldecott Medal for this book.  One rainy day Sylvester finds a magic pebble.  He is so excited about having wishes come true.  That is until he makes a wish during a moment of fright that has sad consequences that separates him from his loving family.  This heart warming story shows how he is finally reunited with his family.  For early elementary school aged kids but suitable to be read to older preschoolers. 

Free Download of a Donkey Felt Hand Puppet Pattern

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