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

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

Dragons are popular!  Both boys and girls love dragons!  The How to Train a Dragon movie has caught the attention and imagination of kids of all ages.  Here is a short list of some really cute dragon books for the younger set.  And there’s even a book about real dragons! 

There’s a Dragon in Your Book written by Tom Fletcher and illustrated by Greg Abbott is just adorable!  The book invites kids to use their imaginations to put out the fires started by the baby dragon’s sneezes.  Ages 3-7 – preschool to 2nd grade.   

How to Dress a Dragon written by Thelma Lynne Godin and illustrated by Eric Barclay is a fun, imaginative story about a little boy trying to dress his dragon.  The illustrations are just adorable. For ages 3-5, preschool to kindergarten.

Dear Dragon written by Josh Funk and illustrated by Rodolfo Montalvo is a sweet story written in rhyme.  I’m always surprised how much kids like to hear stories written in rhyme.  The story is about friendship and looking past physical differences to appreciate the person (or dragon) underneath.  For ages 4-8, preschool to 3rd grade.  

Kids and adults will get a chuckle out of It Came in the Mail by Ben Clanton (author and illustrator).  For ages 4-8 years old, Preschool to grade 3.  Even though young ones will enjoy the book, older kids will appreciate the humor a little more.  The illustrations are so expressive and cute.  There’s nothing like a magical mailbox, except sharing with your friends.

The National Geographic Kids Level One/Co- Reader Real Dragons by Jennifer Szymanski has komodo dragons, flying lizards and reptiles with thorns along with other dragon looking creatures.  For ages 2-5 years, preschool to kindergarten.  The book has one page of text for adults to read aloud and one page for kids to read which builds a collaborative reading experience.

Free Download of dragon felt Hand Puppet pattern

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