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

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

I love touchy feely books and so do the kids I read to.  That’s not my Duck…. by Fiona Watt is another great addition to the Usborne Touchy Feely series.  It is geared for ages 2 and under, but I’ve noticed 3 year olds still love to feel the different patterns.  Plus, it’s a great way to get kids started reading on their own!

Kids are always so interested in how things grow.  Duckling (Watch Me Grow) by DK is for ages 4-8, preschool to 3rd grade.  The book gives basic facts in simple sentences with outstanding close up photographs.  Lots of information geared for kids.   

What a great way to introduce and illustrate optical illusion!  I really enjoyed reading Duck! Rabbit!  Written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld.  The simple illustration could be either a duck or a rabbit, depending on your point of view.   What do you think it is?  For preschool to 3rd grade.    

The Duckling Gets a Cookie (words and pictures by Mo Wellems) is from the Pigeon Series.  A cute book with the traditional Mo Wellems twist at the end to give parents a chuckle is about having good manners and setting a good example.  It’s done in a fun way to encourage politeness.  For ages 2-6 years, preschool to kindergarten.

Free Download of a Duck felt Hand Puppet pattern

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