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

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

Elmer’s Colors by David Mckee is perfect for toddlers to learn their colors.  The book is brightly colored with simple text.  A great way to extend the book is to use a patchwork elephant similar to Elmer for kids to hold and touch the colors.  Ages 2-4, preschool and up.

Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev and illustrated by Taeeun Yoo received the Huffington Post Honor Book for Best in Kindness.  The message of the book is inclusion and helping others.    After a boy and his tiny elephant are excluded from the Pet Club, he starts his own pet club for all different types of pets.  Because friends “never leave anyone behind.”  For ages 4-8, preschool to 3rd grade. 

How to Find an Elephant by Kate Banks and pictures by Boris Kulikov is a wonderful exercise in imagination     Even though it is listed for ages 3-6, grades 1-2, preschoolers will delight in finding the “hidden” elephant which is skillfully and whimsically camouflaged on every page.   

No list of elephant books would be complete without mentioning the Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems.  I enjoy reading all of these books to preschoolers.  My Friend is Sad is about Elephant being sad and Piggie trying to cheer him up by dressing up as a cowboy, clown and robot.  But Elephant doesn’t recognize her and is still sad, until Piggie shows up just as herself.  For ages 4-8 Preschool to Kindergarten.

I love this series of books from the “Amazing Animals.”  The text is simple for both preschoolers to understand and for struggling new readers.  The photographs are always stunning.  And the book is packing with information perfect for youngsters.  Amazing Animals: Elephants by Kathy Riggs is for ages 5-8, grades 1-3, though preschoolers will love hearing the book being read to them while looking the at pictures.

Free Download of an Elephant Felt Hand Puppet Pattern

Don’t have the time to sew a puppet?  Need a puppet fast?  We have a free download for an elephant 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 Elephant 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 elephant 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!”