We are continuing the giraffe theme with a list of books that we thought would be interesting and fun to pair with a giraffe puppet. We even have a free pattern to make a simple giraffe felt hand puppet!
In a previous giraffe blog article we listed a few links to craft projects featuring giraffes that we found around the web. We also had a free download of a giraffe 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 Giraffes
I loved this book. The art is just stunning and I appreciated the simplistic picturesque rhyme. Yellow Kayak is written by Nina Laden and illustrated by Melissa Castrillon and is for ages 1-4. The story is about a young boy and his special friend who go on a magical adventure and coming home with lots of stories to tell. Kids and adults of all ages will enjoy the beautiful illustrations.
The Song of Delphine is written and illustrated by Kenneth Kraegel and is for ages 5-8 years. The story is about a lonely servant girl who uses song to comfort herself. Her hopes of having a friend is crushed after a young girl her age comes to visit, but she’s a bully. While singing out her sorrows one night a group of giraffes come to take her on a magical journey across the savannah. Things go from bad to worse when she is accidentally dropped off at the window when she is returned home. With Delphine’s kindness and singing she was able to turn a bully into a friend. The artwork is colorful and simple but very expressive.
Geraldine by Elizabeth Lilly is a cute story about a giraffe who doesn’t want to move from Giraffe City to a town where there are no giraffes because she knows she will be the only giraffe in her new school. Then she meets someone who feels just as out of place as she does. Through their friendship they both learn that is more than OK if a person is different than the crowd. I really enjoyed the story and the watercolor art brings the story alive.
National Geographic Kids Giraffes is written by Laura Marsh and is perfect for preschool to grade one kids. The photographs are beautiful as always and the information was age appropriate with a lot of interaction with questions to get kids thinking. I was able to check out the ebook from my local library which included a read along version.
Free Download of an Giraffe Felt Hand Puppet Pattern
Don’t have the time to sew a puppet? Need a puppet fast? We have a free download for a giraffe 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 Giraffe 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 giraffe 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!”
