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

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

Even though gorillas aren’t monkeys, this book is too cute to not include. I love reading this book to all ages of preschoolers.   It’s an almost wordless book which encourages interaction.   Good Night Gorilla is written and illustrated by Peggy Rathmann.  This calming bedtime (or anytime) story is about a mischievous gorilla who isn’t quite ready to go to bed.  Ages 2-5.  

Monkey and Me by Emily Gravett (author and illustrator) is also another preschool hit. The rhythmic patterned text is fun to read and encourages kids to repeat along with the reader.  A little girl and her toy monkey pretend to be different animals.   Ages 2-8, Preschool to 3rd grade.

That’s Not My Monkey by Fiona Watt and illustrated by Rachel Wells is a Usborne Touchy-Feely book. Perfect for ages 2-4 years.  It has simple text, bright colorful illustrations and the best part – all different types of textures for young fingers to explore.

Even though National Geographic Kids Monkeys is for ages 5-8, Kindergarten to 3rd grade, little ones would enjoy seeing the pictures and having the text read to them.  The book has facts about monkeys all over the world and has details about their behavior, families and environment. 

The photographs in this book are just stunning.  Even though the book is rated for ages 5-8, grades 1-3, early preschoolers would really enjoy the pictures and the text is simple enough to keep their attention.  Monkeys by Valerie Bodden is from the Amazing Animals series by Creative Education.  The book is a basic exploration of the appearance, habitat and behavior of monkeys around the world.  There also is a story from African folklore explaining why monkeys look like people. 

Free Download of monkey felt Hand Puppet pattern

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