In our previous blog article we listed a few links to craft projects featuring penguins that we found around the web. We also had a free download of penguin paper bag puppet pattern.
We are continuing the penguin theme with a list of books that we thought would be interesting and fun to pair with a penguin 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 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 penguins
There are so many wonderful books featuring penguins that it is so hard to pick just a few. The following books are some of our favorites.
Baby Penguins Love Their Mama by Melissa Guion is for ages 3-5, Preschool to Kindergarten. It is delightfully illustrated and would make a great Mother’s Day book since the book is about a very busy momma caring for her kids on each day of the week. The book could be used as a teaching tool for the days of the week.
Penguin Problems by Jory John and Lane Smith made us laugh out loud. Most of the book is simply written with engaging illustrations. A melancholy penguin laments about how hard life is. Even though it is listed as being appropriate for ages 3-7, Preschool to grade 2, we feel that the message of appreciating the good things in life that is delivered by a wise walrus would be over most kids’ heads.
Penguins (Smithsonian) by Seymour Simon – ages 5-9. The book is written in simple clear language for young readers. The photographs are stunning. Preschoolers would enjoy the pictures while the person reading picks out a few facts from each page. This book is perfect for young scientists’ school reports.
Penguin and Tiny Shrimp Don’t Do Bedtime is the perfect book to read when kids are tired but don’t think they are tired enough to go to bed. Adults will chuckle at the “procrastinations” about not going to bed because they will remember that’s exactly what they felt when they were kids. Words by Cate Berry and Pictures by Charles Santoso. 4-8 years – Preschool – 3rd grade.
Free Download of penguin Hand Puppet pattern
Don’t have the time to sew a puppet? Need a puppet fast? We have a free download for a penguin 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 that can talk and make expressions? You can sew one with our Penguin Puppet Sewing Pattern. The pattern is available as a digital download so you can start sewing immediately. Customers tell us how easy our patterns are to follow especially after watching the video tutorials. They also say the puppets turn out really well and are a joy to use!
