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

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

Pigs are popular! In addition to an abundance of pig craft activities there is an abundance of books with pigs as characters. It was really hard to narrow the field to just a few of my favorites that the preschoolers that I read to love to hear.

Since I live in the southwest desert, I had to include this retelling of the 3 Little Pigs story.  The Three Little Javelinas is written by Susan Lowell and illustrated by Jim Harris.  Javelinas aren’t really pigs, but they are cousins.  Kids enjoy hearing and reading a book that has a location they are familiar with.  For ages 3-8, preschool to 3rd grade.  For the preschoolers, I need to abridge some of the story.

 

 

If You Give a Pig a Pancake is the first book starring Pig in the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling If You Give… series!  Written by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond.  Readers will giggle at the story of a little girl who tries to accommodate the whims of a busy little pig.  Just like Moms and Dads with kids go through.  For ages 4-8 years, preschool to 2nd grade.  

 

 

I Am a Frog (An Elephant and Piggy Book) by Mo Willems is my favorite book of this series.  I guess the kid in me enjoys the “no, I can’t” – “yes, you can” argument between the best friends.   Kids love it when I bring my elephant and pig puppets (patterns are available on this website) for their teacher and I to re-enact the argument.  Even though the book is rated for ages 6-8, grades 1-3, preschoolers enjoy it.

 

 

Written in a friendly voice and filled with dynamic photos Pigs (Seedlings) by Quinn M. Arnold features text written for the youngest reader.  Filled with facts about pigs that will plant the seeds of knowledge.  Kindergarten level book.  

 

 

 

Free Download of Pig felt Hand Puppet pattern

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