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

We are continuing the sheep theme with a list of books that we thought would be interesting and fun to pair with a sheep 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 Sheep or Lambs

Sheep in a Jeep has fun rhyming with great colorful pencil drawings.  A mob of sheep take off with the farmer’s jeep and by the time they are done….so is the jeep.  It is fun to extend the story with felt pieces.  Written by Nancy Shaw and illustrated by Margot Apple.  For ages 4 and up, preschool to 3rd grade.

Sheep Dog and Sheep Sheep by Eric Barclay is so much fun to read.  It is a cute story about a sheep who thinks she is a pro at guarding the herd.  Until one day she bumps into a sheep dog who has been doing the actual guarding.  The illustrations are just adorable.  For ages 4-8, preschool to 3rd grade. 

Lily Wool is a story about a little lamb being true to herself.  Using her imagination and creativity she is able to fix things.  As she helps others, she ultimately finds her special place in the flock.  Written by Paula Vasquez.  For ages 3-8, preschool to 3rd grade. 

For babies and young preschoolers Sheep Go to Sleep makes a wonderful bedtime book.  The illustrations are soft yet colorful.  The story is in rhyme which is soothing.  Written by Nancy E. Shaw and illustrated by Margot Apple – they also wrote Sheep in a Jeep.  It’s a board book which will hold up with little fingers.

Seedlings: Sheep is another book in the popular Seedlings series.  Written by Quinn M. Arnold.  For ages 4-6, preschool to 1st grade.  It is written for the younger audience with simple text and beautiful glossy pictures.  There is a simple glossary in the back of the book.  

Free Download of a Sheep Felt Hand Puppet Pattern

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