In our previous blog article we listed a few links to craft projects featuring skunks that we found around the web. We also had a free download of skunk paper bag puppet pattern.
We are continuing the skunk theme with a list of books that we thought would be interesting and fun to pair with a skunk 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 Skunks
Even though the skunk hasn’t been in the public eye lately, we were surprised at how many books had skunks featured in them, either as fiction or non fiction. We don’t know what it means, but many skunk books are written in rhyme. Here are just a few that we enjoyed reading and sharing.
Skunks by David T. Greenburg and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger suggests all of the stinky smelly things that someone can do with a skunk. This book is a sequel to Slugs and Bugs and definitely will be a hit with the kids who like icky things. The book is in rhyme and the illustrations are fun. For ages 5-6 years – Preschool to 1st grade.
There’s a Skunk in My Bunk by Psy.D. Joseph T. McCann and illustrated by Thomas Gerlach. Even though this book was published in 2002 the message of tolerance still holds true today. The book is written in rhyme and the illustrations are not outdated. For kids 4-8 years grades 1-2. It could be read to preschoolers with some paraphrasing.
A very informative yet simply written non fiction book about skunks is Welcome to the World of Skunks by Diane Swanson. Written for ages 4 and up. It has beautiful clear pictures that will keep the younger set entertained while you read some of the facts that would be of interest to them. It is a good resource book for the young readers who are biologists.
Skunk on a String by Thao Lam is a visual delight. Even though it is wordless, the expressions on the skunk’s face tell the whole story. Wordless books give kids the opportunity to use their imaginations to tell the story “their” way. It is a creative and silly story about a skunk overcoming adversity, but then realizing he enjoyed the adversity!
Free Download of Skunk Hand Puppet pattern
Don’t have the time to sew a puppet? Need a puppet fast? We have a free download for a skunk 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 Skunk 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!
