In our previous blog article we listed a few links to craft projects featuring sloths that we found around the web. We also had a free download of sloth paper bag puppet pattern.
We are continuing the sloth theme with a list of books that we thought would be interesting and fun to pair with a sloth 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?
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- 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 Sloths
We are pleased to see that the more unusual animals are making their way into children’s books. Even the ever popular Pete the Cat series has a platypus as a supporting character. It is only natural that sloths are making their way into mainstream children’s literature. There is just something about sloths that make them so cute – it’s probably due to their facial features which make them have a perpetual smile. Here are just a few of the books we found featuring sloths.
Sparky is written by Jenny Offill and illustrated by Chris Appelhans. Age range 4-8 years, Preschool to 3rd grade. After ordering a sloth through mail order, a little girl is disappointed that her new pet doesn’t do much. But then, maybe that’s good enough. Author Offill won the Charlotte Zolotow award for the writing.
Sloth Slept On by Frann Preston Gannon is a cute story about a sloth missing from the zoo and is found by some kids. After they figure out what the sloth is, they decide to send it back to the rain forest. There are a lot of facts included in the story and a twist at the end. For ages 3-5, Preschool and up. I felt the story was geared for kids a little older than 5. Younger ones would enjoy it with some paraphrasing by the reader.
I love that this book is available both in English and Spanish! The Perfect Siesta by Pato Mena is about animals in the jungle who can hardly keep their eyes open when a cool breeze wafts through the hot, steamy jungle. For ages 3-7 years, Preschool to 2nd grade. This book is a Junior Library Guild Selection.
I read the English version to a group of 4-5 year olds and they enjoyed it immensely! One little girl even noticed that the sloth was drooling while sleeping! You can find La Siesta Perfecta here.
Even though Sloths (South American Animals) by Julie Murray is rated for kids 7-10 years old, grades 3-4, it could be read to younger children with some paraphrasing. The younger set definitely would enjoy the pictures. This is a non-fiction book with information about sloths living in South America.
Free Download of a Sloth Hand Puppet pattern
Don’t have the time to sew a puppet? Need a puppet fast? We have a free download for a sloth 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 Sloth Puppet Sewing Pattern. The pattern is available as a digital download so you can start sewing immediately. Customers tell us how easy our step by step patterns (with lots of pictures) are to follow especially after watching the video tutorials. They also say the puppets turn out really well and are a joy to use!
