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

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

The Busy Little Squirrel by Nancy Tafuri is for ages 1-4, preschool and up.  It is fall and squirrel is busy gathering nuts for winter.  There’s no time to stop and interact with the other country  animals.  This is a great book about fall with leaves falling, pumpkins and apples.  

Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt (Author, Illustrator) is a tongue in cheek book about a squirrel (flying no less) who is afraid to leave his tree.  One day in an emergency he discovers that he can fly!  Ages 4-8, preschool to 3rd grade.  There is a whole series of books.  Check out the Scaredy Squirrel paper plate craft in our Squirrel Craft Activities blog. 

Secret Life of Squirrels (Back to School) By Nancy Rose is so unique!  She is a photographer living in Canada who incorporates real life pictures of squirrels into everyday handcrafted homemade miniature scenes.  This book brings back to school to life.  It is one of a series.  Ages 3-6, preschool to 3rd grade.  

Squirrels (Everyday Animals) by Julie Murray has simple text with clear close up photos of squirrels great for emergent readers.  Ages 5-6, preschool to 1st grade.

Free Download of a Squirrel Felt Hand Puppet pattern

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