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 mouse paper bag puppet pattern.

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

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is a staple in preschool classrooms for good reason.  Its charming illustrations and fun story about a mouse wearing out the little boy reminds parents of their own kids – or younger and older kids.  Written by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond.  For ages 4-8, preschool to 3rd grade.  

I love reading this book to preschoolers every Valentine’s Day.  Mouse’s First Valentine written by Lauren Thompson and illustrated by Buket Erdogan is for ages 2-4, preschool and up.  The illustrations are delightful and the story is so cute about a mouse watching his sister make a valentine using materials left out by the humans. 

Mousetronaut by Astronaut Mark Kelly (illustrated by C. F. Payne) is a partially true story.   Commander Mark Kelly noticed that one of the real mice that traveled on the Endeavor in 2001 enjoyed the trip rather than clinging to the side of the cage with fear.  That little mouse inspired this story of perseverance, courage and the importance of being small.  I love reading this and the preschoolers love hearing it. 

A classic from 1984, The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear is still a preschool crowd pleaser.  The colors are bright and the text  is simple.  It is fun to read out loud.  Written by Audrey Wood and Don Wood,  illustrated by Don Wood.   Age range from 2-8 years.  

It is hard to find kid entertaining books about Cinco de Mayo.  I read Cinco de Mouse-O every year to preschoolers since we live in the southwest and the holiday is celebrated.  Kids enjoy the story about the mouse evading the hungry cat.  The artwork is bright and is shown from the perspective of the little mouse.  Written by Judy Cox, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler.  Ages 4-8, preschool to grade 3.

Mice – Backyard Animals by Leia Tait is for older readers but young ones would enjoy looking at the pictures as it is read aloud.  Ages 8 and up, grade 3 and up.

Free Download of a Mouse Felt Hand Puppet Pattern

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