We are continuing the unicorn theme with a list of books that we thought would be interesting and fun to pair with a unicorn puppet. We even have a free pattern to make a simple unicorn felt hand puppet!
In a previous unicorn blog article we have a free download of a template to make a Unicorn Stick Puppet. We also had a free download of a unicorn paper bag puppet template.
WHY USE A PUPPET WHILE READING?
When I was a volunteer reader for a local preschool I noticed that kids became more engaged during reading when any type of puppet is used to help bring a book alive.
- 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 Unicorns
My local library had stacks of unicorn story books. I picked the ones that caught my eye and that I would enjoy reading over and over to preschoolers.
Little girls who love unicorns will love this series of unicorn books. I actually enjoyed reading Uni’s First Sleepover written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Brigette Barrager. The illustrations are adorable and I really like how the story and text is perfect for readers age 5-7. Preschoolers would enjoy the pictures while having the story read to them. Not to give my age away but I wish these types of books were available when I was a girl instead of “See Dick and Jane Run.”
There seemed to be quite a bit of discussion on the Amazon reviews for this book How to Catch a Unicorn by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton. Since the book is for ages 3-6 years many didn’t like the word “fart” being part of the book. You can make your decision by reading the reviews. The story is about a group of kids trying to catch a unicorn at the zoo. The art is colorful and the story is in rhyme. The unicorn evades every trap with a little help from the zoo animals.
This would be the perfect book to read on any April 9. That is because that day is actually National Unicorn Day! Unicorn Day is written by Diana Murray and illustrated by Luke Flowers. It is for ages 3-6 years though I enjoyed reading it. The illustrations are fun and colorful. There is the underlying theme of being kind and being a friend who is different. The story is in rhyme.
I am a huge fan of board books for babies and up to 2 years old. Especially board books that are interactive with activities like pushing, pulling and sliding mechanisms. The cutest book I’ve seen for toddlers in a long time is My Magical Unicorn by Yujin Shin. It has a cute story and is in rhyme. I love the style of the artist with the simplistic bright and colorful illustrations. There are a lot of things to look for to keep both adult reader and toddler engaged.
Free Download of a Unicorn Felt Hand Puppet Pattern
Don’t have the time to sew a puppet? Need a puppet fast? We have a free download for a unicorn 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 Unicorn 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 the sew the unicorn 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!”
