Vultures in Books

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

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

Vulture View written by April Pulley Sayre and illustrated by Steve Jenkins is for ages 5-8.  The book is about a very important yet unloved bird in our ecosystem.    Facts are are written in story telling fashion.   The brilliant paper collages are dramatic.  There is additional information about vultures.  A great book to help teach the letter “V.” 


I really enjoyed this book because vultures are common in the area where I live.  Victor, the Reluctant Vulture is a story about a vulture who doesn’t want to be a vulture.  Through this delightfully illustrated story, Victor finds his self worth.  The story is told in a humorous, touching and meaningful way. Written by Jonathon Hanson, illustrated by  Kim Kanoa Duffek.  Though it was written for ages 8-12, adults will enjoy it.   It also is available in Spanish.


Every parent and teacher knows that all kids love gross stuff and love to say “ewwww.”  Though decomposition is important, it’s still a messy discussion.  Rotten! Vultures, Beetles, Slime and Nature’s Other Decomposers handles the subject with humor, and illustrated in all of it’s slimy, gory full-color art. Written by Anita Sanchez and illustrated by Gilbert Ford.  Ages 7-10, Grades 2-5.


Vultures by Josh Gregory is from the Nature’s Children series is for ages 8-12, grades 3-5. Vultures play an important part of our eco system by being nature’s “clean up crew.”  Readers will learn how vultures can eat food that would make other animals sick.  The book also cover how vultures raise their young, the different types of vultures found around the world, and why some types of vultures are disappearing from their natural habitats.    


Free Download of a vulture felt Hand Puppet pattern

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

Vulture Puppet Pattern