Puppets are not just a fun toy for children to play with, but can engage, entertain and educate too.
Sharing a story with a treasured puppet, doll or favourite stuffed animal can help to encourage your child’s reading and develop communication and vocabulary skills. A much loved puppet or soft toy could be the perfect learning companion for children to practice their reading and storytelling skills. And if your child has an interest in puppets, then children’s books that feature a puppet theme are the perfect choice to entertain kids.
Puppets can tell stories and make a book come to life. A puppet is a great tool to assist in teaching and capturing children’s attention to help them focus on the story.
We’ve compiled a selection of some our favorite puppetry themed story books for children. Children can experience story time together with their favourite puppets and take them along on their imaginative adventures as they turn the pages of these puppet theme children’s books.
Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade
Written by Melissa Sweet
Everyone’s a New Yorker on Thanksgiving Day, when young and old rise early to see what giant new balloons will fill the skies for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Who first invented these “upside-down puppets”? Meet Tony Sarg, puppeteer extraordinaire! In brilliant collage illustrations, the award-winning artist Melissa Sweet tells the story of the puppeteer Tony Sarg, capturing his genius, his dedication, his zest for play, and his long-lasting gift to America—the inspired helium balloons that would become the trademark of Macy’s Parade.
I am Jim Henson
Written by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos
Jim Henson, the creator of the Muppets and Sesame Street, is the 11th hero in the New York Times bestselling picture book biography series for ages 5 to 8.
Jim Henson, was always dreaming up something new, and always expressing his belief in the goodness of people. Henson was a born performer with a terrific sense of humor, and he used those talents to help create two of the most beloved programs in television history: The Muppet Show and Sesame Street. Through his Muppets, Jim showed the world that there’s nothing more beautiful than imagination, especially when it’s accompanied by laughter and kindness.
Peter Rabbit Finger Puppet Book
Written by Beatrix Potter
A much-loved Peter Rabbit finger puppet book, this beautiful counting book with a soft finger puppet of Peter Rabbit will really brings Peter to life. The Peter Rabbit puppet is cleverly stitched into the book so it can’t get lost, and is integral to every page! A great fun read to share with very young children.
Baby Koala: Finger Puppet Book
Written by Chronicle Books and illustrated by Yu-Hsuan Huang
What is Baby Koala’s favorite snack? Follow along with this cute baby animal as it experiences its world, from playtime to bedtime. The simple, comforting stories in this go-to baby gift series have made it a multimillion seller. Featuring a permanently attached plush koala finger puppet, each volume offers parents and children a fun, interactive way to play and read as they build a lifelong love of books together.
Punch in New York
Written by Alice Provensen and illustrated by Martin Provensen
When Professore Tucci-Piccini, a the famous puppeteer, arrives in New York with the cast of his illustrious Punch and Judy show, a thief cuts into the act even before the curtain rises, and makes off with Mr. Punch, the star of the show. However, the plucky puppet manages to escape and rejoin Judy and the rest of the troupe for Sunday performances in Central Park.
Gigantosaurus: Roar, Giganto, Roar!: A Puppet Book
Written and illustrated by Cyber Group Studios
Dinosaurs are experts at roaring, and Rocky, Tiny, Mazu, and Bill are eager to have a contest to see who can roar the best. But they need another participant to round out the contest, and fierce Giganto is asleep! Can the dinos wake him up and make him roar? Little readers are invited to get into the act with the help of an attached Giganto dinosaur puppet that pokes through the scenes helping him snore, chew, chomp a favorite snack, and even dance when Tiny sings. But what they’re really after is much louder than that!
Hand Puppet Fun: Unicorn
Written and illustrated by Igloo Books
Step into the enchanting world of unicorns and magic! Help grant wishes and meet some cute fairy friends along the way, in this beautiful puppet book.
Pinocchio
Written by Carlo Collodi and illustrated by Quentin Greban
Perhaps the most popular and beloved children’s story of all time, Pinocchio tells the story of a wooden puppet that longs to become a real boy.
Teeny-Tiny Mermaid Finger Puppet Board Book
Written by Brick Puffinton and illustrated by Joanie Stone
Explore the wondrous teeny-tiny underwater world of a sweet, teeny-tiny mermaid who lives in a teeny-tiny castle with her teeny-tiny friend! Life in the teeny-tiny sea is full of big adventures filled with teeny-tiny beautiful treasures to be found! This interactive aquatic adventure features a bright, iridescent mermaid tail puppet toy built into the book perfect for flipping through every page while encouraging interactive play, hand-eye coordination, sensory and language development. Babies and toddlers learn best when they are playing, especially when their grown-ups are in on the fun!
Baby Dragon: Finger Puppet Book
Written by Chronicle Books and illustrated by Victoria Ying
Meet Baby Dragon! Where does Baby Dragon live? Is he finally ready to fly? Follow along as he explores his world and discovers his special powers! The simple, comforting stories in this go-to baby gift series have made it a multimillion seller. Featuring a permanently attached plush finger puppet, each volume offers parents and children a fun, interactive way to play and read as they build a lifelong love of books together.
Baby Kitten: Finger Puppet Book
Written by Chronicle Books and illustrated by Yu-Hsuan Huang
Bursting with color and charm, this baby kitten finger puppet book lets babies and inquisitive toddlers touch, feel, and explore their growing world.
Newborns will love snuggling up with Baby Kitten! Baby Kitten wakes up, purrs with mama, plays, climbs, meets a butterfly, and drifts off to bedtime with his brother and sister. Featuring a plush cat finger puppet that peeks into each lovingly illustrated page, Baby Kitten will delight infants and parents alike.
Little Puppy: Finger Puppet Book
Written by Chronicle Books and ImageBooks, illustrated by Klaatje Van Der Put and designed by Meagan Bennett
With a plush puppy dog finger puppet permanently attached to the book and peek-a-boo holes in every page, this charming board book is a fun way for parents and children to play and read together.
