Wisdom from a Cow: Courage, Acceptance, and Diversity

This is the way it had always been.  There were two kinds of cows and one really lush pasture. Every year, the cows had a wrestling match to see who would control the pasture.  The problem?  The cows who grazed on the really lush pasture grew larger and stronger than the other kind.  So one kind always won.  Until Clancy came along.

How can one little cow change the way of the world?  He didn't set out to be a hero.  He wanted to be like everyone else. However, he looked different than the other cows of his kind.  They teased him. He didn't like it. He tried to make himself look like the others.  It didn't work. But sometimes, different is good.

Because he looked different, Clancy could graze on the really lush pasture without being noticed.  He grew big and strong like the other kind of cows that grazed there regularly. Now instead of being teased, Clancy was promoted to lead wrestler for the contest!  And, he won!  His kind could take over the really lush pasture for the first time ever!  Hooray!  Or.... not?

It turns out Clancy wasn't just different on the outside.  He had new ideas on the inside. He didn't want to go back to the way things were.  He bravely yelled, "STOP!" and changed his world.  His new popularity and life experience gave him courage.  And the others listened.  It took a little while, but soon both cows were grazing peaceably together.

Hmm... does this story remind you of another told in late January every year?  I find Lachie Hume's, "Clancy the Courageous Cow" to be such a wonderful story for young people learning about Martin Luther King Jr. Even better, the author was 12 when he wrote it! What an inspiration!

Of course, I had to make some cow finger puppets to go with it.

Unfortunately, the book is out of print. I picked up an ex-library copy from Half.com, though it pains me to think a library wouldn't want to keep this fabulous story on its shelves.  I know my copy is a keeper.

P.S. The author's note on the title page explains that he got a 9/10 on the project from his teacher. He thinks it was because Clancy is technically a bull, not a cow.  I think there's another lesson right there.  ;)

Raven (or Crow) Felt Finger Puppet

Caw, Caw! Share some of that lunch?

How-to Hints:  Cut 2 body shapes out of black felt (template below).  Glue two pieces of black feather boa to the middle of the back piece.  When dry, sew front and back together.  Cut small feet and beak from orange felt.  I added a small piece of yellow feathery yarn behind the top of the beak for whimsy. For eyes, I cut a gold sequin in half and added black beads.  Fabric paint would also work well.  I also shoved a little pillow stuffing in the head with a pencil to give it a rounded, 3D (sort-of) look... Have fun!

For a story to go with these puppets, try Martha, by Gennady Spirin.  It's about a family who rescues an injured crow.  They take the crow to the vet, who advises putting it down. The family decides to see if they can nurse it back to health. They succeed, and the crow gets into a little mischief along the way (imagine a crow in your house!).  Eventually, Martha is set free, healed and flying. This compassionate tale is made all the better by extraordinary art work. Little ones will be able to "see" the story before they can read it, pointing out details that the text doesn't cover.  But that's not all!!  The setting of the tale is in Moscow, so kids end up with a window into another culture.  Check it out!

Raven Finger Puppet Pattern

Pigeon Felt Finger Puppets

Carrier pigeons were historically important for ferrying information across dangerous enemy lines.  How can I put them to work in a spy party?  :)

Cinco De Mayo Felt Burro/Donkey Finger Puppets

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Little finger puppet burros to get your fiesta going!  Ole!

Hide these cuties in a piñata or top silverware or pencils with them for holiday theme!  Place a small dot of glue on front and back to hold trim in place before sewing. Use fabric paint for facial features.  Fringe “fur” between ears for a touch of whimsy.

Donkey/Burro Finger Puppet Pattern

If you need some stories to go along with these cuties, be sure to check out these...

Thanksgiving Turkeys

Goin' Bats! Felt Finger Puppets

Trace and cut out pieces below.  You will need two body pieces and two wing pieces for each puppet. Sparingly glue together to hold for sewing.  I added a piece of fringe under the eyes for eyelashes, and purple thread for whiskers (knot together a few lengths and glue under small felt triangle nose). Fabric paint works great for eyes and details!

I found this awesome purple and black flash felt in a multi-pack of felt one year... I'd love to make these again but get disappointed... can't find ANY flash felt anywhere. Grrrr.

 The classic Stellaluna, by Janelle Cannon, is surely a must-read bat story.I  love Brian Lies' Bats at the Beach, too, for a fun bat story that will have kids reminiscing about summer fun! 

Bat Finger Puppet Pattern

Bunny Rabbit Finger Puppets

bunny puppet pattern

Hatching Easter Chicks Felt Finger Puppets

Chick Felt Finger Puppet Pattern

Turkey Felt Finger Puppets

Gobble, gobble!  These guys are too cute to eat!  Make a batch for classroom fun, or for your thanksgiving party. They are fun over silverware at the kids table!  Pass them out to young students after story time to help them retell the story!  Put one on a craft stick and insert into a bouquet or seasonal wreath!

Tips: For feathers, bend a harvest striped ribbon into a U-shape and lightly glue in middle of back piece prior to sewing. Use bits of red felt for the waddle and yellow and black fabric paint for eyes.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Turkey Felt Finger Puppet Pattern

A turkey story you won't want to miss is A Plump and Perky Turkey, by Teresa Bateman. This clever tale features a town that needs a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.  At Thanksgiving, however, there are no turkeys around!  Can the townsfolk trick the turkey by luring him into an art contest as a model?  They sure can! But that clever fellow stealthily disappears before dinner...

Easter Chicks Finger Puppets

Thanksgiving Turkey Finger Puppets: Gobble, gobble!

Use  shiny trim or ribbon for the neck and seasonal ribbon for the feathers. Fold the "feathers" (ribbon) in a u-shape and glue to back to hold in place while sewing. Fabric paint works great for the eyes.  Happy Turkey Day!

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Free Turkey Finger Puppet Pattern

Three Different Owl Finger Puppets

Scarecrow Finger Puppet

Flock o' Sheep Finger Puppets

Pumpkin Patch Felt Finger Puppets

These happy jack o' lanterns make great party favors for the classroom, pumpkin patch field trips, or Halloween and Harvest parties.  Simple to make! I cut two stem pieces for each, one for each side. I totally recommend bringing the stem and smile pieces when you go for long car rides, as cutting all the mouths and stems for a whole class takes time... For the smiles, just cut enough rectangles in the right shape and put them in a plastic baggy. When you find yourself waiting, you can pull it out and snip a few smiles without having to recount.

Free Pumpkin Felt Finger Puppet Pattern