Make a Paper Bag Panda Puppet (Inspired by Little Panda, What Do You See?)
There’s something magical about bringing a story to life—especially when it’s one that invites questions, curiosity, and a whole lot of fun. Today we’re making a Paper Bag Panda Puppet inspired by the interactive picture book Little Panda, What Do You See?—a sweet, curious story told as a conversation between the narrator and a young panda looking to see the world.
This craft is perfect for preschoolers and early elementary kids (younger kids may need help) and pairs wonderfully a fun storytime full of silly voices, gentle questions, and wonder.
About the Book: Little Panda, What Do You See?
In Little Panda, What Do You See?, young readers follow a curious panda as he explores his surroundings with wide-eyed wonder. Told in a back-and-forth conversation between Little Panda and the narrator, this book encourages listening, questioning, and imagination.
It’s especially fun to read aloud using different voices—one for the narrator, and one for Little Panda. Kids can even join in as Little Panda, which makes today’s puppet craft extra perfect!
🐼 Let’s Make a Panda Puppet!
Supplies:
- 1 white paper lunch bag (or use a brown one and cover it with white paper)
- Printer to print the patter or contruction paper to create your own shapes
- Scissors
- Glue stick or white glue
- Googly eyes (or draw your own)
- Black marker
Instructions:
- Start with the Bag: Turn the paper bag upside down so the flap is at the top (this will be the panda’s face). The opening should be at the bottom so you can slide your hand inside like a puppet
- Create the Head: Glue on the ears to the back of a large white oval this is the base of the head. Turn it over and glue to bottom of the bag.
- Make Eye Patches: Cut two larger black ovals or rounded triangles for the signature panda eye patches. Glue them on the the front of the large white oval.
- Add Muzzle and Nose: Cut and glue a smaller white oval between and and below the eye patches.Cut a small black oval or rounded triangle for a nose and glue it to the top of the new white oval.
- Add Eyes: Glue on Googly Eyes.
- Draw a Smile:
Use a black marker to give your panda a sweet little smile—or a surprised “O” face if he’s spotting something new!
🖨️ Download the Free Printable Template
Want to make it even easier? Download our free printable panda puppet pattern from the Free Resource Page (find the password in the last newsletter) or get it straight to your inbox by signing up for the newsletter below.
This includes ready-to-cut shapes for the eyes, ears, patches, and paws—perfect for little hands or prepping a group activity in advance.
📜 Copyright Notice: This printable is for personal and classroom use only.
If you love it, please send your friends to this post to grab their own copy:
www.sillygeesepublishing.com
Please do not upload or redistribute the file directly. Thank you for respecting the work that went into creating this free resource!
🐾 Bring the Story to Life
Now that you’ve made your puppet, it’s time to bring Little Panda to life!
- Re-read Little Panda, What Do You See? using your puppet.
- You can play the role of the narrator while your child answers with the puppet as Little Panda.
- Try adding your own questions like “Little Panda, what do you smell?” or “What do you hear?” for a storytelling extension.
🎙️ This is a great opportunity for dramatic play and developing early literacy through interactive storytelling!
🌟 Why This Craft Works
- Imaginative play meets storytime
- Encourages expressive language and dialogue
- Helps kids connect emotionally with a character
- Easy to make with common supplies
Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, homeschooling parent, a preschool teacher, or anything else, this simple craft opens the door to meaningful conversations, curious questions, and memorable storytime.
Don’t forget to grab your copy of Little Panda, What Do You See?—and let the adventures begin!
📸 Show us your puppet! We’d love to see your panda pals in action. Tag us on Instagram or share in the comments below: #sillygeesepublishingcrafts
Want More Paper Bag Puppets?
Click below for the complete collection of paper bag puppets…
