Teaching Empathy Through Books and Play: Unicorn and Dragon Puppets DIY
Unicorn & Dragon Paper Bag Puppets are the perfect afternoon crafting session. When I was thinking about Crafts to Pair with “Bubbles and the Big Race” – A Story of Good Sportsmanship and Empathy, puppets where the first thing I thought of.
When craft time meets story time it creates a special kind of magical memories. With this unicorn and dragon puppet duo the fun can keep on going. These easy paper bag puppets are a creative and memorable way to engage with the story’s message about kindness, courage, and cheering others on. I love it when kids make up their own stories with these wonderful characters, or find ways to act out the book. Either way it is imaginative play at its finest.
In this heartwarming tale, Bubbles the Bubble Blowing dragon and his friends watch a little unicorn as she tries to keep up in a big race—but fails. Along the way, they learn that its not all about winning, and learn to be more empathetic towards each other. Why not bring the characters to life with simple, colorful puppets?
🦄🐉 What You’ll Need:
- 2 paper lunch bags (white and green)
- Printable templates for both unicorn and dragon puppets (linked below!)
- Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
- Glue stick
- Scissors
- Printer and cardstock
🛠 How to Make Your Unicorn & Dragon Puppets:
1. Print the Templates
Use cardstock for longer puppet life, and easy cutting.
2. Cut and Assemble
Cut out the puppet pieces from the templates. Then:
- Glue the unicorn’s face and mane to one paper bag (with the flap as the head). Follow the printed instructions.
- Glue the dragon’s face, horns, and wings to the second paper bag. Following the printed instructions.
3. Add Magical Details
Let creativity run wild! Add glitter to the unicorn’s horn or yarn to the mane. Your child can even name their characters or act out the race with their new puppet friends.
📚 Pair with the Book: Bubbles and the Big Race
This craft is a perfect follow-up activity to reading Bubbles and the Big Race—a story that celebrates friendship, teaches empathy, and learning how to cheer for others. After reading, ask:
- How did the characters show empathy?
- What would your unicorn do if they were in the race?
- How can you be a good friend when someone else wins?
📥 Download the Free Printable Templates:
Want to make it even easier? Download our free printable dragon and unicorn puppet patterns 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.
Please don’t share the files directly—send friends to this website to grab their own free copy. Thank you for supporting SillyGeese Publishing!)💡 Extend the Fun
- Storytime Skits: Use the puppets to retell the story or create your own sequel!
- Empathy Practice: Talk about ways your child can be a kind friend in real life.
- Creative Writing: Help your child write a short story or draw a comic about what happens after the big race!
See the full Paper Bag Puppet Library here
✨Craft. Read. Grow.✨
Tag us @SillyGeesePublishingCrafts with your unicorns and dragons—we’d love to cheer on your little creators!
Blessings,
—Shannon L. Mokry
