Winter is the perfect season to curl up with a good book, and it’s even better when children can step inside the story! To celebrate the joy of reading and language play, we’re offering a free download of printable character cutouts from the beloved Poodle books by Michael Clay Thompson.

These beautifully illustrated printables can be cut out, glued to popsicle sticks, and transformed into storytelling puppets. It’s the perfect low-prep activity for snowy afternoons, family reading time, or homeschool enrichment.

The Poodle books are filled with clever language, rich vocabulary, unforgettable characters, and imaginative adventures. And when kids act out the scenes with puppets, they:

✔️ Reinforce their understanding of the language arts concepts through playful storytelling

✔️ Deepen comprehension by retelling scenes in their own words

✔️ Build strong memories tied to language arts learning

✔️ Strengthen creativity and communication skills

✔️ Connect more meaningfully with the beloved characters

This activity is especially powerful for exceptional and 2e learners, who often thrive when learning becomes interactive, hands-on, and joyful.

– Full-color character cutouts featuring Poodle and friends
– Easy print-and-cut designs suitable for children ages 5+
– Instructions for making puppets with popsicle sticks
– Suggestions for deciding which scenes to act out

Just print, cut, glue, and play!

We’d love to see how your family brings Poodle’s world to life. Tag us on social media with #PoodlePuppetPlay for a chance to be featured!

New to the Poodle books?

The Poodle Level of the MCT language arts curriculum introduces young learners to grammar, punctuation, and poetics through whimsical storytelling and extraordinary artwork.