Holiday Gingerbread Story Time with Magic Painting Activity

One of my favorite, sweet flavors during the holiday season is gingerbread! It’s such a classic Christmas favorite. My taste in cookies has influenced my taste in children’s literature as well. A wide variety of gingerbread themed books line my boys’ shelves! Inspired by that yummy treat, today I’m sharing ideas for a holiday gingerbread story time. Be sure to read to the end so you don’t miss the magic painting activity we’ve been having SO MUCH fun with!

Run, run, fast as you can! You'll want to catch this fun gingerbead man story time! Check out my book suggestions for festive holiday read alouds, and grab the free printables for a magic painting activity! #gingerbread #gingerbreadman #gingerbreadhouse #storytime #beyondthebook #readaloud #christmascrafts
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READING HOLIDAY GINGERBREAD STORIES

The Gingerbread Kid Goes To School

This cute leveled reader tells the story of a mischievous cookie loose in school! Joan Holub provided the text for the story. The expressive illustrations are by Debbie Palen.

Gingerbread Story Time- The Gingerbread Kid Goes To School Book Gingerbread Story Time- The Gingerbread Kid Goes To School Book

The Gingerbread Man Loose In the School

This book is another fun take on a gingerbread man heading to school, told in a more comic book style. Laura Murray wrote the story and Mike Lowery created the graphic images.

Gingerbread Story Time- The Gingerbread Man Loose In The School Book Gingerbread Story Time- The Gingerbread Man Loose In The School Book

The Gingerbread Man Loose On The Fire Truck

Laura Murray and Mike Lowery teamed up again for this fun title. The Gingerbread Man is determined to save the day in a story kids will love.

Gingerbread Story Time- The Gingerbread Man Loose On the Fire Truck BookGingerbread Story Time- The Gingerbread Man Loose On the Fire Truck Book

The Gingerbread Pirates

Kids will enjoy this fun story about Captain Cookie, a pirate worried that Santa Claus plans to eat his crew! Kristin Kladstrup wrote about Captain Cookie’s adventure, while Matt Tavares created the expressive, engaging artwork.

Gingerbread Story Time- The Gingerbread Pirates Book Gingerbread Story Time- The Gingerbread Pirates Book

Catch That Cookie!

This book is a particular family favorite! Hallie Durand tells the story of a young class on a scavenger hunt through out school, trying to find their missing gingerbread men. David Small’s illustrations are the perfect bright complement to the text.

Gingerbread Story Time- Catch That Cookie BookGingerbread Story Time- Catch That Cookie Book

>>> Check out more gingerbread fun with this Ninjabread Man craft idea! <<<

HOLIDAY GINGERBREAD MAGIC PAINTING ACTIVITY

Materials:

  • Gingerbread house or gingerbread man printable. (Scroll to the end of the post to grab yours).
    • I recommend printing these on heavy paper or card stock if possible. These papers tend to hold up to watercolor paint better.
  • White crayons.
    • Interesting discovery: Our fatter white crayons, intended for younger hands, did not work well for this project. I suggest using thinner [‘normal’ size] white crayons if possible.
  • Watercolor paints.
  • Water.
  • Paintbrush.
  • Stickers.

Gingerbread Story Time- Magic Painting Activity

Making Magical Holiday Gingerbread:

  • Grab your free printable.
  • Use your white crayon to add designs to your printable. Where ever you add white crayon will ultimately stay white after painting. Make sure to use a bit of pressure when drawing with your crayon.
    Gingerbread Story Time- Magic Painting Activity Gingerbread Story Time- Magic Painting Activity
  • When your white design is complete, paint on top with watercolor paints. Enjoy the ‘magic’ as the white crayon shines through!
    Gingerbread Story Time- Magic Painting Activity Gingerbread Story Time- Magic Painting Activity Gingerbread Story Time- Magic Painting Activity Gingerbread Story Time- Magic Painting Activity Gingerbread Story Time- Magic Painting Activity Gingerbread Story Time- Magic Painting Activity Gingerbread Story Time- Magic Painting Activity Gingerbread Story Time- Magic Painting Activity
  • Allow the paint to dry completely.
  • Use stickers to add extra detail and flair to your holiday gingerbread project.
    Gingerbread Story Time- Magic Painting Activity Gingerbread Story Time- Magic Painting Activity Gingerbread Story Time- Magic Painting Activity Gingerbread Story Time- Magic Painting Activity

>>> GRAB YOUR HOLIDAY GINGERBREAD MAN OR HOUSE PRINTABLE! <<<

Run, run, fast as you can! You'll want to catch this fun gingerbead man story time! Check out my book suggestions for festive holiday read alouds, and grab the free printables for a magic painting activity! #gingerbread #gingerbreadman #gingerbreadhouse #storytime #beyondthebook #readaloud #christmascrafts

Gingerbread? Peppermint? Anise? What’s YOUR favorite holiday dessert flavor? Let me know in the comments below!

Essentials You May Need…



10 Comments

  • Britney

    Never heard of these books. My oldest loves reading not so much crafts!

  • April@loveourreallife

    These books look great for children! Thanks for making the free printables available!

  • Lacey

    Oh this is so cute! I wish my niece were old enough to enjoy this, she’s only a baby at the moment so would only attempt to eat eveything haha

  • Ashley Peavey

    This is so cute!! Looks like he enjoys it!

  • Alice BOLTE

    What a great idea to have gingerbread themed story time! I’m going to look into “Catch That Cookie.” It looks so cute! I also love the idea of painting gingerbread houses rather than making them! Brilliant.

  • Jocelyn

    What cute stories and accompanying activities. I love holiday theme ‘play time’ for the kiddos!

  • Kate

    This is the perfect holiday activity for my nieces and nephew this winter! I’m always looking for new ways to keep them busy.

  • cassy french

    This is such a neat idea!! His colorings/paintings look really good!

  • priyanjali

    Lovely collection of books for kids, this would be perfect for my toddler! I loved the step by step painting activity too, so cute!

  • Shannon Peterson

    Oh my gosh, this is so fun! And I love how magical it would be when you start painting!