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 MUCHÂ fun with!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
>>> 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.
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.
- When your white design is complete, paint on top with watercolor paints. Enjoy the ‘magic’ as the white crayon shines through!
- Allow the paint to dry completely.
- Use stickers to add extra detail and flair to your holiday gingerbread project.
>>> GRAB YOUR HOLIDAY GINGERBREAD MAN OR HOUSE PRINTABLE! <<<
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!