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!

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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.

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! <<<

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

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