“The Paper Dolls” by Julia Donaldson and DIY Paper Dolls

Making projects with children that correspond with the books you read with them helps encourage the love of reading.

For a fun indoor activity for kids that the whole family can enjoy, download this printable paper doll template, illustrated by Rebecca Cobb and based on Julia Donaldson’s “The Paper Dolls,” and also let the kids make their very own paper dolls.

I recommend using cardstock paper, (I didn’t), so that the paper dolls will last longer and not curl when using markers on regular printer paper. Or you can always laminate the paper dolls to help them last longer.

In “The Paper Dolls” by Julia Donaldson a string of paper dolls go on a fantastic adventure through the house and out into the garden. They soon escape the clutches of the toy dinosaur and the snapping jaws of the oven-glove crocodile. Then a boy comes and snips them with some scissors. But, the dolls live on in the little girls memory and one day, when she is a mother she helps her own daughter make her own paper dolls.

You can purchase the book and supplies needed for this project by tapping the links in this article or by visiting my storefront by clicking here.

You Will Need:

Cardstock White Paper
Paper Doll Template
Scissors
Markers and Crayons
Tape
Printer
Self Adhesive Laminating Sheets (optional)

What to Do:

1. Print the Paper Doll Template on cardstock.

2. Have the kids cut out their paper dolls. You can cut them for younger children.

3. Allow children to color the paper dolls and create their own paper dolls.

4. Tape the original dolls to the printed paper dolls together.

5. Laminate if you want the paper dolls to last longer.