If you’ve been around here for a while, you know we’ve started a new little tradition in our home called Craft with a Book Friday. Every Friday, we take a book we’re reading together and bring it to life with a craft.
This week’s book pick is a story all about dandelions. It’s a pop-up book, which means some pictures in the book literally pop up when you turn the page. So it made our storytime even more fascinating for my kids.
My 5-year-old has been obsessed with dandelions for months. She especially loves plucking them when they turn white and blowing the fluffy seeds into the air. She calls it her “blow flower” (which honestly is the cutest thing ever). So when I found a book about dandelions, I knew it was perfect for us.
What We Learned About Dandelions
The book gave us such a fun way to learn, and the crafts helped it all sink in. Here’s what stood out:
– A dandelion starts from a seed, and the leaves grow out first.
– The yellow flower blooms next, bright and cheerful.
– Then the flower changes into what my daughter calls a “blow flower” (the fluffy seed head).
– Eventually, the seeds float away, plant themselves, and the cycle begins again.
– And did you know? Butterflies love dandelions! They sit on the flowers and sip the nectar.
It was the perfect mix of storytime, science, and hands-on fun
You can read more about the life cycle of a dandelion if your kids are curious about how seeds grow. And yes, butterflies really do love dandelions because they’re full of nectar.
Our Dandelion Crafts
We made three crafts to bring the book to life, and here they are:
1. Handprint Dandelion Craft
We traced and cut out yellow handprints on coloured paper to make the petals. My kids glued strips of yellow paper in the centre for extra texture. A paper straw became the stem, and we added torn crepe paper leaves for that real dandelion look.
2. The “Blow Flower” Craft
This one was their favourite! We cut a paper cup into rings and taped the back of them. Then we attached a paper straw to hold it. Lastly, we stuck bits of cotton wool lightly on the tape.
When they blew on it, the cotton floated off just like real dandelion seeds.
3. Butterfly on a Dandelion
Since the book mentioned butterflies, we made simple paper butterflies and taped them onto the dandelion stems. My kids loved acting out how butterflies land on the flowers to drink nectar.
Why This Craft Was Worth It
– It connected the book to real life. My daughter now knows her “blow flower” is a dandelion gone to seed.
– It added sensory play. Blowing the cotton wool seeds was such a hit.
– It was simple and low-prep. Just paper, tape, straws, and cotton wool — all stuff we had at home.
– It sparked conversations. We talked about plant life cycles, seasons, and even bugs and butterflies.
Another craft that’s loved in our home is this Egg Carton Flower Garden.
Try This Craft at Home
If you’re looking for a fun craft for preschoolers or just want an activity that mixes learning with play, this is a winner. Pair it with any dandelion-themed children’s book, and you’ve got a ready-to-go book and craft activity.
Have your kids ever called something by their own funny name, like “blow flower”? I’d love to hear it in the comments below. Looking for more ideas? Try our 10 Easy Rainbow Crafts for Preschoolers
Or these 5 Simple Crafts That Build Connection
