Animal Bookmarks

Make reading time a little more fun with these cute autumn animal bookmarks! This printable craft lets kids color and make their own little woodland animal bookmarks, featuring an owl, wolf, deer, raccoon, and fox.

Each animal sits at the top of the page, peeking over the book as a little companion while kids read. They are simple to make and can be used again and again with their favorite books.

Get the template here

I’ve always liked little things that make everyday activities feel a bit more special. And when it comes to reading, even something as simple as a bookmark can add a little personality to the experience.

So I started thinking about little woodland animals sitting at the top of a page and peeking out while you read. An owl, a fox, a raccoon… each one has its own little face and personality, almost like a tiny reading buddy that stays with you until you come back to the book.

I also thought autumn would be a fun time for this idea. The warm colors, woodland animals, and cozy feeling of the season all seemed to fit together naturally.

Learning Through Making This Animal Bookmarks

Making these Autumn Animal Bookmarks gives kids a chance to practice fine motor skills through simple paper work. Coloring, cutting, and folding the pieces require careful hand movements and help develop hand control and coordination.

Choosing colors for each animal also gives kids room to make their own creative decisions. They can use natural-looking colors or come up with something completely different, giving each bookmark its own personality.

The project also encourages kids to follow instructions and pay attention to the different parts of the craft. Since the finished bookmark needs to be handled and used, kids can also practice being careful with the paper while making something that has a purpose beyond the craft table.

Ideas for the Classroom and Homeschool

These Autumn Animal Bookmarks can be a nice addition to reading activities in the classroom or homeschool. Kids can make one after reading a story about woodland animals, forests, or autumn, giving them a simple hands-on project connected to the book.

They could also choose an animal from their bookmark and learn a few simple facts about it. For example, they could find out where the animal lives, what it eats, or how it behaves, then share what they learned with the class or family.

For a seasonal reading activity, kids could make their own bookmark at the beginning of an autumn reading challenge and use it throughout the season. Older children could also write a short paragraph about their chosen animal or create a little story featuring the animal on their bookmark.

Animal Bookmarks Step By Step Guide

Supplies Needed

• Cardstock
• Colored pencils, crayons, or markers
• Scissors
• Glue
• The Animal Bookmarks Template

Animal Bookmarks Instructions

Step 1: Print the Animal Bookmarks Template on cardstock.

Step 2: Color the animals with colored pencils, crayons, or markers.

Step 3: Carefully cut out all the pieces along the outlines.

Step 4: Color the rectangular piece of cardstock the same color as the animal.

Step 5: Glue the head and the two front legs to the rectangular piece of cardstock. Then glue the tail to the back.

Step 6: Slide the bookmark down over the top of your current page so that the book page sits right between the animal’s front legs and the rectangular cardstock base.

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