Back to school season is fast approaching and many teachers & parents will be reading the book “A Kissing Hand for Chester Raccoon” by Audrey Penn to their young children, as they approach their first day school in the coming days.

School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester’s fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. Since its first publication in 1993, this heartwarming book has become a children’s classic that has touched the lives of millions of children and their parents, especially at times of separation, whether starting school, entering daycare, or going to camp. It is widely used by kindergarten teachers on the first day of school. Stickers at the back will help children and their parents keep their Kissing Hand alive.

This is a book that I absolutely LOVE so I decided a kid friendly craft in honor of the beloved story was necessary on Glued To My Crafts! #gluedtomycrafts

Hence today’s Popsicle Stick Raccoon kid craft idea! Find the full step-by-step tutorial below and as always – happy crafting {and reading} my friends!

And most importantly – happy back-to-school season!!!

Popsicle Stick Raccoon Craft Supplies:

* Jumbo Popsicle Sticks {3 per craft}
* School Glue
* Gray Craft Paint
* Paint Brush
* Gray/Black Cardstock
* Scissors
* Large Wiggle Eyes

Directions:

* First glue your jumbo popsicle sticks into a triangle. Repeat for each craft you are making.
* Next have children paint their newly made popsicle stick shape, completely gray. Set aside to let it dry completely.
* Now grab your cardstock. Cut out TWO triangle ears from the grey cardstock and a long rectangular strip from the black, for the raccoon’s eyes and a heart nose.
* To finish off the Popsicle Stick Raccoon craft, have children glue on their cardstock pieces, as well as the wiggle eyes.
* Then set aside to let it dry completely before displaying proudly!!!

Love this idea? Of course you do! Be sure to also check out our Popsicle Stick School Bus and Pencil post for another back-to-school craft idea! #gluedtomycrafts