Pet Storyhour

Not a large group, and there were some older children in it, so we were able to spend a little time talking about the children's pets.
Stories:
Emma's Elephant by David Ellwand. The children's talk about pets was a perfect lead in to this book about different children and their pets.
Curious George and the Puppies by Rey. I like this one because CG & the Man unleash their usual pandemonium at an animal shelter.
An Octopus Followed Me Home by Dan Yaccarino. I always love to read in my mock stern daddy-voice, and this book gives me plenty of opportunity. Great ending, moms loved it.
The Pigeon Wants a Puppy by the great Mo Willems. "A pigeon and a puppy. Hmm. Do they go together?"  Love that pigeon.
Always in Trouble by Corinne Demas.  Such a cute, loveable looking dog. Does he look like a bad dog? Read the days of the week in a fast rhythm, then slow down for emphasis when he behaves.
Pet Shop Lullaby.  Introduce the concept nocturnal.
Ten Silly Dogs by Lisa Flather. Make sure you bring a set of numbers with you. We counted to ten as intro, but kids really can't count backwards.
Next Year: My Rhinoceros by Jon Agee
Me and My Dragon by David Biedrzycki (This one looks kinda perfect.)
Is there a DOG in this book?  MUST READ.  Viviane Schwarz

Special Songs:
The Wheels on the Bus. The passengers were a lot of pets, dogs, cats, mice and fish, and they made all the appropriate noises.

Play: 
See Thirteen Animals above.

Craft:
OK, this sounds really kinda dumb, but I talked about pet rugs.  There are all kinds of rugs, with all kinds of designs on them. I drew a design on my piece of paper and showed them how to fringe the edges. This was meant to be a simple crayon activity that would teach cutting. There's no wrong way to cut the edges of a piece of paper. As always, the finished projects ranged from a floral oval to a small house that was fully carpeted to scribbles on a piece of paper with a lot snipping around the edges.