Why Animal Motherhood Fascinates Us

There is something universal about a mother’s care. Whether it’s an elephant guiding her calf with her trunk or a bird shielding her nestlings from the rain, animal mothers go to great lengths for their young.

Crafting these duos allows children to explore biological concepts (like marsupials vs. mammals) while developing empathy and fine motor skills. To make your crafting session even more special, try pairing these projects with some classic children’s literature.

Heartwarming Books to Read Together:

• Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother, Too? by Eric Carle
• Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman
• Time for Bed by Mem Fox and Jane Dyer
• Are You My Mommy? by Mary Murphy

15 Mother and Baby Animal Crafts to Make Today

1. Kangaroo and Joey Pouch Craft

Since kangaroos are the ultimate “on-the-go” mothers, this craft is a fan favorite.

• The DIY: Use a large paper plate for the mama kangaroo. Cut a semi-circle out of a second plate and staple it to the bottom to create a “pouch.” Let the kids draw a tiny baby joey on cardstock to tuck inside!

2. Cat and Kitten Paper Loop Craft

Inspired by the disciplined mama cats we love to watch!

• The DIY: Create two “loops” using strips of grey or orange construction paper—one large for the mom and one small for the kitten. Add ears, whiskers, and a long curled tail.

3. Penguin “Huddle” Handprint Art

Penguin dads often get the credit, but mama penguins are incredibly dedicated.

• The DIY: Paint the child’s palm black and fingers white. Press it down to make the mama. Use a single thumbprint next to it to represent the baby chick snuggling against her feet.

4. Koala “Hugging” Bookmark

Koalas are famous for their joeys clinging to their backs.

• The DIY: Cut a koala shape out of grey felt. Use a smaller piece for the baby. Attach the baby to the mom’s back using a small stitch or fabric glue. The mom’s arms can “clip” onto the corner of a book page.

5. Elephant Trunk-to-Tail Chain

Elephants often travel in a line, holding onto each other’s tails.

• The DIY: Cut elephant silhouettes out of blue or grey cardstock. Punch a hole in the trunk and the tail. Use a small metal ring or string to link the baby’s trunk to the mother’s tail.

6. Polar Bear Cotton Ball Collage

A soft, sensory craft perfect for toddlers.

• The DIY: Draw a large and small bear outline. Have your child glue white cotton balls inside the lines. Add black bead eyes and a felt nose.

7. Hen and Chick Egg Carton Craft

• The DIY: Use the tall “peaks” of an egg carton for the mother hen and the smaller cups for the chicks. Paint them yellow and add orange paper beaks.

8. Giraffe Spotted Heart Art

Giraffes have a very tender way of nuzzling their calves.

• The DIY: Cut two heart shapes out of yellow paper—one large, one small. Use brown fingerprints to create the “spots.” Glue the hearts so they are “touching noses.”

9. Monkey “Swing” Paper Chain

• The DIY: Create a paper chain of monkeys. The largest is the mom, and the smaller ones are the babies hanging from her arms.

10. Whale and Calf Paper Plate Scene

• The DIY: Paint a paper plate blue for the ocean. Cut a large whale and a small calf out of foam sheets. Glue them together so they look like they are swimming through a “slit” in the paper plate sea.

11. Owl “Hoot” Family

• The DIY: Use pinecones for the bodies! Add felt wings and large “google” eyes. A large pinecone makes a majestic mama owl, while a tiny one makes a perfect owlet.

12. Turtle Shell Mosaic

• The DIY: Use green paper scraps to create a mosaic on a paper plate (the mama). Glue a smaller bottle cap painted green (the baby) right onto her back.

13. Sloth “Slow Snuggle” Craft

• The DIY: Sloths spend nearly all their time clinging to trees—and their babies cling to them! Use brown felt to create a mom and baby that can “Velcro” together around a cardboard tube branch.

14. Fox Den Paper Bag Puppets

• The DIY: Use a large brown paper bag for the Vixen and a small lunch bag for the kit. Decorate with white “fur” (paper) on the chest and large bushy tails.

15. Sheep and Lamb Fingerprints

• The DIY: Use white paint for thumbprints. Once dry, draw little black legs and faces. It’s the simplest way to show a whole flock of moms and babies!

Crafting Materials Checklist

Pro-Tips for a Successful Mother’s Day Crafting Session

1. Focus on the “Why”: While you craft, talk to your kids about how animal mothers take care of their babies. Ask them, “How does the mama bear keep her baby warm?” or “Why does the kangaroo have a pouch?”
2. Let Them Lead: Don’t worry if the giraffe’s spots aren’t perfect or the penguin is a bit lopsided. The “imperfections” are what make these gifts so precious to moms!
3. Celebrate the Discipline Too: Just like the mama cat “bop,” remind kids that mothers guide them because they love them. It adds a bit of humor to the day!
4. Use Recycled Materials: Many of these crafts (egg cartons, paper bags, bottle caps) use items you already have at home, making this an eco-friendly way to celebrate.

Mother’s Day is about more than just a card; it’s about the time spent together. These 15 crafts provide a wonderful way to slow down, get your hands a little messy, and celebrate the beautiful “Orange Madness” of motherhood—whether you’re a human, a koala, or a cat!