When Mama Miss challenged bloggers to come up with an ornament made by our kids, and inspired by a children’s book– I was SO excited to see everyone’s brilliant creations. 70+ bloggers joined the challenge and designed creative, kid-made ornaments (click here to see the list!). I have chosen a lovely book about an African-American boy who wonders why he doesn’t see more angels that look like he does– and then we made adorable angel ornaments “just like us!”
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First, check out the book “An Angel Like Me” by Mary Hoffman. In this story, a little boy named Tyler notices that all of the Christmas decorations (and ornaments) are blonde and blue-eyed, and none African-American like he is. He asks the Santa at the mall why even the Nativity scenes have Jesus’ that don’t have Jewish features. On Christmas Day he gets a special present- an angel that looks just like he does. I am always looking for books that highlight diverse characters- and my kids often have the same questions when they find only blonde dolls. Even as we did the craft my kids asked me if boys could be angels!
Make “An Angel Like Me” Ornament
Gather Materials:
- Doilies: we used 6″ diameter, but you can choose any size
- Photos of your kids
- Construction paper, paint
- Glue
Get paint on the kids’ hands and have them make their handprints on the construction paper, keeping their fingers together. Once the “wings” dry, have the kids cut them out.
Next, they can cut out their pictures to be more rounded around their heads. The doily gets folded into a skirt, and the pieces can be glued together.
We definitely have angels that look just like us! How cute are these!? I think if I had used pictures and doilies that were a big larger, the proportions to my kids’ huge angel wings might look a little better- but we love the way they turned out anyway:). Wouldn’t this be the sweetest gift for preschoolers or kinders to make for their parents!?
Don’t forget to check out all of the creative homemade ornaments in the series! We are already gathering our supplies to make some gifts this December.
These are precious!
So sweet – these are beautiful Becky!
Thank you!:)
It’s so important for there to be more diversity in children’s books. It benefits all children. (And I loved the craft!)
We really do need more diverse books, so that it becomes “normal” and reflects our society! 🙂
Oh I love the craft… reading the excerpt on FB I though Tyler was the name of your kid.. sorry ! 🙂 I love the craft. and its a beautiful thought. Pass on a hug to your kids from my side please .. Happy Holidays.
Oops! 🙂 Tyler is the boy in the story- I should have written that differently:).
Awe! Love the ornament! I’m going to have to check that book out in the library. 🙂 So we can make angel ornaments, too! 🙂
You will love the book Frances!!!! It is very sweet, and the ending has a nice message:).
I haven’t read this book before, but will check it out soon!