Mercer Mayer's Little Critter website has a variety of games, project ideas and activities for preschoolers. Artistic children will enjoy Little Critter's Color Book, a web page that is filled with printable coloring pages based on Mayer's beloved characters. Simply click on an image, press print, and color with crayons or markers. The Pick a Puzzle page has connect-the-dots and mazes that parents can print out for the kids. Preschoolers can then use their own crayons or colored pencils to complete the various printed games. Kids who are beginning to learn their letters may enjoy writing a letter to the Little Critter himself. The website provides a blank form to type your own letter. This activity is a great way to get your own little critter to use his imagination and practice early literacy skills.
Treat your preschooler (or preschool class) to a morning or afternoon filled with books by Mayer. Select a theme such as emotions, a holiday or family. Choose at least two books that fit the theme, or combine themes for added entertainment. For example, try the books "Merry Christmas Mom and Dad" and "I Smell Christmas" for a holiday party. Set up a comfortable reading center complete with pillows to relax on. Ask the child (or children) to sit in the reading center and listen to the story. Discuss the pictures and the theme as you go along. As an added touch, make treats such as Little Critter-decorated cookies or cupcakes.
Use Mayer's illustrations as the inspiration for a crafty art project. Learn about Little Critter online at the website's All About Little Critter page. The page shows a picture of Little Critter himself and provides fictional biographical information, such as his favorite sports, hobbies, his school and his friends. Read and discuss this with the preschooler(s). Have the child (or class of children) use construction paper, crayons and markers to draw a picture of Little Critter. Encourage the preschooler to make his drawing unique. Allow him to add vividly colored clothing, a special hat or props (e.g., a baseball bat, football or soccer ball) based on the Critter's bio. After the drawing is complete, ask the child to tell his own Little Critter story based on the artwork that he has created.