Make a sketch of the main character of your book with colored pencils. This helps you concentrate on the details of the character. Be sure to sketch the main character in the clothes he most often wears and with the props he might carry. If your book lacks some details for your character, such as hair color, use your artistic license and create it in what you feel is the most authentic way.
Use modeling clay or salt dough to create the main character's head. Form an egg sized lump of clay or dough into an oval. Use your fingers to pinch out ears, a nose and a chin. Use a toothpick or craft stick to help you create the eyes, lips and hair. Carefully push a 12-inch wood dowel 1 1/2 inches into the bottom of the head. Allow the clay or dough to dry completely.
Paint the face of your main character once dry. Create skin colors by mixing a small amount of brown and red with enough white to lighten it to the correct color. For darker skin colors, slowly mix tiny amounts of black to the brown and red until the correct color is achieved. Use tiny brushes or toothpicks to create the details of hair, nose, eyes, ears and mouth on your puppet's head. Allow the paint to dry.
Attach arms to the stick coming from the head using pipe cleaners. Attach double thicknesses of pipe cleaners about 1 inch from the bottom of the head to form two arms, one for each side. Use two pipe cleaners twisted together to form each arm. Attach to the dowel by twisting it securely around the dowel.
Create clothes from felt pieces. Draw clothing shapes onto felt pieces, cut them out and glue the garment together. Place the clothes over the stick body and pipe cleaner arms. Secure by tying on a felt belt at the waist and by placing the pipe cleaner arms in the sleeves of the garment you make. This puppet does not include legs.
Cut yarn pieces to create hair for your puppet. Glue the pieces of yarn onto the dough head to form hair. If your main character wears a hat or carries any props, cut these from felt pieces then glue to the head or appropriate place on your puppet.
Use your puppet to give your book report. Hold the puppet behind a puppet theater, stage or table by holding on to the stick. Imagine the character's voice and remember the types of things he said in the book. Give your book report in your character's voice for a unique book report experience.