From School Library Journal
Translating stories into puppet shows is a marvelous way to get children involved in literature, including characterization, setting, plot, and dramatic dialogue. For those needing help in the plotting, staging, manipulation of hand puppets, scenery, etc., this book comes as a welcome aid. Minkel structures his guide clearly and logically, beginning with why puppetry is an effective medium for communicating with children, some historical background, and a discussion of the different types of puppets. He then deals with developing technique, script writing and adaptation, and even the one-person puppet program. Once readers are hooked, the author provides invaluable tips about knowing the audience, performing inside and outside of a library setting, and some sample related program activities. Appendixes include five simple scripts, stage-building plans for two different stages, and a fulsome bibliography of Web and book sources as well as the address of a specialized puppetry bookstore.Marcia W. Posner, Holocaust Memorial and Educational Center of Nassau County, Glen Cove, NY Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Other books give quick and easy tips to help busy libraries. How to Do "The Three Bears" with Two Hands: Performing with Puppets is for those who want to hone their craft. In seventeen years of performing puppetry, author Walter Minkel has staged two thousand shows in more than one hundred libraries. He shares tips on staging puppet shows in typical library spaces, creating characters with voices and puppet manipulation, writing scripts and adapting stories from children's literature, performing solo, using puppets as ambassadors to the community, and building puppet stages. Appendixes feature five sample scripts and specific stage-building plans for two types of stages.

FROM THE CRITICS

School Library Journal