Making Shadow Puppets

Lisa Arsenault is an elementary-school teacher in Ajax, Ontario.

These are two more fine craft books in the well-produced Kids Can Do It
series. Making Shadow Puppets provides instructions for creating nine
shadow puppets, including a horse, a monster, a robot, and, my favorite,
the traditional court jester, as well as two shadow screens against
which to demonstrate the former. All necessary materials are listed at
the beginning of the book and additional specific materials accompany
each project. Creative ideas for adapting several of the projects are
suggested. A helpful section on putting on a play tells the reader how
to write a script and assign roles. Ideas for props and scenery and
three useful templates round out the book.

Making Masks outlines instructions for creating 13 entertaining masks.
The basic materials, all readily accessible either around the house or
at a craft store, are outlined first. A section on tips and techniques
follows. Then the specific materials needed to make the masks are
identified. Adaptations are suggested where applicable. Some of these
masks, particularly the “fearless falcon” and the “grumpy green
gargoyle,” are unique.

Both of these excellent how-to manuals are packed with creative crafts
for children aged 8 and up. The instructions for making the crafts are
clear and easy to follow, and each book is nicely illustrated with
full-color diagrams and photos. Highly recommended.