I Can Make Puppets

Joan Weller is head librarian at the West Branch of Ottawa Public
Library, and the children’s literature reviewer for the Ottawa
Citizen.

This outstanding craft book inspires creativity through its content
layout, style, and illustration. The colored photo reproductions, on
high-quality, glossy paper, show step-by-step instructions for making 11
captivating puppets. Clearly labeled in large type, the easy-to-follow
steps require minimum adult supervision. Out of very inexpensive
materials (e.g., common household odds and ends) and with the help of
scissors, glue, markers, and so on, spring eye-catching creations.
Examples are Silly Dragon (a sock in disguise), Pink Pig (a talking
sponge), Finger Wiggles (paper elephants and birds on fingertips),
Mouthy Miniatures (a child’s painted fingertips or hands), and Chin
Chucklers (a child painted, upside-down face). Two slightly more
complicated movable puppets—a king and a prancing pony, which are
easily assembled with the help of paper fasteners, sticks, and
strings—round out the appealing collection.

This book also lends itself to whole language application in the
classroom. Using the puppets will help develop language skills in small
or large groups, and imaginations will flourish if they are used to
produce shows in the suggested puppet theatre made from chairs,
blankets, and construction paper. Highly recommended.