Making Puppets Come Alive: How to Learn and Teach Hand Puppetry (Dover Craft Books) Paperback – January 23, 1997

This is a must-have for beginning puppeteers, teachers, and colleges. The authors cover every aspect of using puppets including stage, lighting, storage of puppets and props etc. They emphasize practicing before others and giving and receiving constructive criticism. The book includes little skits and lessons which are great for individuals or student practice.I love the retro puppets and minimalism in this original book published in the 1970's. The purpose of the book is NOT puppet construction, but instead, about making them COME ALIVE through subtle hand movements and voice. This book specifically teaches manipulation of simple hand puppets, but it does cover mouth (or sock) puppets. The authors' preference is hand puppets which are effective in using with props. Though the book is not about puppet construction, I'm inspired by the cute, simple, "old fashioned" hand puppets used for demonstration.I especially like that the book emphasizes puppetry minimalism - the simplicity of puppet design, black curtain stage without the use of elaborate scene changes, etc. The authors emphasize primarily movement, use of props, and voice to convey the drama of the puppet show.The book is filled with large photos showing how to move puppets. The authors made a good choice by using black and white photography, because it is the most effective way to convey movement through still photos - better than color, which would have been less effective and also distracting.I highly recommend this book.

Lots of info..still reading and studying. Working on a lot of puppet characters and ideas. Nothing more to say right now. Thank You

I have a dozen puppet books. This one, though older is hands down the absolute best one in teaching and describing how to use puppets.

Clearly, and step by step this wonderful book show you how to make puppets come alive in your hands.Parents, teachers as well as anyone with an interest in theater will learn a lot from this book, and quickly. You will be able to teach children how to express action, emotion and humor quickly. For children of 4th grade and up, you can just give them the book, and a few sock puppets, and they'll be off!

This is a very interesting book! I have started a puppet ministry at church and this book is very helpful teaching my puppeteers how to make the puppets move realistically. Thanks alot!

My mistake...I was looking for puppet patterns. I did get some good ideas from the limited pattern in the back of the book.

This book was a welcome surprise to me just starting in learning about puppets.Gave directions to actually make the puppets perform with emotion to developthe story line, just as human actors do onstage. Helps to know this going in.

This is an excellent book for the novice as well for the experienced puppetier. It is simple, visual and is an excellent tool for teaching. I whole heartily recommend it for the student and the teacher.