Making Shadow Puppets »

Jill Bryant is an author who specializes in children's nonfiction. When Jill was a child, she especially enjoyed creative play activities. Children's theatre - combined with her travel experiences in Asia - have inspired many of her books. After several years of living abroad, Jill Bryant now lives in Kingston, Ontario.

In this book in the Kids Can Do It series, kids can create traditional shadow puppets from around the world.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-Both books include appealing projects and easy-to-follow directions. Introductory material clues readers in to supplies needed and basic techniques. Bryant and Heard give a bit of historical background and include instructions for nine simple puppets, with ideas on how the shapes can be adapted to create several others. Traceable templates are appended. The authors include a discussion of making shadow boxes and the elements of putting on a play. In the second book, Schwarz does a good job constructing and illustrating a variety of masks. However, some of the projects require materials that are difficult to manipulate, the use of tools, and quite a bit of dexterity. Both titles are attractive additions but adult assistance may be needed for those with little skill or patience.-Marcia W. Posner, Holocaust Memorial and Educational Center of Nassau County, Glen Cove, NY Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.