100 Best Puppetry Books of All Time
We've researched and ranked the best puppetry books in the world, based on recommendations from world experts, sales data, and millions of reader ratings. Learn more
1
Max, a wild and naughty boy, is sent to bed without his supper by his exhausted mother. In his room, he imagines sailing far away to a land of Wild Things. Instead of eating him, the Wild Things make Max their king. less
Richard BransonToday is World Book Day, a wonderful opportunity to address this #ChallengeRichard sent in by Mike Gonzalez of New Jersey: Make a list of your top 65 books to read in a lifetime. (Source)
Barack ObamaDuring a trip to a public library in Washington’s Anacostia neighborhood in 2015, Obama shared some of his childhood favorites with a group of young students. He also read (and acted out) Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak to kids at the White House in 2014. (Source)
Martha StewartIn this photo, Jimmy Fallon and I enjoy slurping Eggs of Newt together for Season-5 of “The Martha Stewart Show." I am dressed as "Queen of the Wild Things" inspired by the beloved Maurice Sendak children's book, "Where the Wild Things Are." https://t.co/1ZBqXEW7dC (Source)
2
For the first time ever-a comprehensive biography of one of the twentieth-century's most innovative creative artists: the incomparable, irreplaceable Jim Henson.
He was a gentle dreamer whose genial bearded visage was recognized around the world, but most people got to know him only through the iconic characters born of his fertile imagination: Kermit the Frog, Bert and Ernie, Miss Piggy, Big Bird. The Muppets made Jim Henson a household name, but they were only part of his remarkable story.
This extraordinary biography--written with the generous cooperation of the... more
He was a gentle dreamer whose genial bearded visage was recognized around the world, but most people got to know him only through the iconic characters born of his fertile imagination: Kermit the Frog, Bert and Ernie, Miss Piggy, Big Bird. The Muppets made Jim Henson a household name, but they were only part of his remarkable story.
This extraordinary biography--written with the generous cooperation of the... more
3
In 1862 Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, a shy Oxford mathematician with a stammer, created a story about a little girl tumbling down a rabbit hole. Thus began the immortal adventures of Alice, perhaps the most popular heroine in English literature.
Countless scholars have tried to define the charm of the Alice books--with those wonderfully eccentric characters the Queen of Hearts, Tweedledum, and Tweedledee, the Cheshire Cat, Mock Turtle, the Mad Hatter et al.--by proclaiming that they really comprise a satire on language, a political allegory, a parody of Victorian... more
Countless scholars have tried to define the charm of the Alice books--with those wonderfully eccentric characters the Queen of Hearts, Tweedledum, and Tweedledee, the Cheshire Cat, Mock Turtle, the Mad Hatter et al.--by proclaiming that they really comprise a satire on language, a political allegory, a parody of Victorian... more
Eric Weinstein[Eric Weinstein recommended this book on Twitter.] (Source)
Larry DoyleYou’d have to be a zombie to miss the humour in it – it’s hilarious. Although the book is ancient, the humour feels modern (Source)
4
The ultimate gift for Muppet lovers everywhere, this extraordinary tribute celebrates 40 years of Henson's creative genius--from his best-known inventions to his lesser known but equally fascinating notions for everything from designs for futuristic nightclubs and homes to experimental films. 500 color illus. less
5
The art of "bellyspeaking" isn't for dummies.
The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Ventriloquism teaches everyone to speak from their bellies, create and substitute sounds, use all the registers of their voice, and create diversions to attract the listener's ear - whether they invest in a fancy puppet or create their own figure out of a sweat sock.
?Includes tips for making, manipulating, and talking with their dummy and for it - both at the same time
?Advice for getting an act together and taking it on the road - getting gigs, getting paid, and how to... more
The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Ventriloquism teaches everyone to speak from their bellies, create and substitute sounds, use all the registers of their voice, and create diversions to attract the listener's ear - whether they invest in a fancy puppet or create their own figure out of a sweat sock.
?Includes tips for making, manipulating, and talking with their dummy and for it - both at the same time
?Advice for getting an act together and taking it on the road - getting gigs, getting paid, and how to... more
6
Do you love puppets? Have you ever wanted to try your hand at not only creating but performing? This groundbreaking puppetry how-to book teaches the basics of puppet construction from stuffets, to hand and advanced puppets. Learn how to not only make stages, but the art of puppet performance.
Unleash your inner creative genius, whether it’s by giving voice to your simple upcycled stuffet, bringing your fresh-minted foam creations to life, or even if it’s letting an alter ego out in your newly-embodied personalized hand puppet. Learning the art of puppet construction and... more
Unleash your inner creative genius, whether it’s by giving voice to your simple upcycled stuffet, bringing your fresh-minted foam creations to life, or even if it’s letting an alter ego out in your newly-embodied personalized hand puppet. Learning the art of puppet construction and... more
7
Everyone’s a New Yorker on Thanksgiving Day, when young and old rise early to see what giant new balloons will fill the skies for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Who first invented these "upside-down puppets"? Meet Tony Sarg, puppeteer extraordinaire! In brilliant collage illustrations, Caldecott Honor artist Melissa Sweet tells the story of the puppeteer Tony Sarg, capturing his genius, his dedication, his zest for play, and his long-lasting gift to America—the inspired helium balloons that would become the trademark of Macy’s Parade. Winner of the 2012 Robert F. Sibert Medal and the NCTE... more
Recommended by Bethany S. Mandel, and 1 others. Bethany S. MandelWith thanksgiving coming up, we’ve been reading this great book nonstop. First heard about it from Read Aloud Revival (if you have kids look her up ASAP) https://t.co/6GJ9e2U4SX (Source)
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In this informative volume, a master puppeteer shares his expertise in the variety of behind-the-scenes skills involved in bringing puppets to life. Drawing on years of experience, George Latshaw conducts readers through every stage of the puppeteer's art, from simple, preparatory hand exercises to advice on performing before an audience.
Following a brief retrospective of the fascinating ancient art of puppetry, Latshaw offers clear, abundantly illustrated suggestions for preparing for a performance, explains how to construct several types of puppets, and presents a series of exercises... more
Following a brief retrospective of the fascinating ancient art of puppetry, Latshaw offers clear, abundantly illustrated suggestions for preparing for a performance, explains how to construct several types of puppets, and presents a series of exercises... more
9
Foam Patterning and Construction Techniques: Turning 2D Designs into 3D Shapes explains how to create your theatrical prop, puppet, or costume design using the unique and tricky medium of foam. Step-by-step instructions, photographs, and explanations illustrate how to translate your design from paper to reality by creating custom "skin" patterns, followed by creation of a foam mockup. The book details how to bring your project to life with varied finishing techniques, including using fur and fabric coverings and dying and painting foam. Numerous supplies, tools, and safety procedures... more
10
Grace loves stories, whether they're from books, movies, or the kind her grandmother tells. When her school decides to perform Peter Pan, Grace longs to play the lead, but her classmates point out that Peter was a boy. Besides, he wasn't black.
With the support of her family, Grace learns that she can be anything she wants to be, and the results are amazing!
Remarkable watercolor illustrations give full expression to Grace's high-flying imagination. less
With the support of her family, Grace learns that she can be anything she wants to be, and the results are amazing!
Remarkable watercolor illustrations give full expression to Grace's high-flying imagination. less
Don't have time to read the top Puppetry books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
11
The artistry of puppetry includes aspects of the visual arts, theatre, music, and dance. Puppets can be traced as far back as ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, and are found today in cultures worldwide, across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. This work shows how puppets have been used to relay myths, poke fun at political figures, comment on cultural events of the period, express moral stories, and entertain adults and children alike. It gives a historical overview and looks at the wide variety of this traditional art form. From European and Asian puppets in modern and ancient times to... more
12
First came the news that a flying saucer had landed in Iowa. Then came the announcement that the whole thing was a hoax. End of story. Case closed.
Except that two agents of the most secret intelligence agency in the U.S. government were on the scene and disappeared without reporting back. Then four more follow up agents also disappeared. So the head of the agency and his two top agents went in and managed to get out with their discovery: an invasion is underway by slug-like aliens who can touch a human and completely control his or her mind. What the humans know, they know. What... more
Except that two agents of the most secret intelligence agency in the U.S. government were on the scene and disappeared without reporting back. Then four more follow up agents also disappeared. So the head of the agency and his two top agents went in and managed to get out with their discovery: an invasion is underway by slug-like aliens who can touch a human and completely control his or her mind. What the humans know, they know. What... more
13
Dark Crystal: The Ultimate Visual History is the definitive collection of rare artwork, interviews, and on-set photos from the beloved Jim Henson fantasy classic.
A true masterpiece brought to life by the ingenious puppetry and peerless storytelling of Jim Henson, Dark Crystal is revered by an entire generation of fans. For the first time, this deluxe and highly comprehensive book tells the complete story of this deeply personal Henson project, highlighting the unique creative journey and groundbreaking techniques that brought the film to the screen. Drawing from... more
A true masterpiece brought to life by the ingenious puppetry and peerless storytelling of Jim Henson, Dark Crystal is revered by an entire generation of fans. For the first time, this deluxe and highly comprehensive book tells the complete story of this deeply personal Henson project, highlighting the unique creative journey and groundbreaking techniques that brought the film to the screen. Drawing from... more
14
Everyone has a sock or two without a mate, lost to the abyss of the dryer, but what to do with this lonely laundry left-over? Worry not! The Ultimate Sock Puppet Book will help you craft whimsical, quirky creatures that you can create with just some inexpensive materials and your imagination. Moving from the simple to the extraordinary, authors Tiger Kandel and Heather Schloss will take readers on a journey through the incredible world of sock puppets. With trademark techniques, easy-to-follow instructions, illustrations, stencils, and photographs your misfit socks will... more
15
Puppets have existed in one form or another in nearly every culture throughout human history. From the intriguing shadow puppets of Java to the romantically challenged Miss Piggy, from African carved-wood actors with outsize genitalia to merry maniac Mr. Punch, puppets are incredibly diverse, reflecting the varied cultures, environments, and personalities of their creators.
In this lavishly illustrated volume, Eileen Blumenthal provides a comprehensive overview of the history and techniques of puppetry, examining the unique nature and abilities of puppets and illustrating the countless... more
In this lavishly illustrated volume, Eileen Blumenthal provides a comprehensive overview of the history and techniques of puppetry, examining the unique nature and abilities of puppets and illustrating the countless... more
16
This "head-to-toe" guide answers all your questions, from hair care to healthy eating, bad breath to bras, periods to pimples, and everything in between. With tips, how-to's, letters from girls, and facts from the experts, here's straightforward advice you can really use. less
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Illustrating the work of some of the finest shadow players in the world, this book explains with clarity and precision the art of shadow puppetry, an art form increasingly used by professional companies and educational institutions. Traditional shadow play techniques are covered, together with modern methods and recent explorations, puppet design, lighting and staging, and even techniques for creating translucent figures. less
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Puppets and Puppet Theatre contains everything one needs to know to progress from a beginner's level to a high standard of artistry. Puppeteer David Currell concentrates on designing, making, and performing with the main types of puppets, offering detailed information on the nature and heritage of puppet theater; the anatomy of a puppet and its design and structure; materials and methods for sculpting, modeling, and casting puppet parts; step-by-step instructions for constructing marionettes as well as glove, hand, rod, and shadow puppets; and the control and manipulation of all these... more
Don't have time to read the top Puppetry books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
21
One of the most imaginative and provocative directors and designers working today, Taymor draws on elements from the West, Indonesia, Japan, traditional theater, Asian dance-drama, puppetry, masked dance, contemporary cinema, and other performing arts to bring her extraordinary theatrical hybrids to life. Tracing her extensive career, this volume includes 195 illustrations, 110 in color, as well as Taymor's personal production notes. less
23
The story of one of the most important and beloved shows on television-how it got started, nearly failed, and was saved by Elmo.
When the first episode aired on November 10, 1969, Sesame Street revolutionized the way education was presented to children on television. It has since become the longest-running children's show in history, and today reaches 8 million preschoolers on 350 PBS stations and airs in 120 countries.
Street Gang is the compelling and often comical story of the creation and history of this media masterpiece and pop culture... more
When the first episode aired on November 10, 1969, Sesame Street revolutionized the way education was presented to children on television. It has since become the longest-running children's show in history, and today reaches 8 million preschoolers on 350 PBS stations and airs in 120 countries.
Street Gang is the compelling and often comical story of the creation and history of this media masterpiece and pop culture... more
24
Now 20 years old, Jim Henson's classic fantasy film The Dark Crystal--featuring the breathtaking concept design of renowned fantasy artist Brian Froud--is a soaring work of the imagination. This mystical adventure has such a huge cult following that when the film was recently re-released on video and DVD, it quickly sold a million copies. Just as remarkable is the cult status of The World of The Dark Crystal, Froud's book on the film. Originally published in 1982 and long out of print, this definitive volume--packed with brilliant artwork--has been in such demand that used... more
25
In this stunning pop-up book, meet seven animal builders and see how their unique skills help them survive—and to live together in harmony in the neighborwood.
At the edge of the forest a spider spins her web, while nearby, a hummingbird uses strands of spider silk to build her nest. These are just two of the many animals who live side by side, sharing the resources they need to construct homes, traps, or places to store food. From award-winning artist Shawn Sheehy comes an up-close look at the architectural masterpieces of the animal world, featuring an array of... more
At the edge of the forest a spider spins her web, while nearby, a hummingbird uses strands of spider silk to build her nest. These are just two of the many animals who live side by side, sharing the resources they need to construct homes, traps, or places to store food. From award-winning artist Shawn Sheehy comes an up-close look at the architectural masterpieces of the animal world, featuring an array of... more
26
There's a whole new world of puppets out there!
In Puppet Planet, John Kennedy offers you the insight, tips and trade secrets that only a professional puppeteer can. Learn how to make 12 brand new puppets, then learn how to perform with them! Discover professional staging techniques, as well as ways to make the puppets come alive for your audience.
Look inside to:
Create the muscle laden, but amazingly soft, Stuffed Strongman
Craft the delightfully sweet Pillow Buddy
Build Professor Foaman, the smartest puppet on Puppet Planet more
In Puppet Planet, John Kennedy offers you the insight, tips and trade secrets that only a professional puppeteer can. Learn how to make 12 brand new puppets, then learn how to perform with them! Discover professional staging techniques, as well as ways to make the puppets come alive for your audience.
Look inside to:
Create the muscle laden, but amazingly soft, Stuffed Strongman
Craft the delightfully sweet Pillow Buddy
Build Professor Foaman, the smartest puppet on Puppet Planet more
27
Making and Manipulating Marionettes is a superb guide to a craft and performance art that has fascinated audiences for over 2,000 years. Handsomely illustrated throughout, it presents precise instructions for the making of marionettes, both for plays and for acts in the variety tradition. All aspects of marionette design, construction, and control are covered, and there are rare insights into specialized designs and stringing techniques. Contents include an introduction to the marionette tradition and the principles and practicalities of marionette design; advice on materials and... more
28
Unlike other performing arts, puppetry is perhaps the only art form in which directing, acting, writing, designing, sculpture, and choreography are combined. In effect, the performer is creating an artistic entertainment that will appeal to audiences of all ages — in homes, in theaters, and in classrooms.
This lucid, easy-to-follow book was specifically conceived to teach beginners how to bring a hand puppet to life and how, with practice, to develop the skills needed to mount an amateur puppet show — complete with staging, costumes, and special effects. Award-winning puppeteers Larry... more
This lucid, easy-to-follow book was specifically conceived to teach beginners how to bring a hand puppet to life and how, with practice, to develop the skills needed to mount an amateur puppet show — complete with staging, costumes, and special effects. Award-winning puppeteers Larry... more
29
Learn how to throw your voice. Make your hand talk, your shoe sing, and your mother-in-law shut-up Everyone will be tongue-tied when you start talking to the lamp shade and it talks back Paul Stadelman, a professional ventriloquist who stared on his own TV show for many years, shares with you secrets that have made him a hilarious success. Ventriloquism, as taught in this book, is easy to learn if you follow a few simple rules. Anybody can do it And it's so fun that once you start, you'll be talking to yourself for hours. This book explains how to use standard puppets as well as novelty... more
30
Bert and Ernie were once just scribbles in a notebook, and the original Oscar the Grouch was purple, not green. Before there were Muppets, there were Jim Henson's designs and doodles. This collection of Henson's early drawings forms a trail back to his roots as a graphic artist. less
Don't have time to read the top Puppetry books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
31
À la fin du XIXe siècle, dans toute l’Europe, les avant-gardes théâtrales font de la marionnette — jusqu’alors ancrée dans des traditions en déclin — un véritable modèle esthétique, qui persiste jusqu’à la fin des années trente. Ainsi, le sujet de ce livre n’est pas « le théâtre de marionnettes », défini par une série de pratiques qui volent alors en éclats, mais « la marionnette au théâtre » : comment et pourquoi cet objet théâtral entre-t-il dans le champ du « grand » théâtre, c’est-à-dire de la scène d’acteurs, et qu’y change-t-il ? Que devient la marionnette dans cette rencontre ? Ce «... more
33
This volume, which originally appeared as a special issue of TDR/The Drama Review, looks at puppets, masks, and other performing objects from a broad range of perspectives.
Puppets and masks are central to some of the oldest worldwide forms of art making and performance, as well as some of the newest. In the twentieth century, French symbolists, Russian futurists and constructivists, Prague School semioticians, and avant-garde artists around the world have all explored the experimental, social, and political value of performing objects. In recent years, puppets, masks, and... more
Puppets and masks are central to some of the oldest worldwide forms of art making and performance, as well as some of the newest. In the twentieth century, French symbolists, Russian futurists and constructivists, Prague School semioticians, and avant-garde artists around the world have all explored the experimental, social, and political value of performing objects. In recent years, puppets, masks, and... more
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Flavia de Luce, a dangerously smart eleven-year-old with a passion for chemistry and a genius for solving murders, thinks that her days of crime-solving in the bucolic English hamlet of Bishop’s Lacey are over—until beloved puppeteer Rupert Porson has his own strings sizzled in an unfortunate rendezvous with electricity. But who’d do such a thing, and why? Does the madwoman who lives in Gibbet Wood know more than she’s letting on? What about Porson’s charming but erratic assistant? All clues point toward a suspicious death years earlier and a case the local constables can’t solve—without... more
35
The stage adaptation of The Lion King is being hailed around the world as a once-in-a-lifetime event. This book features a developmental history of the production through beautiful artwork, photos, and behind-the-scenes details of the challenges the director and actors faced and the making of the elaborate sets, costumes, and masks. less
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The show that has taught over 70 million of us to count is turning 30! To help celebrate this milestone, Hyperion presents the ultimate insider's tribute to "Sesame Street"--a one-of-a-kind volume that lets readers relive all the classic memories, games shows, animation, and parodies through actual scripts, rare photos, celebrity flashbacks, and hilarious anecdotes. 400 color photos. NPR sponsorship. less
38
One of the world's most famous magicomedians and ventriloquists discusses every aspect of his art and reveals tricks of the trade. George Schindler, the Dean of the Society of American Magicians, has kept audiences spellbound for more than forty years. In this guide for beginners and experienced ventriloquists alike, he defines the art and offers practical advice as well as inspiration.
Starting with basic "vent" techniques, Schindler discusses the cultivation of a variety of voices and explains how to make puppets appear lifelike. He also presents helpful suggestions for putting an act... more
Starting with basic "vent" techniques, Schindler discusses the cultivation of a variety of voices and explains how to make puppets appear lifelike. He also presents helpful suggestions for putting an act... more
39
Jim Henson's iconic puppet characters, fantastic worlds, and warm humor have delighted millions of people of all ages. His incredibly diverse body of work, from the Muppets to the world of The Dark Crystal, reveals his charm and genius to fans old and new. Compiled directly from The Jim Henson Company archives, Imagination Illustrated adapts the diary that Jim faithfully kept throughout his career, supplementing it with a trove of little-seen visual material, including rare sketches, personal and production photographs, storyboards, doodles, and much more. Throughout,... more
40
Don't have time to read the top Puppetry books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
41
Making hand shadows on the wall is an age-old pastime that has provided countless hours of entertainment for children and adults alike. In this entertaining how-to book, a master of the art goes far beyond the basics to reveal his secrets for creating realistic, lifelike hand shadows.
With practice and patience, you too can soon learn how to arrange your hands and fingers to form shadow images of a lumbering dinosaur, a pair of playful monkeys, an eagle slowly taking flight, a cat scratching itself, a howling wolf, and a neighing horse. You'll also discover how to create profiles of... more
With practice and patience, you too can soon learn how to arrange your hands and fingers to form shadow images of a lumbering dinosaur, a pair of playful monkeys, an eagle slowly taking flight, a cat scratching itself, a howling wolf, and a neighing horse. You'll also discover how to create profiles of... more
42
His YouTube videos have been viewed more than 400 million times by fans all over the world. He has played to sold-out venues across North America, Europe, South Africa and Australia. He has sold more than six million DVDs, Forbes has ranked him in their Celebrity 100 list of most powerful entertainers for two years running, and he has been the top touring comedian in the United States for the last two years. Whether he's breathing life into an old curmudgeon, an over- caffeinated purple maniac, or a screaming, skeletal, dead terrorist, Jeff Dunham is the straight man to some of the funniest... more
43
It’s the Swiss Army knife of activity books: how to make puppets anywhere, in ten minutes or less, using everyday materials. And who better to create it than Noel MacNeal, a longtime puppeteer who learned his art from Jim Henson and Frank Oz. MacNeal shows parents and kids how to make 30 puppets using socks, paper bags, napkins, and the most important tools of all—your two hands.
10-Minute Puppets is filled with imaginative ideas, energy, and the pure, childlike pleasure of turning objects into characters. There are finger puppets: Wigglin’ Worm in an Apple, Teeny Ballerina,... more
10-Minute Puppets is filled with imaginative ideas, energy, and the pure, childlike pleasure of turning objects into characters. There are finger puppets: Wigglin’ Worm in an Apple, Teeny Ballerina,... more
44
Buzz is making a movie about aliens from outer space. When the action begins, superheroes Fly Guy and Buzz Boy are protecting a secret fort in the sky when an alien ship captures them! The duo must outsmart the aliens and the space pirates with the help of Dragon Dude and Fly Girl. The fun-zee is never-ending in this early chapter book. less
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This book takes readers on a close-up tour of Jim Henson's creature workshop to find out how some of today's most memorable movie characters, including Babe the sheep-corralling pig and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, are brought to life. 300+ color photos & illustrations. less
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Hello My Name is Amineko follows the journey of Amineko the Crochet Cat and his crocheted friends as they eat, sleep, and have lots of fun and adventures. The book comes with complete step-by-step photography and instructions for creating an Amineko of your very own and personalizing this cute cat with different facial expressions, clothing, and even bedding. Hundreds of color photographs tell the adorable tales, and mischief, that Amineko and his friends find themselves in, with complete instructions for knitting adventures of your own. less
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Patti Culea, elinor peace bailey, and Barbara Willis are three of the leading doll artists and teachers in the country. They are also friends. Each of these artists has her own distinct approach to the design and development of a cloth figure. In this book, each artist's process will come alive through their choice of fabrics, sketches, simple patterns, and skill-building variations. The book is oriented toward beginning doll makers, but offers unique variations and embellishments to please even more experienced doll designers. Two introductory chapters cover basic materials and techniques.... more
50
A behind-the-scenes look at the forty-year history of the popular Disney theme park ride and film adaptation, Pirates of the Caribbean, includes illustrations and photographs, recollections of cast and crew, and early story concepts. less
Don't have time to read the top Puppetry books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
51
Turn the colorful die-cut pages of this irresistible board book to discover just what makes little owl's tree so cozy. Is it little owl's sturdy branch and snuggly roost? No, it's his loving family! Bright pictures, reassuring messages, unique layered pages and an adorable felt finger puppet attached to each book combine to create interactive reading and playtime fun! less
52
This amazing collection of trophy animal heads to crochet will be a stunning addition to any home. Inside this colorful book there are 10 fabulous trophy animals to choose from. Simply place above the fireplace for a great conversation piece or on a child's bedroom wall for a playful decoration. The projects vary in level of complexity and there is a comprehensive techniques section to help you learn all the necessary skills. Each project includes beautifully drawn crochet charts and detailed instructions. less
53
Czechoslovakia's unique culture of puppet theater reached a glorious apex between about 1900 and 1950, and its visual style was integral to the development of modernist and contemporary theater and animation. The Puppet and the Modern looks at this incredibly fertile phase in puppetry in Bohemia and Moravia and traces the development of stage design and stage technologies, also focusing on the connection of artists from disciplines and styles--designers, carvers, painters and scenographers--to the development of avant-garde and modernist currents in twentieth-century art. Narrated with... more
54
Children are sure to love this delightful finger puppet book. Layered die-cut pages allow a peek at all the colorful things that make up each animal's home, and an adorable folk-art style finger puppet make this book that is filled with reading and playtime fun. less
55
Meet Kevin Clash, the man behind the Muppet and the unassuming heart and soul of Elmo. At last, the puppeteer who has performed Elmo for nearly twenty years comes out from behind the stage to share his story. Weaving together his memories of growing up with the life lessons gained from his furry red alter ego, Kevin reveals himself to be as caring, and as eager to grow and learn and love, as the very special character he brings to life.
You will discover how young Kevin honed his talent entertaining the kids in his mother's home day care with puppets he made from slippers and coat... more
You will discover how young Kevin honed his talent entertaining the kids in his mother's home day care with puppets he made from slippers and coat... more
56
An inspiring message for all ages: Find your inner bird.
If you’re looking for wisdom and joy in your life, go straight to Sesame Street and heed the words of its most beloved and profound resident, Caroll Spinney, who has spent the past thirty-four years in a bird costume (and a trash can) as Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch.
Three decades inside a giant puppet have taught Spinney a valuable and surprising lesson:
Being a bird can make you a better person.
In The Wisdom of Big Bird, the living legend of Sesame Street describes how we... more
If you’re looking for wisdom and joy in your life, go straight to Sesame Street and heed the words of its most beloved and profound resident, Caroll Spinney, who has spent the past thirty-four years in a bird costume (and a trash can) as Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch.
Three decades inside a giant puppet have taught Spinney a valuable and surprising lesson:
Being a bird can make you a better person.
In The Wisdom of Big Bird, the living legend of Sesame Street describes how we... more
57
An imaginative child who doesn’t quite fit in finds a kindred spirit in this utterly charming picture book from a debut author-illustrator.
Oliver is different. He enjoys his solitude. He likes playing with his friends, who are puppets, stuffed animals, and other toys. With his rich imagination, Oliver’s day is never dull. There are bridges to cross, sharks to fight, and treasures to find! But maybe toys don’t always give a boy everything he needs. Maybe he needs another kind of companion. Will Oliver discover a way to be, well, different? When his tennis ball rolls... more
Oliver is different. He enjoys his solitude. He likes playing with his friends, who are puppets, stuffed animals, and other toys. With his rich imagination, Oliver’s day is never dull. There are bridges to cross, sharks to fight, and treasures to find! But maybe toys don’t always give a boy everything he needs. Maybe he needs another kind of companion. Will Oliver discover a way to be, well, different? When his tennis ball rolls... more
59
Go Behind-The-Scenes on the Original TMNT Films!
Learn all the insider secrets from Kenn Scott, who portrayed 'Raphael' in the original hit TMNT films of the 1990s. You'll discover never-heard-before, wild stories of what it took to bring the turtles to life on the silver screen (and no punches are pulled). You'll be amazed by:
The challenges of working in the "hot-as-hell" suits
How the incredible stunts were done
What is was like working with Shredder, Splinter, April O'Neal, & Vanilla Ice
How cool Jim Henson was
How one of the turtles survived a... more
Learn all the insider secrets from Kenn Scott, who portrayed 'Raphael' in the original hit TMNT films of the 1990s. You'll discover never-heard-before, wild stories of what it took to bring the turtles to life on the silver screen (and no punches are pulled). You'll be amazed by:
The challenges of working in the "hot-as-hell" suits
How the incredible stunts were done
What is was like working with Shredder, Splinter, April O'Neal, & Vanilla Ice
How cool Jim Henson was
How one of the turtles survived a... more
60
The Prop Builder's Molding & Casting Handbook
This is the first book to contain, in one comprehensive volume, every molding and casting procedure of use to the theater props builder (no matter what his or her level or proficiency). The author demonstrates the techniques involved in using more than thirty different materials ranging from papier-mache to breakaway glass.
While the use of some materials-plaster and polyester resins, for example-is covered to some extent in other publications, information on the selection and use of rubber materials... more
This is the first book to contain, in one comprehensive volume, every molding and casting procedure of use to the theater props builder (no matter what his or her level or proficiency). The author demonstrates the techniques involved in using more than thirty different materials ranging from papier-mache to breakaway glass.
While the use of some materials-plaster and polyester resins, for example-is covered to some extent in other publications, information on the selection and use of rubber materials... more
Don't have time to read the top Puppetry books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
61
Examines the best of the Golden Age of ventriloquism, by profiling five performers who turned a vaudevillian gimmick into an American art form, including Edgar Bergen, Paul Winchell, Jimmy Nelson and Shari Lewis. less
62
Peter Schumann and his Bread & Puppet Theater are likely the most important, and surely the longest-lasting, contributors to modern American theater history. Since the early sixties Schumann and his puppeteers have been pouring out work after work on every scale: political works, mysterious works, grand works, modest works, works on the street and works in fields, works to be played in every size theater on four continents, books, prints, posters, and banners which live as show-and-tell in so many homes.
Now Ron Simon and Marc Estrin, a remarkable photographer, and a long-time... more
Now Ron Simon and Marc Estrin, a remarkable photographer, and a long-time... more
63
The master puppeteer, Gaspare Grisini, is so expert at manipulating his stringed puppets that they appear alive. Clara Wintermute, the only child of a wealthy doctor, is spellbound by Grisini’s act and invites him to entertain at her birthday party. Seeing his chance to make a fortune, Grisini accepts and makes a splendidly gaudy entrance with caravan, puppets, and his two orphaned assistants.
Lizzie Rose and Parsefall are dazzled by the Wintermute home. Clara seems to have everything they lack — adoring parents, warmth, and plenty to eat. In fact, Clara’s life is shadowed by... more
Lizzie Rose and Parsefall are dazzled by the Wintermute home. Clara seems to have everything they lack — adoring parents, warmth, and plenty to eat. In fact, Clara’s life is shadowed by... more
64
A collection of wise and witty quotes from and inspired by Jim Henson similar in format to The World According to Mister Rogers. "When I was young, it was my ambition to be one of the people who made a difference in this world. My hope is to leave the world a little better for my having been there. It's a wonderful life and I love it." Jim Henson "Yeah, well, I've got a dream too. But it's about singing and dancing and making people happy. That's the kind of dream that gets better the more people you share it with. And, well, I've found a whole bunch of friends who have the same... more
65
A dark and frightening fully painted novella, MR. PUNCH tells the tale of a young boy's loss of innocence results from a horrific confrontation with his past. Spending a summer at his grandfather's seaside arcade, a troubled adolescent harmlessly becomes involved with a mysterious Punch and Judy Man and a mermaid-portraying woman. But when the violent puppet show triggers buried memories of the boy's family, the lives of all become feverishly intertwined. With disturbing mysteries and half-truths uncontrollably unraveling, the young boy is forced to deal with his family's dark secrets of... more
66
Turn the colorful die-cut pages of this irresistible board book to discover just what makes little deer's forest so cozy. Is it the fluffy snow? No, it's their loving families! Bright pictures, sweet reassuring messages, unique layered pages, and an adorable finger puppet combine to create interactive reading and playtime fun! less
67
"Highly recommended." — Library Journal
Marionettes, those beguiling, animated little actors on strings, have endeared themselves to puppet show lovers for generations. Constructed to approximate most nearly the movement and appearance of humans and animals, the jointed figures appear today in a variety of places — in the theater, motion pictures, schools, and even as an advertising medium. This instructive and engaging guide, written by professionals with a passion for their art, provides everyone from beginners to veteran performers with all the information needed to create... more
Marionettes, those beguiling, animated little actors on strings, have endeared themselves to puppet show lovers for generations. Constructed to approximate most nearly the movement and appearance of humans and animals, the jointed figures appear today in a variety of places — in the theater, motion pictures, schools, and even as an advertising medium. This instructive and engaging guide, written by professionals with a passion for their art, provides everyone from beginners to veteran performers with all the information needed to create... more
68
The dead of winter.
An isolated island off the coast of Maine.
A man.
A woman.
A sinister house looming over the sea ...
He's a reclusive writer whose macabre imagination creates chilling horror novels. She's a down-on-her-luck actress reduced to staging kids' puppet shows. He knows a dozen ways to kill with his bare hands. She knows a dozen ways to kill with laughs.
But she's not laughing now. When she was a teenager, he terrified her. Now they're trapped together on a snowy island off the coast of Maine. Is he the villain she... more
An isolated island off the coast of Maine.
A man.
A woman.
A sinister house looming over the sea ...
He's a reclusive writer whose macabre imagination creates chilling horror novels. She's a down-on-her-luck actress reduced to staging kids' puppet shows. He knows a dozen ways to kill with his bare hands. She knows a dozen ways to kill with laughs.
But she's not laughing now. When she was a teenager, he terrified her. Now they're trapped together on a snowy island off the coast of Maine. Is he the villain she... more
69
Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork. less
70
In five decades of full-time puppetry, the Bob Brown Marionettes have done it all and won the respect of their public and peers. These consummate artists have survived devastating setbacks and numerous disappointments yet find the funny side. This book, much of it in Judy's unique narrative, is a delight to read. Scattered throughout are kernels of hard-earned wisdom only seasoned performers can impart. less
Don't have time to read the top Puppetry books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
71
In his 20 year affiliation with Jim Henson's Muppets Joseph A. Bailey was a staff writer on both Sesame Street and The Muppet Show. He also co-wrote the television specials Big Bird in China, Christmas Eve on Sesame Street and Rocky Mountain Holiday, starring John Denver and the Muppets on location in Aspen, Colorado. Additionally, Mr. Bailey wrote Sesame Street song lyrics, albums, five 90-minute Sesame Street Live! musicals, Muppet Business Meeting Films and special material for Big Bird's appearances in the White House and Carnegie Hall. The Muppet Show guest stars he wrote for include... more
72
A little bird waiting in his nest for his mother to bring back food is blown into the sky, nest and all, by a great wind. Will he be able to fly?
Autumn is coming, and George sits in his little nest, not quite ready to learn to fly even though his mom says it is time to head south for the winter. But when a gust of wind swoops George and his nest out of the tree and onto the roof of a car, George is off whether he likes it or not! With his mom following along chirping encouragement, George must gain the confidence to fly before his nest blows away entirely. This charming... more
Autumn is coming, and George sits in his little nest, not quite ready to learn to fly even though his mom says it is time to head south for the winter. But when a gust of wind swoops George and his nest out of the tree and onto the roof of a car, George is off whether he likes it or not! With his mom following along chirping encouragement, George must gain the confidence to fly before his nest blows away entirely. This charming... more
73
Turn the colorful die-cut pages of this irresistible board book to discover just what makes little butterfly's flower so cozy. Bright pictures, sweet reassuring messages, unique layered pages, and an adorable finger puppet combine to create interactive reading and playtime fun! less
76
Since prehistoric times, man has used masks to express himself in ritual, drama, and religion. Many traditional dramatic works, especially those of Asia and Europe, rely heavily on masks to characterize and express the persona of the actor. There has been little published material available, however, to guide technicians assigned the task of creating the masks for theatrical production.
Thurston James, veteran Properties Master of the UCLA Theater Department, has written The Prop Builder's Mask-Making Handbook for prop builders, costume designers, and actors (professional and...
more
79
Between 1986 and 1991, nearly ten million people a week watched Peewee’s Playhouse, the critically acclaimed and widely successful children’s program broadcast on CBS. Now, on the 25th anniversary of the show, the complete behind-the-scenes story is being told for the first time by those who experienced it. Complete with an episode guide, biographical information about the cast and key members of the show’s creative team, never-before-told anecdotes, and previously unpublished photos, Inside Pee-wee’s Playhouse takes the first in-depth look behind the program TV Guide recently cited as one of... more
80
Wilhelmina “Will” Huckstep is a creative soul struggling to come to terms with a family tragedy. She crafts whimsical lamps, in part to deal with her fear of the dark. As she wraps up another summer in her mountain town, she longs for unplugged adventures with her fellow creative friends, Autumn, Noel, and Reese. Little does she know that she will get her wish in the form of an arts carnival and a blackout, courtesy of a hurricane named Whitney, which forces Will to face her fear of darkness. less
Don't have time to read the top Puppetry books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
81
So here it is -- the real deal, the inside scoop, the story behind the making of Muppets From Space. This official movie scrapbook is packed with full-color, behind-the-scenes photos, exclusive interviews, and fascinating factoids on the Muppets and the film.
Get up close and personal with Gonzo, Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the Muppet cast
Meet the men and women behind the stars -- the puppeteers. They'll let you in on some top-secret tricks of the trade that you won't read anywhere else
Take a sneak peek inside the Muppet Workshop and discover what goes into the...
more
83
Costumes are an integral part of any performance, adding believability, conveying setting, or establishing the tone, a fact that is no less true when your performer is a puppet! The only book of its kind, The Well-Dressed Puppet will show you how to create costumes and accessories tailored specifically for your puppet that will enhance any performance. Gone are the days of ill-fitting store-bought clothing that restrict the movement and use of your puppet. Author Cheralyn Lambeth walks you through every step of the costume-making process with detailed lists of the necessary materials,... more
84
Turn the colorful die-cut pages of these irresistible board books to discover just what makes little mouse's pumpkin patch so cozy. Is it the curling pumpkin vines? No, it's their loving families! Bright pictures, sweet reassuring messages, unique layered pages, and an adorable finger puppet combine to create interactive reading and playtime fun! less
85
Skits and Puppets Contents:
SKITS: Icebreakers, Pantomimes, Charades
PUPPETS: paper bag puppets, talking puppets, box puppets, sock puppets, animal sock puppets, how to operate your puppet, hand-puppet theater, scenery, prop board, puppet playwriting, bib puppets, bib-puppet stages, finger puppets, shadow puppets, storytelling, creative dramatics, playmaking less
SKITS: Icebreakers, Pantomimes, Charades
PUPPETS: paper bag puppets, talking puppets, box puppets, sock puppets, animal sock puppets, how to operate your puppet, hand-puppet theater, scenery, prop board, puppet playwriting, bib puppets, bib-puppet stages, finger puppets, shadow puppets, storytelling, creative dramatics, playmaking less
86
By the late 1960s more than a few critics of American culture groused about the condition of television programming and, in particular, the quality and content of television shows for children. In the eyes of the reform-minded, commercial television crassly exploited young viewers; its violence and tastelessness served no higher purpose than the bottom line.
The Children's Television Workshop (CTW)—and its fresh approach to writing and producing programs for kids—emerged from this growing concern. Sesame Street—CTW's flagship, hour-long show—aimed to demonstrate how... more
The Children's Television Workshop (CTW)—and its fresh approach to writing and producing programs for kids—emerged from this growing concern. Sesame Street—CTW's flagship, hour-long show—aimed to demonstrate how... more
87
Aimed at children's librarians, this text demonstrates how to use puppets and storytelling to enthuse young audiences. This revised edition pays particular attention to literature-based instruction and multicultural themes. Techniques include open-box theatres and sound and action stories. less
88
Celebrate the decorative intricacy of tiled mosaics in your next quilting or sewing project. Paula proves how easy it can be to get perfect precision patchwork on a small scale. Create wonderfully colorful patterns using lots of different fabrics in these miniature quilts, table runners, tote bags, and many other projects. Good things really do come in small packages! less
89
Even in the later stages of the disease, when memory, words and relationships are affected, it is possible for people with dementia to express emotions, imagination, humour, sensitivities and personal preferences. This book demonstrates the many ways in which puppetry and associated art forms such as singing and story-telling can be used in a person-centred way to create opportunities for these human responses to emerge.
The author describes different scenarios in which puppetry can help facilitate connections, including in response to changes in relationships, communicating... more
The author describes different scenarios in which puppetry can help facilitate connections, including in response to changes in relationships, communicating... more
90
Theatregoers are increasingly aware of the growing use of object and figure animation throughout the performing arts. Puppetry offers engaging contemporary perspectives on this universal art-form. It provides an account of puppetry's different facets, from its demands and techniques through its uses and abuses to its history and philosophy.
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Don't have time to read the top Puppetry books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
91
The puppet creates delight and fear. It may evoke the innocent play of childhood, or become a tool of ritual magic, able to negotiate with ghosts and gods. Puppets can be creepy things, secretive, inanimate while also full of spirit, alive with gesture and voice. In this eloquent book, Kenneth Gross contemplates the fascination of these unsettling objects—objects that are also actors and images of life.
The poetry of the puppet is central here, whether in its blunt grotesquery or symbolic simplicity, and always in its talent for metamorphosis. On a meditative journey to seek... more
The poetry of the puppet is central here, whether in its blunt grotesquery or symbolic simplicity, and always in its talent for metamorphosis. On a meditative journey to seek... more
92
Written with the full cooperation of Sid and Marty Krofft, this book not only encompasses a celebration and examination of their shows (including H.R. Pufnstuf, Sigmund and the Sea Monsters, and The Land of the Lost), but is a joint biography of the brothers and their fascinating road to Hollywood. less
94
John Kennedy offers 13 original puppet projects, along with 30 featured puppets. Each project has straightforward instructions, showing how to bring the creations to life. less
95
Playwriting for Puppet Theatre provides a foundation for those puppeteers, teachers and librarians who want to develop suitable scripts for puppet theatre. Mattson explores the difference between traditional theatre and puppet theatre and notes the special characteristics of the various puppets. The important aspects of script writing are then addressed. She considers the many general questions which must be answered by the playwright: the type of puppet to be used, the audience, and availability of resources and facilities. Suggestions are then given for dramatizing original ideas and for... more
96
Chushingura (The Treasury of Loyal Retainers), also known as the story of the Forty-Six (or Forty-Seven) Ronin, is the most famous and perenially popular of all Japanese dramas. Written around 1748 as a puppet play, it is now better know in Kabuki performances. In the twentieth century, cinema and television versions have been equally successful. Donald Keene here presents a complete translation of the original text, with notes and an introduction that increase the reader's comprehension and enjoyment of the play. The introduction also elucidates the idea of loyalty. This traditional virtue,... more
97
Beloved storyteller and creator Ashley Bryan reveals the vibrant spirit of found objects in this magnificent treasury of poetry and puppets.
Little Cranberry Island. It's a small island, with fewer than a hundred inhabitants, but it's got more than its share of treasures—including the magnificent Ashley Bryan himself, a world-renowned storyteller and author of such classics as All Night, All Day and Beautiful Blackbird. Daily, for decades, Ashley has walked up and down the beach, stopping to pick up sea glass, weathered bones, a tangle of fishing net, an... more
Little Cranberry Island. It's a small island, with fewer than a hundred inhabitants, but it's got more than its share of treasures—including the magnificent Ashley Bryan himself, a world-renowned storyteller and author of such classics as All Night, All Day and Beautiful Blackbird. Daily, for decades, Ashley has walked up and down the beach, stopping to pick up sea glass, weathered bones, a tangle of fishing net, an... more
98
This study analyzes the folkloric genres that comprise the repertoire of the marionette theater in Sicily. Here, epic, farce, saints' lives, bandits' lives, fairytales, Christian myth, and city legend offer the vehicles by which puppeteers comment upon, critique - perhaps even negotiate--the relationships among the major classes of Sicilian society: the aristocracy, the people, the clergy and the Mafia. The lynchpin of the repertoire is the Carolingian Cycle and, in particular, a contemporary version of The Song of Roland known in Sicily as The Death of the Paladins, a text... more
99
"Brilliant . . . even more ambitious than Vogel's "How I Learned to Drive" . . . it covers more ground and is bolder in its storytelling. Vogel's language is at its most poetic, eloquent and elegiac. In fact, its vivid imagery rivals the prose style of any great American short story writer. The play sounds like it might have been adapted from a beautiful, undiscovered novella."-"New Haven Register""One of the most absorbing evenings of theatre to come along in some time."-"Variety"
Past and present collide on a snowy Christmas Eve for a troubled family of five. Humorous and... more
Past and present collide on a snowy Christmas Eve for a troubled family of five. Humorous and... more
100
Turn the colorful die-cut pages of these irresistible board books to discover just what makes little horse's barn and little ladybug's leaf so cozy. Is it the soft hay? Is it the colorful flowers? No, it's their loving families! Bright pictures, sweet reassuring messages, unique layered pages, and adorable finger puppets combine to create interactive reading and playtime fun! less
Don't have time to read the top Puppetry books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.