Funny Bones: Comedy Games and Activities for Kids [Paperback]

Lisa Bany-Winters (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2002 | Age Range: 9 and up

Kids love to be funny! Every classroom or neighborhood has a kid whose greatest ambition is to make people laugh—and all kids love to laugh at the jokes and antics of their friends. Funny Bones is designed to bring out the humor in every kid. For those who already have a comic streak, it provides wonderful new material for routines and scenes. For shyer children, it boosts self-confidence and a sense of fun. The first few chapters tackle the idea of comedy and what makes it funny, introducing famous comedians like Charlie Chaplin and Lily Tomlin and a variety of ways for young comics to create a trademark style. Later chapters offer hilarious improv games and valuable tips—for instance, don’t ask questions in improv routines, but instead make statements that other actors can build on. The book concludes with comedic scenes for young people and suggestions for comedic play that kids can perform.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Whether blessed with a sense of humor or trying to uncover their inner comic, kids will find a lot to laugh about in Funny Bones: Comedy Games and Activities for Kids by Lisa Bany-Winters. The acting teacher and author of Show Time: Music, Dance, and Drama Activities for Kids offers nearly 90 activities including tips on creating memorable characters, using props and developing a stand-up routine. Ages 9-12.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-A delightful romp through the world of humor, this title seeks to teach children how to be funny. While it may be difficult to learn to be a comedian from a book (there are elements of timing and talent involved), Bany-Winters offers delightful skits, games, and ideas to encourage the art of entertainment. The games and activities included should be useful to any adults who need ideas to help entertain youngsters. The author encourages readers to find their comedic style by introducing many famous comics and telling what worked for them. She goes on to describe how characterization, voice, makeup, props, and music can be used to create one's own style. She also includes a bevy of games, improvisational skits, and songs. Shaded boxes give interesting related facts, and black-and-white sketches show children enjoying the suggested activities. This book offers a wealth of information and hours of fun.
Cynde Suite, formerly at Horry County Memorial Library, Surfside Beach, SC
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press (June 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556524447
• ISBN-13: 978-1556524448
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.4 x 11 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #131,338 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Ideal for birthday parties and budding comedians June 8, 2002

By Midwest Book Review

Format:Paperback

Recommended for young people ages 9-12, Funny Bones by Lisa Bany-Winters (Director, Northlight Academy Children's Theater Program, Northlight Theater, Skokie, Illinois) is a 160 page book chock full of comedic activities young people ages 9 to 12 can try out, and range from learning how to tell a joke to improvisational games, to physical comedy, to short comedy scenes from classic plays for young actors, and more. Black and white illustrations add a special charm to this great ideas and reference book, ideal for birthday parties and budding comedians.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good ideas for children December 12, 2012

By Kirk

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

The book is appropriate for use with children and we have found good activities to use for our clown group. The book is easy to read, with good directions. Because it is not my absolute favorite book, I am giving it 4 stars, but I am glad I have it as a reference.

5.0 out of 5 stars It Delivered! June 12, 2011

By OmaT

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Kids love to laugh. We were learning how to tell a joke, and the rehearsals for that went fairly well, but they needed some more loosening up. This book has many fun games that help kids open up and forget themselves. I highly recommend anything that Lisa Bany-Winters writes!