Customer Reviews

Puppet Mania!

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I teach puppet making and puppetry to children and have MANY how-to puppet books in my collection. I was immediately attracted to the cover of this book because the puppets on the front were obviously not the usual sock puppets or glove puppets found in many books.

In this book, John Kennedy, who has been working with puppets since he was eight and who has made puppets for use in television and the Muppet Review in Disney World, presents some fun ideas for those intermediate puppet makers who have already had success making simple puppets and want to move on to more technical puppets.

In addition to step-by-step photos, patterns and instructions to make the dozen or so puppets, there are hints on how to manipulate them, create different expressions and change the basic puppet to make a variety of different characters.

The feature I enjoyed most was John's comments throughout describing how he first came to create each type of puppet, many of which he designed when he was a child or young teen.

In several instances he mentioned that the puppet shown had originally started out as something else and had grown into its present form gradually. I feel that it is important that children realize that even "professional" artists and craftsmen go through a developmental process before achieving a finished product.

A fun book, but definitely not for beginning puppet makers or very young children, as the puppets are quite sophisticated and there is extensive use of the hot glue gun.

If you are just into puppet making for fun and not really into the art of making them, this book is for you. The puppets built inside are very basic and developed sot hat anybody can make them. It's a fun book, but personaly I felt it was a little childish and didn't really touch base on some of other techniques. If you are looking to make a more muppet style puppet this book does not cover it. however his second book Puppet Planet is an excelent book that goes into more detail and more profetional style puppet making.

Although there isn't as much detailed insights in the building of muppet-type hand puppets, as you would hope from a Muppeteer, this book provides you with a lot of excellent ideas and interesting alternative puppet building techniques. I recommend it for the beginner or for the intermediate builder who is looking for a fresh look at the craft.

the book is not for professional puppet makers.
most of the puppets are hand puppets made of simple materials that can be find or improvise at home - it's great project book for children.

lots of different puppet ideas. They are not too difficult, great to make with kids.

Although well put together, this book is very much on an elementary school level. It would be great for teachers but not if you are interested in designing, making, and performing professional level puppets. Cute little book, but NOT 'The World's Most Incredible Puppet Making Book Ever'.

This was a very interesting book. My 16-year old daughter immediately started making one of the puppets and is almost done. I think she's making the chicken. There is alot of designs that can be modified to personalize your puppets! Thanks alot!

This book is an amazing resource for beginner puppeteers, as well as experienced puppeteers. It has great color illustrations, is easy to follow and gives great tips along the way. I used it to create a moving eye and mouth puppet for my next show and would recommend it wholeheartedly!

This book is full of fun puppet ideas. The drink-coaster puppet design and photos of guys from teen magazines were combined at birthday party of teen girls to create some very funny conversations with their heartthrobs. If you're open to new ideas from any source, then the recommended age should be kids from 9 to 90. The instructions are easy to follow. Also check out Kennedy's second book, Puppet Planet.

If you are just getting into puppet building or veteran looking for some creative inspiration this book is most definitely worth a look. Everything is clearly explained, including color pictures. Even if you are just looking for crafts to do with the kids this book is worth the money as it will help you with projects that use very basic craft supplies and items around the house.

If you like this book I would suggest checking out another book by author John Kennedy, Puppet Planet.