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Puppet
Mania!
 
Cindy
Chapman (May 21, 2004) - John Kennedy, a Muppeteer
for the Jim Henson Company for more than twelve years, has just published
Puppet
Mania! The World’s Most Incredible Puppet Making Book Ever!
utilizing his many talents and years of experience.
The
book is extremely versatile as it appeals to all ages. The reader learns
almost as much about John Kennedy has he will about puppets. From making
puppets to performing puppets, Kennedy takes the reader from start to
finish. Sharing basic skills as well as advanced tips, puppeteers at any
skill level can benefit from this book. Since Kennedy’s interest
in puppets started at an early age he hasn’t forgotten to include
fun and whimsy that can draw in every child. You’ll be surprised
at just how complex yet simple his puppets are to make. Puppets are unique
tools that speak to anyone. Kennedy takes the art of puppetry and makes
it everyday for you and me.
Throughout
the book you’ll find a myriad of puppets. From arm/rod puppets to
sock puppets you’ll find them and much more. Prior to the instructions
for making each puppet, Kennedy includes a short history of how the puppet
came into existence. Each story reveals just a little about Kennedy and
his puppet that gives this book its personal touch which unfortunately
is often missing from other puppet making books. For example, the Banana
Buddy puppet tells us a little about Kennedy’s college days as a
strolling puppeteer. Each puppet has special meaning, which in turn adds
life to the puppet. It’s evident that Kennedy has a great deal of
respect for puppetry and that it’s just not a bunch of felt and
ping pong balls.
Also
included with each puppet instruction is a list of materials. A lot of
the puppets featured in the book are made with items that you can readily
find in the home. Paper plates, spoons, poster board, and plastic bottles
are just a few of the items you’ll see turn into fabulous puppets.
Large color photographs also aid in showing you the step-by-step process
that is outlined by Kennedy. In some instances a pattern is included to
produce one of a kind creations. Kennedy also provides useful tips and
tricks for not only making the puppet but for performing the puppet. He
encourages the reader to give the puppet a personality and to use their
own creativity to make the puppet more their own. Although the difficulty
level is not outlined specifically, the book’s easier puppets are
shown first, so that by the time you get to the end of the book, you’re
practically a puppet master. The nice aspect of the puppets in this book
is that they can really be as simple or as complex as you want. Kennedy
provides you with the basic skills and how far you take it is up to you.
Also included is a
brief lesson in puppetry. What good is a puppet if you don’t know
the proper way to operate it? Kennedy teaches the reader the correct way
to hold a puppet and the various expressions that can be accomplished
just by a slight hand movement. He also shows the reader (again with large
color photos) how to manipulate arm and body rod puppets. Kennedy gives
us a brief look at some of the techniques that will be used to make the
puppets. From hot glue safety to sewing techniques, Kennedy has covered
all the bases. He also defines the various materials used and explains
them in detail so that there is no confusion.
This
book with its big and colorful photographs makes it a pleasure to look
at. Kennedy’s own personal touches such as the “Picture Puppet”
in which he uses his own picture make it entertaining as well. Some of
the puppets even have a little hint of Muppet quality, which would encourage
any Muppet fan. This book is excellent for beginners or intermediates
who are looking for new ideas. This would also be excellent as a teaching
guide for arts and crafts teachers. For all you Muppet fans don’t
miss the words of encouragement on the back of the book from other beloved
Muppeteers.
For more
information on John Kennedy and Puppet Mania, visit www.puppetkit.org.
John Kennedy will even autograph a copy of Puppet Mania! for
you.
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