Puppet theater

Illustrator: Kristiina Louhi

Translator: Ivan Zatolokin

Publisher: Melik-Pashaev

Genre: Other

ISBN: 978-5-00041-046-2

Pages: 88 (Glossy)

Weight: 378 g

Dimensions: 210x260x6 mm

A few words about puppet theatre by the author

1. Puppets made from everyday objects

2. Finger puppets

3. Glove puppets

4. Tabletop theatre

5. Pikabu puppets

6. Hand and knee theatre

7. Puppets made from natural materials

8. Paper theatre

9. Potato theatre

10. Rod puppets

11. Marionettes

12. Shadow theatre

Puppet theatre is wonderful in itself. It is loved by adults and children alike. But if the characters, costumes and stage are handmade, and if the puppeteers are the children themselves, along with their mothers, fathers, other family members and friends, the puppet theatre transforms into a truly magical and incredibly exciting spectacle.

Maya Barik's book, who has worked for many years in a puppet theatre workshop in Helsinki, Finland, is one of a kind. This is because the author enthusiastically describes the process of making puppets out of almost nothing: from household items such as old tights, spoons, forks, whisks and brushes; from stones and twigs; from eggshells and balloons; from scraps of fabric and papier-mâché. Even from potatoes!

All the stages of creating a theatre, from start to finish, as well as all the types of puppets—glove, rod, pikabu, marionette, and more—are vividly, wittily, and at the same time very clearly and understandably illustrated by Kristiina Louhi. Just look at two or three pages of the book, and you'll want to start making things right away!

The book is undoubtedly useful for children's development, as it sparks their imagination, involves them in so-called "directorial play"—which is very important for a child's development, helps them overcome shyness and inhibitions, develops useful skills such as sewing, crafting, gluing, drawing and cutting out, and teaches them to follow a sequence of steps. But above all, this book delights, captivates and brings together both adults and children.

The book is suitable for use in kindergartens, schools, at home, in country cottages and drama clubs. It is recommended for children of all ages, as well as for their parents. It will also be useful for teachers of supplementary arts education and directors of children's theatre and puppet studios.