Reader Reviews

Included Online:

“A Masterful Piece of Writing--This book is extremely well written and makes puppetry acessible to everyone, from the novice to the expert. The photography adds a concrete dimension to the book and illustrates the basics. Real life lessons are included which are easily adapted to any environment. I strongly reccommend this book to anyone who wants to use puppets, not just educators. Bellisimo!! ”

-Jeanne-Marie Iorio, NY Amazon online Reader Reviews - 12/2003

“Puppeteering Made Easy!--This book is a must-have for anyone who works with children. The step by step lesson plans in the book are easy to follow and ensure that even the most novice puppeteer/teacher will be successful. I applaud the authors for including a chapter about using puppets with children who have special needs. And I'm thankful that they've included easy puppet patterns that allow me and my students to be creative without taking up so much time.”

-Anonymous, Barns and Nobles Reader Reviews - 12/2003

“Bring the magic of puppetry into your classroom!--Children love puppets! They entertain and engage boys and girls in a way that nothing else can. "A Show of Hands" is a masterpiece--a perfect blend of "why" and "how" to integrate puppetry into your classroom. Ingrid Crepeau is a brilliant puppeteer, with years of experience making amazing puppets, and working with preschool children, including children with special needs. Sidebars with anecdotal stories from actual classrooms give the reader added incite into the value of puppets, and tips for bringing the enchantment of puppets into your classroom, step-by-step in a carefully structured way. Ingrid's experience creating and using a variety of puppets, and Ann Richards'clear and expressive writing make this book a valuable resource. It includes numerous engaging scripts (some based on favorite children's books) that teach a variety of concepts. The authors take you through the process of constructing professional quality puppets to use with your class, and simpler puppets that even young children can make--all with patterns and explicit directions. This gem of a book has everything you need to make your classroom come alive with the magic of puppets. Three cheers for " Show of Hands!" ”

-cbgrossi, McLean, VA - Amazon online Reader Reviews - 11/2003

Included in the Book:

“The reaction was amazing. I had known that working with puppets would be fun, but I was unprepared for how effective they were. On average, the children attended longer with the puppets, and we saw developmental gains that I attribute to teaching with puppets. It has been a real revelation for everyone involved.”

-Kay Blackburn Special Education Teacher Fredericksburg, VA

“I have always used puppets when I work with children—and adults as well. I can’t imagine teaching without one, or several. Puppets are magic in the way they hold the attention of children and draw out their ideas...Unlike other puppetry books I have seen, these authors have actually lived in early childhood classrooms and know how children react. Open this book and get ready for fun!”

-Karen Miller early childhood speaker and trainer author of
Simple Steps: Developmental Activities for Infants, Toddlers, and Two-Year-Olds

“This is a highly informative and very inspirational book packed with practical information and delightful examples of adding puppets to the lives of children. Puppets have enriched the world's culture for thousands of years. Too often, in this high-speed, high-tech planet of ours, it’s easy to forget the simple, joyful, effective ways puppets behave when they’re invited into curriculum, classroom management, and the vast arena of children’s relationships and communication. This excellent resource will make it impossible NOT to add puppets to your classroom roster!”

-Mimi Brodsky Chenfeld teacher,
Author of Teaching in the Key of Life and Teaching by Heart

From Our Readers:

"A Show of Hands is a marvelous resource. It takes the mystery out of puppetry and puts the magic of puppetry directly in the hands of early childhood professionals, and their students. Once you look at the book, you'll realize you can follow the detailed steps in making puppetry work for you. Ingrid Crepeau and Ann Richards have made a giant contribution to the early childhood classroom with this book. Don't just get it, try it!"

Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer

"A Show of Hands is a wonderful resource for teachers, parents and volunteers in early childhood settings. The authors demonstrate clearly how effective puppets can be as a teaching and learning tool for all children, but especially for those with disabilities or who are shy or learning a new language. The book contains usable step-by-step instructions on how to make and use puppets accompanied by excellent pictures and detailed lesson plans. You'll like this book!"

Laura A. McCammon, EdD.
Associate Professor of Theatre Education and Outreach,
University of Arizona, Tucson

Do you have comments or questions about A Show of Hands?
Drop us an email at Hands@ashowofhands.org.

www.ashowofhands.org