Making Sock Puppets

November 1, 2014

Gr 3-6-Each of these charming books starts with some history and definitions, a page of information about materials, and, where applicable, instructions for making supplies (washi tape, modeling clay). Decorative or gift items make up the bulk of the six to eight projects per volume, with a few puppets and jewelry items for good measure. Directions are clearly written but illustrated with drawings, not photos, which will make it harder for crafters to check their progress against the images and may lead to some subpar results. Sidebars encourage experimentation, and a page at the end suggests ways to continue crafting or extend the projects from the book. Learning to Sew, Tissue Paper, and Modeling Clay include solid suggestions for developing skills that kids can use in further projects. The rest of the set, while attractive, bring little to the craft table.

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2014
Grades 5-8 Fads come and go, but socks are forever. This volume in the How-to Library series begins with the history of both the puppet and the sock, the latter of which dates back to 300500 CE. Satisfied that they are part of a grand tradition (and not mere sock-destroyers), readers can plunge forth into tips on how to choose the best sock and what supplies to gather. The subsequent descriptions on how to thread a needle and do running and overcast stitches herald the fairly heavy needlework involved in the projectsthis is a lot more than googly eyes and felt. For those who can hack it, Petelinsek offers up puppets of the following variety: girl, boy, puppy, dragon, monster, and caterpillar. (Gather your feather boas and pipe cleaners for those last two.) But that's not all. Instructions on how to build a puppet stage and write a play conclude. This series asks a lot of its crafters, so suggest this to the ones who are ready to get their hands dirty (in or out of socks).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)