Make A New Friend; Will You Be Mime

Traditionally, the "kit" is the kiss of death for public libraries, since it is by definition, a single-user item. Yet Krafty Kids has created a pair of "kits" here that offer the best of both worlds: multi-user and single-user. The videotape packaged with the kit stands alone, and the kit enables children's librarians to offer a fun and educational library program. "Make A New Friend" teaches children how to make puppets, and includes the videotape and enough materials for making 15-20 puppets. The framing device features a quartet of kids who catch a ride with "Engineer Ed" to Imagination Station, where they use the materials to create finger puppets, sock puppets, bag puppets, and clothespin puppets. "Ed" emphasizes that these are materials which can usually be found around the home. Once the puppets are finished the crew heads for Fun Junction, where they meet Peg the Puppeteer who offers tips on putting on a puppet show. "Will You Be Mime?" uses the same framing device to introduce viewers to pantomime. Paint sticks and stencils are included in the kit (with options mentioned on the video) for 15-20 kids. Once the kids have put on their mime makeup, they meet Meg the Mime, who shares a wealth of tips and ideas about mime technique (saying something with your face, creating dimensions, using your muscles, etc.). Superior production values and a knowledgeable and enthusiastically acted script make both of these productions a joy to watch (and do!) Our only small complaint is that the videos do not have separate slipcovers. Otherwise, these award-winning videos are perfect for a children's program at the library and for circulation as a stand-alone item. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (Available from: Krafty Kids, Inc., 11358 Aurora Ave., Des Moines, IA 50322-7907.)