Even today, with the proliferation of fancy electronics, computers, and video games, people are still enchanted by the simple, funny movement created by a flat, two-dimensional paper puppet; they are automatically, and inherently, amusing. This book teaches readers how to make a wide variety of moveable paper puppets, charming toys, and novel, artful gifts. The projects are beautiful, magical, whimsical and will appeal to readers with many different craft interests. There is something very childlike about puppets, yet they are not easily dismissed into something strictly ‘for children’. Paper puppets are versatile, easy to make, and can be used with many types of artwork such as on cards or in shadow boxes.

The Maker Movement is hot, and librarians are eager to participate. Even if you feel restricted by budget, staff, or space, this step-by-step guide will help you turn your library into a creativity center. The Maker Movement is sweeping the nation because it is creative and educational—and a lot of fun. Nonetheless, some librarians have hesitated to incorporate the movement into their programming because their libraries do not have dedicated makerspaces. If that describes you, then take heart. Written by librarians for librarians, this "cookbook" proves that every library is already a MakerPlace and provides you with recipes to make your library come alive with creativity. Easy-to-use, step-by-step guidance helps you create engaging K–8 programs in science and technology, arts and crafts, and home skills that are perfect for the library setting. The menu of ideas is broken into four types of programming. "Appetizers" add a taste of the Maker movement to existing library programs. "Entrees" present full programs for a lengthy one-day event or a short series. "Side Dishes" are programs you can use if you have limited staff, budget, space, or any combination of those. "Desserts" are low-tech programs, suitable for young children. Each "recipe" includes extensions, variations, and curriculum tie-ins that give you even more ways to present the program ideas, whether to a different audience or as part of other related activities. Programs that involve creating a "Balloon Zip Line," a "Zen Garden," or a "Maker Marketplace" will delight library users and generate activity and excitement in your library.

Follow easy step-by-step instructions to make a range of cuddly fleece creatures to keep or give away. A link to the patterns and templates is included in the book. Fleece is soft, warm, easy to work with, and simple to sew-requiring no lining or edge-finishing. Even brand-new sewers can make the perfect gift in a weekend, or less! From Simon Snake and Peter Panda to Hanna Horse and Cindy Centipede, each of the 20 animals is featured in a full-size photograph, along with a variation in one or more colors or sizes. There are easy-to-follow line drawings and step-by-step text instruction for construction and assembly of each one. Linda adds her own creative touches to each of the simple shapes-decorative trims, bright appliques, and quick, secure closures.

"The authors share detailed techniques for using surface embellishments, creating faces, heads, and limbs, using molds and molding products, and building and transforming disparate objects into whimsical, inspiring dolls. Starting with a variety of substrates--a wood block, a canvas, a tin can, a book, and a box construction--readers are guided step by step through five types of doll constructions."--Page 4 of cover.

An unapologetic celebration of friendship and first crushes “Archie loves Zack!” “Zack loves Archie!” Everyone said it was so. But Archie hasn’t told Zack yet. And Zack hasn’t told Archie. They spend just about every minute together: walking to and from school, doing science and art projects, practicing for marching band, learning to ride bikes, and so much more. Over the course of a few months, Archie tries to write a letter to Zack to tell him how he feels: “From A to Z.” None of his drafts sound quite right, so he hides them all away. One by one, Archie’s friends (Zelda, Zinnia, and Zuzella) find the letters . . . but they know exactly whom they’re meant for. This new picture book from Vincent X. Kirsch celebrates young, queer love in a whimsical, kid-friendly way.

By the last 1950s, studios saw television as a convenient dumping ground for thousands of films that had been gathering dust in their vaults. Distributors grouped them by genre-- and Chicago's tradition of TV horror movie shows was born. From giant grasshoppers to Dracula epics, Okuda and Yurkiw take a comprehensive look at these programs, with career profiles of the "horror hosts," a look at the politics behind the shows, and broadcast histories, as well as guides to many of the films themselves.