Kraken-ka, The Komodo Dragon

A picture book for children which draws inspiration from the traditional Wayang Kulit puppet theatre of Bali. It tells the story of a Komodo Dragon who was once the most beautiful creature on earth and how Naga, Goddess of Wisdom and Beauty teaches him to “take from the earth only what you need.” For more information go to Calabash Books or you may order a books from amazon.com.

Celebrate!: Holidays, Puppets and Creative Drama

I have always loved holidays so I created this book to take you through an entire year of holidays and celebrations from around the world.The puppet activities in the book can create a holiday glow that will engage children and families all year long. "Celebrate!" was selected by Instructor Book Club as its book of the month and promoted as a "source for using everyone's favorite holidays to develop a strong cultural awareness, sharper motor skills, and a flair for creativity."

Puppetry In Early Childhood Education

Inspired by my Ph.D. work in early childhood education, I wrote this book to be a basic text for integrating puppets into the preschool and primary curriculum. It has since become a classic, filled with hundreds of cleverly illustrated and easy to follow instructions for children as well as adults to make and manipulate. As Fred Rogers, of the PBS TV show Mr. Rogers Neighborhood wrote, "You have put together a real smorgasbord of experiences. It was especially good to see you have included a chapter that will help teachers understand how helpful puppets can be in dealing with feelings."

Greenpoems: Animals Around the World

I love writing poetry and this book is full of original poems about bugs, beasts, birds, and plants. The accompanying puppet activities are divided into habitat areas; African Plains, Australian Bush, Deserts, Forests, Jungle, Oceans, and Polar Regions. One of my favorites is about the python.

Never pick a python for a pet
'Cause its a choice you might someday regret.
He may tickle,
He may tease you.
He may positively please you.
But whatcha gonna do if he should squeeze you?

The Little Snow Fox, A Tale of the North Pacific

The story of a little Snow Fox who is bored with being winter white and asks his friend, the Aurora, to change him into her bright sky colors. All the other animals tell him “there is a reason you are the color of snow” and he soon discovers why! In the fall of 2008 for more information go to Calabash Books or you may order books on amazon.com. In the meantime our little Snow Fox is camouflaged on the snowy white cover of his book. He will appear soon!