Jumbo Book of Drama, The [Paperback]

Grade 3-6–This concise introduction is sure to motivate young actors and give them the chance to explore both the performance and design elements of the theater. The book is divided into four parts. Act I covers physical movement (mime, masks, clowning, and dance drama); Act II focuses on voice (puppetry, readers' theater, and radio plays). Act III delves into the characters and plots of melodrama, comedy, and tragedy; and Act IV goes behind the scenes to investigate sound, lights, costumes, set design, and props. Each section begins with a brief explanation of its scope, followed by a short history of the relevant art form, specific activities and exercises pertaining to the topic, and a scene that combines ideas presented in the previous exercises. The delightful watercolor cartoons are both decorative and informative and add much to the text's light tone. Since the author is Canadian, some of the references may be unfamiliar to U.S. readers, but this does not mar the book's overall appeal. Though visually more inviting, Dunleavy's exercises are not explained as fully as those in Lisa Bany-Winters's On Stage! (Chicago Review, 1997), and some of the scripts she includes are not as interesting as those in the earlier title. Nevertheless, TheJumbo Book will appeal to less-experienced thespians who want a taste of what the theater can offer.–Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI
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Gr. 4-8. The format is kid-friendly: drama genres and elements of stage production are carefully explained in compact paragraphs interspersed with attractive, full-color drawings that clearly illustrate the text. In Act I (the first chapter), Dunleavy focuses on body movement (mime, clowning, dance). In Act II, she concentrates on voice (readers' theater, puppetry, radio plays). She explains melodrama, comedy, and tragedy in Act III, and rounds out Act IV with "behind-the-scenes stuff" about directing, staging, special effects, lighting, props, and costumes. Most sections within the chapters are only one to three pages long, and there are plenty of short scripts and ideas to get kids up and moving. Dunleavy's enthusiasm for her subject is evident, and though her directions are concise, young performers will find them easy to follow. This may have been written for children, but adults who work with young people will find the book immensely useful. A worthwhile addition to drama collections in school or public libraries. Chris Sherman
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[This is a real achievement: a hugely useful book for any aspiring thespian. (Quill & Quire )

This may have been written for children, but adults who work with young people will find the book immensely useful. A worthwhile addition to drama collection in school or public libraries. (Booklist )

Filled with fun and entertaining activities to suit the needs of the class clown, the wallflower or the natural-born actor, The Jumbo Book of Drama will help kids discover and hone their dramatic abilities. With 200 pages of theater games, plays, sample scripts, costume ideas, a glossary and more, this book provides all the inspiration they'll need to really get their act together!

Deborah Dunleavy is an award-winning author, storyteller and musician. The Jumbo Book of Music and The Jumbo Book of Drama draw upon her wealth of experience as an arts facilitator. Deborah lives in Brockville, Ontario in the heart of the 1000 Islands.

Jane Kurisu is an illustrator whose books include The Sleepover Book and The Jumbo Book of Gardening. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.