Drama School

From School Library Journal Grade 3-5 A large-format book that gives ideas for putting on a show, complete with lots of drawings in bright colors. Unfortunately, each topic is covered in a scant two-page spread. For some subjects, brevity might be the soul of wit, but for complex topics such as stage combat and mime, a three- or four-sentence discussion may confuse readers with no knowledge of theater. The layout is cluttered. Large pictures of children engaged in the activities overwhelm the text, which is set in small blocks around and among the photos. Additional "drama tips" are listed in sidebars, and while the suggested projects are good ones, the directions are often so specific as to stifle true creativity. Drama School might work as a resource for adults to use with children. With the lack of depth in the coverage, however, most youngsters will need to look elsewhere for substantive information. Cris Riedel, Ellis B. Hyde Elementary School, Dansville, NY Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. Review Mick Manning and Brita Granström have a recognisable style which does not inhibit the content of their amazing sequence of informative books on all sorts of subjects. Drama School is subtitled ' All You Need to Put on a Show' and is exactly that with music, and movement, puppets, plays and comedy all easily presented. --School LibrarianThis book has so much to recommend it, that it would make a valuable addition to any school library, but it may need the guidance of a teacher to ensure it reached children of the right age. --Speaking English --This text refers to the