Kids love to be funny! Every classroom or neighborhood has a kid whose greatest ambition is to make people laugh—and all kids love to laugh at the jokes and antics of their friends. Funny Bones is designed to bring out the humor in every kid. For those who already have a comic streak, it provides wonderful new material for routines and scenes. For shyer children, it boosts self-confidence and a sense of fun. The first few chapters tackle the idea of comedy and what makes it funny, introducing famous comedians like Charlie Chaplin and Lily Tomlin and a variety of ways for young comics to create a trademark style. Later chapters offer hilarious improv games and valuable tips—for instance, don’t ask questions in improv routines, but instead make statements that other actors can build on. The book concludes with comedic scenes for young people and suggestions for comedic play that kids can perform.
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6-A delightful romp through the world of humor, this title seeks to teach children how to be funny. While it may be difficult to learn to be a comedian from a book (there are elements of timing and talent involved), Bany-Winters offers delightful skits, games, and ideas to encourage the art of entertainment. The games and activities included should be useful to any adults who need ideas to help entertain youngsters. The author encourages readers to find their comedic style by introducing many famous comics and telling what worked for them. She goes on to describe how characterization, voice, makeup, props, and music can be used to create one’s own style. She also includes a bevy of games, improvisational skits, and songs. Shaded boxes give interesting related facts, and black-and-white sketches show children enjoying the suggested activities. This book offers a wealth of information and hours of fun. Cynde Suite, formerly at Horry County Memorial Library, Surfside Beach, SC Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
“A clever compendium of exercises and scripts.” —Smithsonian
About the Author
Lisa Bany-Winters is director of Northlight Academy, the children’s theater program at Northlight Theater in Skokie, Illinois, and the author of Show Time!
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