Shadow puppets to entertain at library on Dec. 22

Youth services librarians Maggie Allen and Rebecca Doom (not shown) will present a holiday puppet show on Dec. 22. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Shadow puppets will charm children’s imaginations during the holiday puppet show at Madison Public Library.

Youth services librarians Maggie Allen and Rebecca Doom are coordinating the event on Dec. 22 at 2 p.m.

Doom wrote the script to confirm that all children, regardless of religion, will enjoy the show. “Our shadow puppet show will highlight the changing of the seasons, specifically the wonder of winter through a delightful animal adventure,” Allen said.

In the story, three summertime friends believe only three seasons exist. However, they meet a friend who knows all about winter and takes them on a magical adventure through the season.

They introduced shadow puppets for “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” at the library’s 2013 Christmas party.

The puppeteers will be students Wenle Mu, Sarah Ahmed, Shandi Burrows and Navya Kolli. “They’re doing a great job. We’ve been blessed with some really wonderful teen volunteers this year,” Allen said.

To make puppets, they use silhouettes cut out on cardstock. For more kinetic puppets, they using brads on the silhouettes to allow arm and leg movement.

“This year, we’re cranking out lots of ukulele Christmas fun,” Allen said. Adult and teen volunteers will join Doom and Allen to play ukuleles.

“We’ll highlight all the classic Christmas carols, like ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘Rudolph,’ but also take requests, like the Chipmunks’ Christmas song,” Allen said.

Weather permitting, the audience will move to the Madison Children’s Garden and enjoy a holiday short film and “The Muppet Christmas Carol Begins.”

Admission is free if “you’re excited about shadow puppets, caroling and muppets,” Allen said. “Everyone’s welcome. Remember a chair and blanket for the movie.”

During holidays, attendance for children’s programs and material checkouts usually spike at the library. “Most of our community ends up spending time with their family around Christmas and New Year’s Day,” Allen said. Youth programs will be on break from Dec. 23 through the first of January.