Puppetry in Theatre and Arts Education is breezily written, in a style that is assuring and engaging. The intended audience for this book is the elementary educator, but the methods presented and the lessons are highly adaptable and could be used to teach anyone with an interest in puppetry and a desire to learn how to manipulate a puppet and endow it with personality.

Youth Theatre Journal

Covering the essentials of puppetry with activities suitable for adults and children of any age, Smith's guide is easy to follow, thought provoking and a handy reference book for anyone with a professional or personal interest in puppetry.

Drama & Theatre Magazine

Johanna Smith has created a beautiful resource for teachers, artists and anyone else interested in exploring the art of puppetry with children. Puppetry in Theatre and Arts Education: Head, Hands and Heart is equal parts how-to and inspiration, with an emphasis on how puppetry allows us to be more connected as collaborators while activating learning through many disciplines…It is clear that she embraces the joy that puppetry can bring to a classroom…If you are an educator or puppeteer that enjoys reflecting on the art of teaching, the experience of creative play, and how to bring the craft of our ancestors to life in a contemporary classroom or in your community, Johanna Smith's book should be in your collection.

Puppetry Journal

[Johanna] Smith's approach to creation and performance reminds educators, parents, and the everyman that puppetry is an accessible and dynamic means to immersive learning. In an age of standardized testing, Ms. Smith's offers innovative assessments that change the way a classroom can be examined and enjoyed by everyone.

Elena Velasco, Artistic Director of the Convergence Theatre and Assistant Professor of Theatre, Bowie State University, USA