Puppet Reading Club

When you book Puppet Reading Club, you receive a lively, interactive children’s show that combines puppetry, storytelling, music, comedy, projected storybook scenes, child-friendly magic, and plenty of audience participation.

Children do not simply sit and watch. They become part of the adventure! They may help the puppets solve a problem, answer wonderfully silly questions, choose story elements, say the magic words, assist with a trick, or help decide what happens next. Every performance is designed to keep young audiences engaged, laughing, thinking, and using their imaginations.

A typical performance features Carol Paredes, PhD, along with several Puppet Reading Club characters. Each puppet has a distinctive personality, from confident characters who do not know quite as much as they think they do to mischievous friends who have very unusual ideas about how stories are supposed to work. Their playful conversations with Carol and the audience create plenty of humor for children and the adults accompanying them.

The complete interactive show is approximately 40 minutes and is especially appropriate for children ages 4–9. Shorter programs may be available for preschool groups, birthday parties, or events with limited schedules.

Depending on the program and venue, audiences can expect:

* Colorful, professional puppets with memorable personalities
* An original story or story-inspired adventure
* Projected illustrations that help bring the story to life
* Comedy and age-appropriate humor
* Music and playful character interactions
* Simple, child-friendly magic
* Opportunities for audience members to participate
* Positive themes such as reading, friendship, kindness, courage, creativity, and working together
* A warm, inclusive performance in which children are encouraged to respond and participate

Puppet Reading Club programs are well suited for:

* Libraries and literacy events
* Elementary schools and preschools
* Summer camps and after-school programs
* Children’s birthday parties
* Festivals and community celebrations
* Family events
* Book fairs
* Homeschool groups
* Senior and intergenerational programs

Carol arrives with the puppets, performance materials, props, and other equipment needed for the agreed-upon program. For shows using projected storybook scenes, access to electricity and an appropriate indoor or shaded performance area is needed. Setup and space requirements will be discussed with the client before the event so there are no surprises.

Each program can be adjusted for the audience, venue, occasion, and available performance time. If your event has a special literacy theme, character-development topic, or age range, please include that information when requesting a quote.

Most importantly, clients receive a dependable, thoughtfully prepared program led by an experienced educator and children’s author. Puppet Reading Club is designed to make children laugh, invite them into the story, and leave them excited about books, imagination, and the joy of reading.

Carol Paredes, PhD, is an educator, children’s author, puppeteer, and the creator of Puppet Reading Club, an imaginative world where stories come alive through colorful characters, laughter, music, magic, and audience participation.

Puppet Reading Club began with Carol’s desire to make reading exciting and memorable for her grandchildren. It has since grown into a collection of children’s books, videos, read-aloud adventures, and live performances created for children, families, schools, libraries, and community events.

During her interactive shows, Carol and her delightfully unpredictable puppet friends invite children to become part of the adventure. Young audience members help solve problems, answer silly questions, perform the magic, and discover what happens next. Each performance is designed to entertain children while encouraging reading, imagination, kindness, courage, friendship, and confidence.

Carol holds a PhD in Physiology and Health and a master’s degree in Maharishi Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. She has extensive experience in education, curriculum development, public speaking, and helping students grow academically and personally. When she is not writing stories or trying to keep her puppets out of mischief, she serves as Chair of the Department of Physiology and Health at Maharishi International University.

Carol brings the heart of an educator, the imagination of an author, and the playful energy of a lifelong storyteller to every Puppet Reading Club performance.

Puppet Reading Club is designed to work in libraries, schools, community centers, private event spaces, and other family-friendly venues. Requirements may vary slightly depending on the selected program, audience size, and whether projected storybook scenes are included.

Performance space:

* A clean, level performance area measuring approximately 10 feet wide by 8 feet deep
* A minimum ceiling height of 8 feet
* Clear separation between the performance area and the audience
* Space for a 4-foot performance table, puppets, props, projection equipment, and sound equipment
* An area where children can sit comfortably on the floor or in chairs without blocking aisles or exits

Electricity and projection:

* Access to at least one standard grounded electrical outlet near the performance area
* The performance area should be within reasonable extension-cord distance of the outlet
* Projected programs work best indoors or in a room where direct sunlight can be reduced
* Puppet Reading Club provides the projector and projection screen when they are included in the program
* Lights do not need to be completely turned off, but strong light directed at the projection screen should be avoided

Lighting:

* General room lighting is usually sufficient
* The performer and puppets must remain clearly visible
* Please avoid placing the performance area directly in front of a bright window
* Stage lighting is not required

Sound:

* Puppet Reading Club provides its own amplifier and sound system
* The venue is not required to provide microphones, speakers, or other sound equipment
* Access to electricity is required for the sound system
* For unusually large venues or audiences, please provide information about the room and expected attendance in advance so sound needs can be evaluated

Setup and access:

* Please allow approximately 45–60 minutes before the performance for unloading, setup, sound checks, and projection testing
* Approximately 30 minutes may be needed after the show for breakdown and loading
* Convenient access to the performance area is greatly appreciated because the program includes puppets, props, a table, a projection screen, sound equipment, and other supplies
* Please notify us in advance about stairs, long walking distances, limited parking, loading restrictions, or the absence of an elevator
* Children and guests should not enter the performance area while equipment and props are being assembled

Outdoor performances:

Outdoor shows may be possible when weather and site conditions permit. A fully shaded, dry, level performance area and nearby electrical access are required. Projection may not be visible outdoors during daylight, so the program may need to be modified. Puppets, books, electronics, and performance equipment cannot be exposed to rain, strong wind, excessive heat, or wet ground. An indoor backup location is strongly recommended.

Final technical and space requirements will be confirmed with the client before the event. If your venue has limited space or special restrictions, please share those details when requesting a quote so the program can be adjusted appropriately.