A Collection of Circle Games, Finger Games, Songs, Verses,
 and Plays for Puppets and Marionettes • Collected, created,
adapted and translated by Bronja Zahlingen • A Lifetime of Joy
is a rare and wonderful tribute to Bronja Zahlingen's (1/8/1912
to 1/24/2000) life's work; in return, it is a gift from Bronja to all
the children and adults whose lives it will touch and nurture.
Just to look through it's pages is to feel the warmth, wisdom
and love that every child in her kindergarten felt for so very
many beautiful years. Included in this volume are all the plays
from her sparkling Plays for Puppets and Marionettes -- and
much, much more. There are songs, wee stories for the
seasons and other times, nature tales, circle games, verses.
In addition, there is a touching account of Bronja's life and
work, and articles for teachers and parents. The two articles,
"On movement, gesture and Language in the Life of the
Young Child" and "The Pedagogical Value of Marionette and
Table Puppet Shows for the Small Child" are welcome
additions to everyone's understanding. Even the photo on the
cover speaks volumes about the wealth we can present to
children through simple stories told with marionettes. In short,
this is a great book for anyone working with young children -
a shining star over all children's gardens.