Costume hats for Christmas 15% Off

We added several great costume hats for Christmas including Reindeer Antlers, the Mrs Clause Muffin hat, Santa Claus with beard, and more. Visit our What's new page for the details 15% off these hats

Halloween Hats at 15% off Retail

Halloween is just a few weeks away. Make sure you start your costume with one of our affordable halloween hats. From Witches to Wizards, Pirates and Princesses, Alice in Wonderland, Dr Seuss and many more. All at 15% off retail!

Over 80 different hats, many for other occasions than Halloween.

Pouch! children's book by David Stein to go with Folkmanis Kangaroo Puppet

In "Pouch" children's book, David Ezra Stein, the creator of "Leaves" presents a delightful new tale of a curious baby kangaroo who wants to explore the exciting world around him. Full color."
David Stein's story about a new born roo that hops out of it mother' pouch to explore the world. But when it sees something new it jumps back in the "Pouch" for safety. Until one day it finds other roos to play with. colored pictures, hardcover book with 32 pages and dustcover. 15% off retail price.
Target Age: 04 to 05

The Folkmanis Kangaroo with Joey Puppet was released February 2009. The Kangaroo is light brown and has a finger puppet with legs. It comes attached in the pouch with a plastic string to allow use of the finger puppet separately. The mother Kangaroo puppet has movable paws and mouth. Requires a smaller hand to move the arms and mouth on the larger Kangaroo puppet. Designed for ages 3 and up. 20% off retail.

New Folkmanis Small Turkey in stock October

I have been a bit behind on my blogging. I took a quick trip to Omaha NE to be part of an Eagle Scout Court of Honor for my cousin's son. Having earned my Eagle Scout many years ago, I appreciate all that he went through to earn this great honor.

Flying across the country gives you some time to reflect. What a great country we have, with varied terrain and a wide range of people that make this a great place to live.

With Thanksgiving not far off for our Canadian friends and next month for the US, you might check out the new Folkmanis small Turkey puppet or even the Folkmanis large turkey puppet that we have. We will be getting the small turkey next Friday. But we have the large turkey in stock.

Richard

New Folkmanis Scarlet Macaw parrot finger puppet in stock

The Folkmanis Scarlet Macaw Finger Puppet was released September 2009 . Only $5.69 on our web site.

This Folkmanis scarlet macaw has very soft, featherlike material in red, blue and yellow. The face is white with black eyes and tan nose. You put your finger in the puppet from underneath the body. It is 7 inches tall, 2.5 inches long, and 3 inches wide (17.8 x 6.35 x 7.6 cm).

Red Eyed Tree Frog book by Joy Cowley to go with Folkmanis Red Eyed Tree Frog Puppet

In the "Red Eyed Tree Frog" children's book by Joy Cowley the "stunning full-color photographs bring readers up close and personal with this frog found in the rain forest of Central America." This is a great educational book for kids ages 4 to 8. Reading level 1.3

Pair this with the new and colorfull Folkmanis Red Eyed Tree Frog Puppet.

Folkmanis Brown Bear Puppet in stock

The new Folkmanis Brown Bear puppet is in stock.

The Folkmanis Brown Bear puppet was released September 2009.
"The Folkmanis Brown Bear puppet is so soft and cuddly that it is the perfect companion for any winter's snooze. And when you're awake, he is a wonderful puppet for role-play, story-telling or just for fun." Moveable mouth by putting your finger in the lower jaw. Legs are not moveable, but the bear is in a standing position.

It is 9 inches tall, 17 inches long, and 9 inches wide (22.9 x 43.2 x 22.9 cm). Weighs 11.0 oz ( 0.69 lbs, 312 g)

We just matched it with Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? children's book by Bill Martin. This classic book is now in board book and is a great story to go with the new Brown Bear puppet.

Folkmanis Eagle Stage Puppet now available

We just got in the Eagle Stage Puppet. The Folkmanis Eagle Stage Puppets was released September 2009. Only $17.60.

"A national symbol and an endangered species, the bald eagle evokes pride and nostalgia. This striking Folkmanis Eagle Stage Puppet features dark brown and white feather-like plush and gold-colored vinyl beak. Broad, flappable wings allow for soaring." Yes, the feather-like material is a dark brown and not black as it may seem on your computer. You can move the lower beak well with one finger and flap the wings!

It is 13 inches tall, 5 inches long, and 25 inches wing span (33 x 12.7 x 63.5 cm). Weighs 6.1 oz ( 0.38 lbs, 173 g)

Book to go with new Folkmanis Ferret Puppet, Ferret in the Bedroom Lizards in the Fridge

We just added a new book to go with the Folkmanis Ferret puppet. It is for young adults, 9 to 12. "Liz tells her zoologist father he must get rid of all the homeless animals he keeps at their house or she'll never win the sixth-grade class presidency, but when they're gone she misses them and learns there are more important things than winning." Only $5.09

Weighs 3.6 oz (0.22 lbs, 100 g)
(paperback, 0.39" H x 7.78" L x 5.14" W, 144 pages ) (0.99 x 19.8 x 13.1 cm)







The Folkmanis ferret was relased a few weeks ago, so the book is a nice addition for those critter lovers. "Ferret fans will love this beautiful slinky and butter-soft FERRET puppet! Slip your hand through the opening in his chest to work his mouth and let him weasel a smile out of you. Additional rear pocket for extra wriggling!



This new Folkmanis Ferret puppet is 11 inches tall, 25 inches long, and 6 inches wide (27.9 x 63.5 x 15.2 cm).

New Folkmanis Red Eyed Tree Frog Puppet In Stock

The Folkmanis Red Eyed Tree Frog puppet was released in September 2009. "Larger than life-sized, this Red-Eyed Tree Frog puppet will inspire to preserve and protect our rainforests. Brilliant colors highlight the ultra soft micro-fiber fabric "skin" while his bold red eyes await the cover of night for some fun froggy jumping!"

You put your hand in the frog from the rear and can move the two front legs and the mouth easily. 16 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 3 inches tall (40.6 x 27.9 x 7.6 cm). Weighs 4.3 oz (0.27 lb, 123 g) Only $17.60 at Act II Books and Puppets.

See al the new Folkmanis Puppets. Or check out all the other Folkmanis Frog Puppets.

New Folkmanis Pack Rat Puppet with Back Pack In Stock

The new Folkmanis Pack Rat Puppet with back pack is in stock. "Even if you find the real thing creepy, this roly-poly Rat puppet will win you over. With soft fur, expressive eyes and a little twitchy nose and tail, he can be shy or bold, cautious or curious. With his detachable 'Pack' he can collect to his heart's content." The arms are moveable and the mouth can be moved with smaller hands. You put your hand in the puppet from underneath to enter the arms and mouth.

9 inches long, 7 inches wide, and 12 inches tall (22.9 x 17.8 x 30.5 cm). Weighs 6.2 oz (0.39 lb, 178 g) Only $ 17.60

See all the new Folkmanis Puppets.

Painting the store More Folkmanis Puppet Info to Follow

I have been painting the trim on our building from a brown to a white. The base color of the building is not too bad, but we can not wait to have the trim changed to white. It took a bit to get approval to do this. We had a window to replace on one side of this 7 decade old building and we had to get city approval to replace it and approve the color. Then a permit to do the work. And the contractor had to get a permit to work in the city. A bit of a hassle, but easier to do that then to risk reprocussions in a small town. Anyway, we will have a much nicer looking facade once it is done. - Richard

Then I will be back to giving you more info on the Folkmanis puppets. We found a book to go with the Folkmanis Ferret puppet, but it will be a day bofore I can get it on the web.

New Folkmanis Orange Tabby Kitten Puppet

The new Folkmanis Orange Tabby Kitten puppet is due in September 4. "Soft striped fur and wiggly whiskers adorn the Folkmanis Orange Tabby Kitten puppet. You can animate the legs and head of this kitten puppet to make her pounce and preen." Since the discontinued the gray tabby kitten puppet, this will be great to have to go with all of our children's cat books. She will be priced at only $12.80 on our web site.

This new Folkmanis Orange Tabby Kitten puppet is 8 inches tall, 10 inches long, and 7 inches wide (20.3 x 25.4 x 17.8 cm). Weighs 4.5 oz (0.28 lb, 128g)

My Lucky Day book by Keiko Kasza and Folkmanis Pig Puppets

We have matched a great children's book with the Folkmanis Pig stage puppet and the Folkmanis Fox stage puppet. "My Lucky Day" children's book by Keiko Kasza.

"When a delicious-looking piglet knocks on Mr. Fox's door, the fox can hardly believe his good luck. It's not every day that dinner just "shows up." It must be his lucky day--or is it? Full color."

The Pig knocks on the door and supposedly is looking for rabbit. When the Fox opens the door, the Pig is invited in. But the Fox is thinking dinner. The Fox thinks, oh My Lucky Day.

The Pig convinces the Fox to clean him and fatten him up, and do many other things that completely tires the Fox out. When the Fox is exhausted, the Pig runs off gleefully with all the dinner fixings that the Fox worked so hard to make to cook with the Pig. The Pig thinks, oh My Lucky Day.

At home, the Pig sits down to a nice dinner, and wonders who on his list he should visit for his next meal - by accident? The Bear?

New Folkmanis Hippo Puppet in stock 20% off

We have the new Folkmanis Hippo puppet in stock.

The Folkmanis Hippo Puppet was released August 2009.
"Everybody loves a big mouth---that is, when it belongs to this charming Hippopotamus puppet! With exquisite features such as a realistically contoured head, bewhiskered muzzle and speckled gray velboa fabric, she's also big enough make a splash with kids and collectors alike!"

Get one of our picks of children's books to go with the Hippo puppet.

We also have the Folkmanis Hippo Stage Puppet
18 inches long, 8 inches wide, and 8 inches tall (45.7 x 20.3 x 20.3 cm). Weighs 11 oz (0.69 lb, 312 g)

Folkmanis Puppets on Craig Ferguson Late Late Night Show on CBS

Have you heard about the fun on Craig Ferguson Late Late Night show on CBS using Folkmanis Puppets. Get the great white shark stage puppet and join the fun. Only $15.99 plus shipping.

Moveable mouth, plastic teeth, and you can even swallow what it bites! We have all of the Folkmanis puppets, so pick your favorite.

Folkmanis Squirrel Monkey due Aug 21

We will have the new Folkmanis Squirrel Monkey puppet in stock on Friday, August 21. We will also have the Folkmanis Hippo puppet and the Folkmanis Triceratops puppet.

The Squirrel Monkey puppet has bendable arms and a workable mouth. It is 12 inches long, 8 inches wide and 9 inches tall (30.5 x 20.3 x 22.9 cm). Get this new monkey puppet 20% off retail.

We still have some of Mini Raven Finger Puppets and Cat Stage Puppets

Folkmanis is temporarily out of the mini raven finger puppets and the Folkmanis Cat Stage puppets. We have some of both and will have more later this month. Limited supply, so check out site soon.

We are adding the children's book "All the Way to Lhasa" that goes very nicely with the Folkmanis Yak Finger puppet. "Known for her luminescent "Grandfather Twilight," Barbara Helen Berger brings power to this memorable parable from Tibet. A young boy and his Yak overcome odds to get to Lhasa, giving inspiration to children to dream and reach for goals. Full-color illustrations." 32 pages with a dust cover. Reading Level 2.4

We also have A Lot of Otters written by Barbara Berger as well.

New Children's Books at Act II Books and Puppets

We just received the rest of the A to Z Mysteries Series - from F to Z.

We also got in books from the Serendipity series - watch for them on the website this weekend.

The Folkmanis Cat Stage Puppet is now in stock. It has very soft fur and moveable mouth and paws.

The reissued Folkmanis mini Raven finger puppet will be in stock August 10 along with the new Folkmanis Ferret puppet.

New Folkmanis Ferret Puppet available now

We just ordered the new Folkmanis Ferret puppet and will be able to ship on Aug 11. Order you new ferret puppet now at http://www.kidsbooksandpuppets.com/folkmanis/folkmanisferretpuppets2483.html

We will also have more of the Folkmanis hippo stage puppets, the mini Raven finger puppet that is being rereleased, the small Ty Rex puppet that has been out of stock for awhile, and the frog puppet.

Folkmanis Cat Stage Puppet Due Wed Aug 5

We will be getting the Folkmanis Cat Stage Puppet on Wed, Aug 5. It should be purrrrrfect.

We have aded several new books to our shelves. The Magic Tree House Research guides that are companion books to go with the Magic Tree House series. These are 2nd and 3rd Grade books and provide facts, fun, photos and more things of interest to go along with the specific MTH books. "Hippo Not Amus" is a hardcover book about a hippo that sets out to become some other kind of animal.

We now have Gone Away Lake audio book on CD.

Folkmanis Cat Stage Puppet in Aug 5

The Folkmanis Cat Stage Puppets will be in on Aug 5. "The easy-to-use Cat Stage Puppet is the purrrrfect feline to host your next puppet show! With wonderful catlike details and butter-soft plush, this meower is the 'cat's pajamas'!!" Moveable mouth and front paws.

The cat stage puppet is 14 inches tall, 6 inches long and 6 inches wide (35.6 x 15.2 x 15.2 cm). Weighs 5 oz (0.31 lb, 142 g)

Dr Seuss Cat in the hat in stock, Adult sized Mad Hatter hat out until Aug

We only have a couple of the large adult sized Mad Hatter hats in stock right now but will have lots more in mid August. We have the mad hatter hat in the kids size!

The Dr Seuss Cat in the Hat hat is now in stock. See all our costume hats.

Folkmanis Puppet Update - Lion and Grizzly Bear finger Puppet Discontinued

We just learned that the Folkmanis Grizzly Bear Finger Puppet is discontined. We have a fair supply and will be changing it to full price soon.

See our What's New Page for all the latest Folkmanis puppets and kids books we match with them.

The Folkmanis Lion Puppet is also discontinued. While there is a Webwilds Lion and the Lion Stage Puppet, the lion puppet has been a long time staple in its line.

A to Z Mysteries Children's Books at Act II Books and Puppets

We have added a great new series for kids in Grades 2 to 4, ages 6 to 9. Read about the children's book series, A to Z Mysteries written by Ron Roy. Each book has about 90 pages and is a chapter book for young readers. The first book in the series is "The Absent Author." Priced at $3.39, it is easier on the pocket book for kids that can read quickly. We have the first 5 books and more will follow.

"Dink and his pals Josh and Ruth Rose solve mysteries in the fun and wacky new series for the Stepping Stone line. When Dink writes to his favorite mystery writer, Wallis Wallace, inviting him to visit Green Lawn, he's amazed when the author accepts. But when the big day arrives, Wallace is nowhere to be found. The police think he's just missed the plane--but Dink suspects foul play."

A Few Updates on new Folkmanis Puppets

I justed updated our what's new page with the latest due dates for the Folkmanis puppets. You can follow our updates on twitter too at http://twitter.com/act2puppets.

The next Folkmanis puppet due is the Cat stage puppet. It is due in here August 11. It retails for $19.99 but we will be selling it for $15.99. "The easy-to-use Cat Stage Puppet is the purrrrfect feline to host your next puppet show! With wonderful catlike details and butter-soft plush, this meower is the 'cat's pajamas'!!" Moveable mouth and front paws. The cat stage puppet is 14 inches tall, 6 inches long and 6 inches wide (35.6 x 15.2 x 15.2 cm) and weighs 5 oz (0.31 lb, 142 g).

Folkmanis Puppets update on stock status

We just got an update on Folkmanis puppet status. We will have the Cocker spaniel stage puppet in Friday.

Puppets in danger of going out of stock for awhile are the armadillo and the mice in red box. We still have both in stock.

Next puppets to be discontinued in July are the mini grizzly bear finger puppet and the lion. We have a supply of both, but don't miss out if these are on your lists of must have puppets.

Get the current status of new puppets at http://www.kidsbooksandpuppets.com/whatsnew.html

Found a Folkmanis Large Grizzly Bear puppet

We got a large Folkmanis Grizzly Bear puppet. The Folkmanis Large Grizzly Bear Puppet is 23 inches (58.4 cm) long. The grizzly bear puppet has a workable mouth. The Large Grizzly Bear puppets were first released in December 2005. This Folkmanis puppet is part of the Sierra Club Series. This puppet was discontinued August 2007 but we just got one in stock. You will need to email me to get this. Check out our other discontinued puppets at http://www.kidsbooksandpuppets.com/folkmanis/puppetsdiscontinued.html

Folkmanis Cocker Spaniel Stage Puppet due July 29

We expect to have the Folkmanis Cocker Spaniel stage puppet in stock July 29. This brown and white dog looks soooo cute with moveable mouth and paws. Look at those ears! Only $15.99 online at Act II Books and Puppets. - Richard

Folkmanis Hippo Stage Puppet now in Stock at Act II

We somewhat unexpectedly got in the Folkmanis Hippo stage puppet today. It is cute! With a brownish gray skin, cute white teeth and moveable mouth and two front paws. We have added the children's book "But Not the Hippopotamus" by Sandra Boynton. This is a board book, so it is sturdy for the younger kids, typically under 4 years of age.

"Serious silliness for all ages. Artist Sandra Boynton is back and better than ever with completely redrawn versions of her multi-million selling board books. These whimsical and hilarious books, featuring nontraditional texts and her famous animal characters, have been printed on thick board pages, and are sure to educate and entertain children of all ages."

Check out the rest of our book recommendations for the Folkmanis puppets.

Folkmanis Weasel Finger Puppet and "Never Tease a Weasel" children's book

When our kids were young, "Never Tease a Weasel" was one of their favorite books. It has been rereleased and goes great with the Folkmanis Weasel Puppet.

"This rollicking, rhyming story has some very good advice: Never tease a weasel, 'caus teasing isn't nice!."

"Enjoy all of the silly possibilities in this much-anticipated reissue of the quotable classic 1964 picture book by Jean Conder Soule, newly illustrated by quirky New Yorker cartoonist George Booth."
Reading Level: 2.5 Hardcover book. $13.59

The Folkmanis Weasel Finger Puppet was released in January 2009. This Weasel finger puppet is about 9 inches (22.9 cm) long and 4 inches (10 cm) tall and 2.5 inches (6.3 cm) wide. He has a tan chest and paws, light brown body and black eyes and nose. Priced at $5.60

Folkmanis Corgi Puppet and Pig Stage Puppet in stock

We will have the new Folkmanis Corgi Puppet and the Folkmanis Pig Stage puppet in stock Friday, Jul 17, 2009.

The Folkmanis Corgi puppet is a " loving tribute to the breed. With his recognizable long body, short legs and oversized ears you'll feel like you have the real dog in your arms. Animate the mouth while wagging the tail and others will think it's a real live dog too!" 20 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 11 inches tall (50.8 x 15.2 x 27.9 cm).

The Folkmanis Pig Stage puppet will go perfectly with the big bad wolf Stage Puppet, but you will want to get the wolf stage puppet soon as it is slated to be discontinued this year.

"The mohair-like plush, vinyl details and charming smile make him so endearing that you'll want to "hog" him all to yourself!" The Folkmanis pig stage puppet has a moveable mouth and paws. It is 15 inches tall, 5 inches long, and 8 inches wide (38 x 12.7 x 20.3 cm).

Folkmanis Corgi Puppet due July 21

The new Folkmanis Corgi Puppet is due in at Folkmanis on July 14 so we will have them a week later. Our price is $22.40, which is 20% off normal retail.

"The 20-inch long Folkmans Corgi puppet is a loving tribute to the breed. With his recognizable long body, short legs and oversized ears you'll feel like you have the real dog in your arms. Animate the mouth while wagging the tail and others will think it's a real live dog too!" 20 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 11 inches tall (50.8 x 15.2 x 27.9 cm).

The Folkmanis Pig stage puppet is also due at the same time.

Folkmanis Baby Dragon Puppet and Mini Grizzly Bear Puppets due to be Discontinued in July 2009

Just a heads up. The Folkmanis Baby Dragon Puppet is due to be discontinued in July. The larger dragon version of this puppet has already been discontinued, although we have a few of them.

Also, the Folkmanis Grizzly Bear Finger puppet is going to discontinued this month too. We like the little bear puppet to go with our Teddy Bear's Picnic book, so we should have some for awhle. We only have a few of the Baby Dragon puppets in stock.

Images of All New Folkmanis Puppets now Available - due dates for some puppets also

Well I finally got all the pictures of the new puppets coming this summer/fall 2009. You can follow the links to them at our what's new page. But one that is especially neat is the new Folkmanis Witch Stage Puppet. Folkmanis has had several witch puppets in the past, the large witch and the small witch, but this one is the first character puppet in the new stage puppet series.

The Corgi, Pig Stage puppet, Mini Raven are due Jul 21. The Cocker Spaniel stage puppet is due July 28 and the Ferret is due Aug 14 according to the current plan. Usually they don't give dates until the puppets are on or just about on the boat and shipped. -- Richard

Turtle Splash, Countdown at the Pond and Folkmanis Turtle Puppets

We really enjoy our Folkmanis turtle puppets and have another book to offer with them. "Turtle Splash" is a counting book for ages 3 to 8. "One by one, ten turtles splash! into the pond. It's a colorful countdown that you can be a part of." This book is in rhyme.

We recommend "Turtle Splash" with our green tutles in either the larger or baby size. The turtles have been a long time part of Folkmanis, but the book is new to us for younger kids. Check out our full list of book recommendations.

New Folkmanis Pig stage Puppet goes with Big Bad Wolf and "Wolf's Coming" Children's Book

One of the stories that goes great with the Folkmanis Puppets is the "Three Little Pigs." It is a classic. Folkmanis has had the big wolf puppet and the pig puppets for some time, but now we have the new Folkmanis Pig stage puppet to go with the Big Bad Wolf stage puppet. We are expecting to have the pig stage puppet by July 21. Only$15.99 each, just like almost all of the Folkmanis stage puppets.







The big bad wolf stage puppet and three of the new Pig Stage puppets will work great behind a stage or in the classroom. They are easy to use and creative.

Whether you use the new pig puppet with this classic story or "Wolf's Coming", you are sure to get laughs from the kids. The Wolf in "Wolf's Coming" has a very big surprise. -- Richard

More Pictures of new Folkmanis Puppets, including Pack Rat with a Back Pack puppet

Folkmanis just released the pictures for several more of the new puppets coming out this Summer. I just had to shown you the Folkmanis Pack Rat puppet with a back pack. I don't have any details on him but he has a cute pack that goes on his back. I have shown you the view from the front and back.

We also have the pictues for the Brown Bear, Cat stage puppet, Corgi, Eagle stage puppet, Hippo, Hippo stage puppet, Red Eyed Tree Frog, Scarlet Macaw, Small Turkey, Squirrel Monkey, Triceratops.

I am adding pages for them tonight. You can find them as I add the rest of the links at our what's new page.