

American Alligator Puppet
Spring 2012 ToysEerily realistic except for size, this beautifully-constructed 32-inch puppet can be used not only for fun and entertainment but also for curriculum development in science. One underbelly hand entrance has a long extension leading to two mouth openings that allow puppeteers to "talk" (or gnash the puppet's long sharp-looking plastic teeth). Another underbelly pocket is for manipulating the tail. By crisscrossing the arms, puppeteers may use both pockets simultaneously to create more active scenes.
A printed attachment provides interesting facts about alligators and related folklore. This highly appealing toy may be correlated with numerous storybooks, such as Mercer Mayer's There's an Alligator under My Bed or Maurice Sendak's Alligators All Around. Stylish young practical jokers could even attach a gold chain and carry this puppet as an alligator "purse."