THEATER

A clear and engaging description of the theater, its physical presence, and what goes on inside, this begins with a foldout that pictures the exterior of a theater, and then opens to a cutaway diagram with all of the parts labeled. Readers can study everything from the main entrance and box office to the stage, the wings, and backstage offices and dressing rooms. The text continues by defining theater—from the Greek, “a place for seeing”—and continues with a profusion of labeled illustrations and narrative text. Young readers will be fascinated by the details backstage: the wings, backdrops, and flies (where backdrops are stored); by brief but lucid descriptions of light, sound, and special effects production; and by the illustrations of props, costumes, make-up, and scenery design and production. A brief timeline of theater history and a glossary are included. Attractively packaged and useful for curious children with or without school assignments. (Picture book/nonfiction. 8-11)