Martin, Judith. Out of the Bag: The Paper Bag Players Book of Plays. Hyperion, 2000. ISBN 0-7868-1061-0. $13.95. 48 pp. A K-5 Reviewed by Mindy Boam A collection of seven short scripts by the Paper Bag Players is presented in this book, along with ideas for costumes and props. Famous for their usage of paper bags and cardboard, the Paper Bag Players put out this book so that children could put on plays of their own quickly and inexpensively. The plays are all short, averaging a page and a half each. They are based on a variety of topics, ranging from getting lost in the mall to taking a bath. The plays are all simple and fun. If you are looking for a play with instructive elements, however, you will not find it in this collection. For example,”Lost in the Mall” is about a family getting separated in the mall. When they find each other, instead of making it a learning experience to teach the audience what to do in such a situation, the Mother says,”Never mind. We're all together now.” The collection does afford children the opportunity to put on a show of their own.
