Karen’s Shows and Workshops


  • Enhance your language arts program


  • Nurture children’s creativity
  • Encourage budding artists and writers
  • Boost your intake of Vitamin L (Laughter!)

1. Inspiring Young Readers, Writers, and Illustrators

            Karen has authored and/or illustrated numerous Jewish children’s books.  Better than that, Karen is a ventriloquist.  She and her puppet, Zelda, the Bird, team up to illuminate the way books are made, using Karen’s books as examples.  They answer all kinds of questions like “Where do you get your ideas?” to “What are Royalties?”
(For Jewish Schools (Grades K-8)
2.  Storytelling Performances
            Karen is funny, but her puppet is funnier.  Enjoy their entertaining re-telling of favorite stories, lavishly illustrated with Karen’s cartoons.  Children participate actively in the story-telling.  Most have never seen a ventriloquist and are bursting with questions for and about the puppet.
General Audiences (Grades N-2)
3.  How to Be a Ventriloquist and Basic Puppet Making Workshop

           Ventriloquism is a fascinating art.  Karen and her puppet help children make their own simple puppets and then teach the basic techniques of making them talk.  Kids will wonder who’s doing the talking.  Great fun for everyone!
General Audiences (Grades 3-5)
4.  Zelda, the Bird, Teaches How to Draw Animals
           Puppets may have no opposable thumbs, but that doesn’t stop Karen’s puppet, Zelda, the Bird, from demonstrating her famous drawing techniques to young children.  Children can use what they learn to draw any animal they like - elephant, penguin, giraffe or maybe even hippo—using basic shapes.  Zelda will tickle the fancy of young artists.
General Audiences (Grades N-2)
5.  Dorothy Does Bingo

           Dorothy is a cantankerous, opinionated senior citizen and former aerobics teacher.  She loves Bingo and running the show.  Invite her to your next senior event, teacher luncheon or evening bash.  She’s sure to keep you laughing, maybe playing Bingo, and enjoying the moment-to-moment commentary on life, love, and politics in the retirement lane.  Shows can be catered to your organization’s needs.  (Just don’t ask Dorothy to do the cooking!)
General Audiences (Adults)

Bring Karen Ostrove and her puppet friends to your school, Y, camp or organization!
Contact Karen and her puppets  at:  k.ostrove@att.net