TOY THEATERS

In the ``Fresh Start'' series, instructions for using decorated paper and cardboard to make several styles of theaters for stick puppets or other small figures: a peep show, a diorama- style Nativity scene, a box theater for finger puppets, a shadow theater, and more. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, as are the accompanying color photos. Readers are warned of fire hazards with cellophane (theatrical lighting gel is the suggested alternate), though there are no cautions about the knives necessary for many of the projects (scissors won't achieve the results shown). ``A brief history of toy theaters'' describes their extensive use and popularity in the last century. An attractive manual, introducing a craft with limitless creative possibilities. Brief list of museums and other sources, mostly in New York City; index. (Nonfiction. 8-12)