DALLAS — Carmel The Dog learned he had a purpose, while Zoe, who could not read, vowed to learn and teach others during “Making a Masterpiece” at the Back Mountain Memorial Library on Aug. 10.

Carmel and Zoe were only two of four characters puppeteer Susan Klein brought with her to share with 49 children and 26 adults at an hour-long performance at the Children’s Library.

Susan Klein and a Family of Friends presentation was funded by a memorial donation from Cheryl L. Miskiel in memory of Miskiel’s mother ,Shirley Goode. Klein’s performance was developed around the library’s summer reading program theme, “Build a Better World.”

Each puppet shared a story that stressed the message “by studying, reading and doing their best they can build a masterpiece and create a better world,” she said.

Puppet Grandpa Harry, who is hard of hearing, told the audience about his experience of building a library in his little town.

He also read a story about Benjamin Franklin who built the first public library.

Eight-year-old Cody Bartos volunteered to be Benjamin Franklin and Hannah Wilson, 11, portrayed the first librarian, Lewis Timothy, in a skit for the audience.

Puppet Carly shared her big dream of becoming a singer to win a competition in a week.

Carly learned about the hard work and practice required to master the skill of singing and decided her talent was in art.

“She had to understand you need to lay a foundation built on reading and studying first before you can build a better world,” Klein said.

Puppet Carmel The Dog was sad because he did not believe he could create a masterpiece. His attitude changed after Klein explained about service canines who help children feel comfortable reading out loud by allowing them to read to a dog.

He felt he was capable of the job, Klein said of Carmel.

At the end of the program, each child received a bookmarker to remind them to keep reading and learning and create a better world.

Susan Klein talks with her puppet Zoe during the ‘Making a Masterpiece’ program at the Back Mountain Memorial Library. The program was made possible by a memorial donation in memory of Shirley Goode.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_TDP082017masterpiece1.jpg.optimal.jpgSusan Klein talks with her puppet Zoe during the ‘Making a Masterpiece’ program at the Back Mountain Memorial Library. The program was made possible by a memorial donation in memory of Shirley Goode. Aimee Dilger | Dallas Post

Puppeteer Susan Klein talks with Grandpa Harry about his experience of building a library in his town at the Back Mountain Memorial Library on Aug. 10.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_TDP082017masterpiece2.jpg.optimal.jpgPuppeteer Susan Klein talks with Grandpa Harry about his experience of building a library in his town at the Back Mountain Memorial Library on Aug. 10. Aimee Dilger | Dallas Post

Five-year-old Abigail Mace enjoys puppeteer Susan Klein and a Family of Friends puppet show at the Back Mountain Memorial Library.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_TDP082017masterpiece3.jpg.optimal.jpgFive-year-old Abigail Mace enjoys puppeteer Susan Klein and a Family of Friends puppet show at the Back Mountain Memorial Library. Aimee Dilger | Dallas Post

Six-year-old James and his 4-year-old sister Evelyn Rakos laugh at the puppet show at the Back Mountain Memorial Library.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_TDP082017masterpiece4.jpg.optimal.jpgSix-year-old James and his 4-year-old sister Evelyn Rakos laugh at the puppet show at the Back Mountain Memorial Library. Aimee Dilger | Dallas Post

Forty-nine children came to watch Susan Klein and a Family of Friends puppet show at the Back Mountain Memorial Library in Dallas.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_TDP082017masterpiece5.jpg.optimal.jpgForty-nine children came to watch Susan Klein and a Family of Friends puppet show at the Back Mountain Memorial Library in Dallas. Aimee Dilger | Dallas Post

Cody Bartos, 8, who volunteeted to be Ben Franklin and Hannah Wilson, 11, portrayed Lewis Timothy, who was the first librarian, perform a skit under the direction of Susan Klein at the Back Mountain Memorial Library.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_TDP082017masterpiece6.jpg.optimal.jpgCody Bartos, 8, who volunteeted to be Ben Franklin and Hannah Wilson, 11, portrayed Lewis Timothy, who was the first librarian, perform a skit under the direction of Susan Klein at the Back Mountain Memorial Library. Aimee Dilger | Dallas Post
Puppeteer Susan Klein and Family of Friends visit library

By Eileen Godin

egodin@timesleader.com

Reach Eileen Godin at 570-991-6387 or on Twitter @TLNews.