When 22-month-old Caleylla Aris toddled into a playroom at Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women & Children, her face beamed as soon as she saw a table of colorful felt puppets awaiting her.

The young leukemia patient from Waipahu, who had her intravenous pole in tow, went straight for a happy-faced bunny donning a red bow tie. It was a handmade creation from Pat Yoshikawa, a Salt Lake resident in her early 70s.

"I feel that all our efforts were worth it, just to see her smile," said Yoshikawa, her eyes fixed on the little girl playing with her new friend.

Yoshikawa and her mother, Margaret Chu, 94, are volunteers who create puppets for the young patients at Kapi'olani and its Child Life Program.

The women are privy to the power of puppet play — from educational advantages at home to healing benefits in the hospital.

"We tell families that play promotes an increased sense of mastery, control, positive self-concept, as well as facilitates self-expression," said Robyn Chow-Hoy, lead child life specialist at Kapi'olani. Such specialists, who serve children who enter the hospital, encourage play and parent-child interaction at the bedside, provide opportunities for play and exploration, and have made makeshift play areas in patients' rooms.

"It is vital for social, emotional and intellectual development," Chow-Hoy said.

Yoshikawa, a retired school teacher of more than 30 years, knows first-hand how puppets can be used as a learning tool for children.

"It helps with their language development," Yoshikawa said.

When children use puppets to read or write stories, it builds their vocabulary, comprehension and overall reading skills, she said.

"It also helps fuel their imagination," Yoshikawa said, developing their creativity when they make up roles and situations.

Playing with puppets can help children communicate better — improving listening and speaking skills — as well as expand their social skills.

"Some children may not be able to voice their opinions, fears or emotions, but are able to through their puppets," she said. This can help a child overcome shyness and build confidence.

Chow-Hoy also touted the healing aspects of puppet play, especially for hospitalized children.

"We often use puppets or special medical play dolls to help us teach or prepare children for events they will experience during a procedure," Chow-Hoy said.

It's a way for specialists to introduce children to materials and equipment that may cause the children stress.

"This type of play allows them the opportunity to express their feelings and at the same time, learn about their illness and how to cope with treatments," Chow-Hoy said.

Since volunteering with the Kapi'olani Krafters Guild 15 years ago, Yoshikawa and Chu have created about 2,500 puppets for Kapi'olani's patients. And they don't plan on stopping anytime soon.

"This is food for their brain," Yoshikawa said.