Puppet, by David Almond

 

A puppet comes to life in this sweet and sad story.

Silvester is a retired puppet maker. He has recently sent off his collection of puppets to be archived in a museum. He is also bereaved, having lost his wife Belinda who was his partner in the puppet business. They used to do shows together for children. But that wonderful time has passed. One day Silvester decides to make a new puppet in his attic. To his surprise the puppet shows signs of life and becomes animated. Simply named “Puppet”, he walks and repeats the word “jam” after Silvester tries to feed him toast. Silvester nervously takes Puppet to the local park, where he gets into a few scrapes, but also meets the sympathetic young girl, Fleur, and her mother Antonia. It turns out Antonia and Silvester have a prior connection, an enthusiasm for puppets which Fleur has inherited. Even though Silvester may have officially retired his puppets, he is pleased to see his passion live on through the young girl. 

Acclaimed children’s writer David Almond’s new novel Puppet finds its obvious inspiration in Pinocchio, yet he develops his story further into a sensitive meditation on friendship, creativity and grief. With illustrations by Lizzy Stewart.

For readers 8+

Puppet, by David Almond. Published by Walker Books. $24.99

OCT 24