Writing in the tradition of Pinocchio, Hans Christian Anderson Award winner David Almond brings his ineffable touch to a warm and wistful story that shows anything is possible with imagination and trust.“You’re a mystery, aren’t you, Puppet? But isn’t everything a mystery? Not just you, but every single thing that exists.”What should a puppet master do when he’s old and alone and all his puppets are gone? Silvester decides to make one last puppet. But this one is different. When the old man speaks to him, Puppet speaks back. And then he starts to walk . . . While Silvester shows Puppet the town, the playground, and other wonders the world holds, Puppet in turn helps Silvester to make a new friend and share his puppet-making skills with the next generation. With themes of compassion and creativity, threaded with David Almond’s inimitable humor, this wonder-filled story of creation and the circle of life, illustrated with wordless black-and-white spreads by award-winning artist Lizzy Stewart, is destined to become a modern-day classic.
Lizzy Stewart is a British illustrator and author currently based in London. She has written and illustrated various books for children and adults. Her debut full-length illustrated novel Alison was published in 2022. She teaches illustration at Goldsmiths University and has also taught courses on behalf of the National Portrait Gallery.
David Almond is wonderful author who can capture the magic and wonder within his stories while exploring deeper emotions within characters but in a gentle and subtle way.
Puppet could be seen as a retelling of Pinocchio but it doesn't necessarily feel that way. Silvester is a puppet maker and widowed- he has a reputation with his wife for creating some of the most beautiful puppets and shows in the area so much so the local museum want to exhibit his creations.
One final time at making a puppet he finds he has created a life like character who he simply calls Puppet. But Puppet is no ordinary creation; he begins to walk and make some attempts at communicating.
Silvester's affection for Puppet grows and he takes him out into the local community- Puppet becomes known as Kenneth. Puppet's naivety places him in danger and little incidents arise.
Whilst walking, Silvester and Kenneth meet Fleur and her mum Antonia- a friendship forms and soon Fleur becomes an "apprentice" of Silvester learning how. to create puppets and finally leading up to a public performance- all the time Silvester getting more and more tired.
This is a tale about love- for one another; love -for the pleasure doing something you enjoy; love - for sharing enthusiasm and knowledge. The ending is very moving
This is a perfect longer read for 7-10 year olds - a gentle plot - accessible vocabulary-with depth. A wonderful year 3/4 class read where the listeners still have that magic inside to believe but also can gently explore issues about life and death in an undramatic way.
Highly recommended also as a beautiful bedtime read. A charming winner
This one took me back to my librarian days of reading children’s books nominated for the Carnegie Medal as David Almond was always in the frame. This one is a sensitively written inspirational tale, perhaps a little mournful but not without hope. Also lovingly illustrated with line drawings by Lizzy Stewart.
David Almond is such a brilliant writer that with each book you think ‘well surely he can’t get better than this story’ but he always smashes this idea. Puppet is a touching, magical tale about the circle of life and taking pleasure in the smallest of details. Lizzy Stewart’s illustrations are just a joy making this book a thing to treasure and share with others who will love it too.
It's a gentle, comforting, & hopeful read about an elderly puppet maker who never stops illuminating the lives of others, even after his lifetime of joyous work seems finished & left for a museum. There's always the reassurance that there's room for a new dream.
I absolutely loved this book! It is definitely one of my favourite books that I have read this year, as it was so heartwarming and wonderful. My favourite character (although I liked all f them) was Puppet (a.k.a Kenneth) as he was so cute and super ambitious. I loved how it was about an old puppeteer who was looking back in his magical, puppet-filled life, and how the books theme was puppets, as puppets are quite unique topics for books. It took me on a rollercoaster of emotions, and I am so glad that I chose to read this book. I think anyone who is 8 or over should read this book.
What worked: The book’s tone is reminiscent of old children’s books or fairy tales. An old puppeteer named Silvester donates his old puppets to a museum and thinks back to happy times traveling and performing with his deceased wife Belinda. He makes one last puppet from scrap parts and that’s when the magic slowly begins. The author’s subtle descriptions of the puppet cause Silvester and readers to suspect it might be coming to life. The author uses the story to share thoughts on aging, friendship, and the wonders of imagination. The puppet, later called Kenneth, provides plenty of fodder for readers to use their imaginations. Kenneth is sometimes unresponsive to Silvester so readers will wonder what’s really happening with him. His vocabulary consists of “EO” and “Jam” until he adds two significant words late in the book. Those are the two main sounds Kenneth uses when he chooses to respond to others so readers are left to imagine what he might be trying to say. What does Kenneth think when he's looking at a cat, clouds in the sky, or a car or when the old man tries to teach him about other music or love? They meet a friendly little girl in the park named Fleur and she quickly befriends Kenneth. Fleur has a revelation midway through the plot that alters the rest of the book. The most magical aspect of the book is the author’s artful mastery of the English language. The text sounds very simple and basic but the words generate an abundance of deep thinking. Different sentence lengths create suspense, amusement, or thoughtful reflection. A sense of community is felt from the characters’ interactions with compassion and caring for one another. Fondness for past memories and experiences gives rise to hope and inspiration for the future. What didn’t work as well: Some readers might not like the simplicity of the story or it might make them think too much. I don’t share those concerns and found the whole book very charming. The final verdict: This heartwarming tale will touch the full gamut of reader emotions. Silvester finds a new purpose in his life and his positivity is contagious. This book will appeal to lovers of skillful writing and the power of creativity and I highly recommend you give it a shot!
The elderly Silvester spent years performing with his wife Belinda, and traveling with Silvester's Magic Puppet show. Now, in the autumn of his years, he is donating all of his puppets and sets to a museum. He retains his workshop in the attic, and creates a puppet one night who seems to come alive. Puppet learns to walk, talk, and eat jam sandwiches. When Silvester takes him out to the park, he starts to call him "Kenneth". The two meet young Fleur, who invites them to visit her at Crow Hall, the cottage she shares with her mother. Soon, Silvester and Kenneth are meeting other people in the town, from the owner of the local cake shop, to men who remember seeing the puppet show as children. Everyone treat the puppet, who only has three fingers on each hand, like a real child, but one who might have some challenges. When Silvester visits Fleur and meets her mother, Antonia, he finds that she was the one who sent a small puppet, Claude, to him years ago. It's good that Silvester has this new friend after he sleeps for three days straight; at least someone checks on him. Fleur shows an interest in making puppets, and a new puppet show is planned. Everyone shows up to this big event, and exclaims how beautiful and wonderful it is, but afterwards, Silvester goes home and passes away. Puppet goes to live with Fleur, but his life force slowly drains, and he eventually flies away into the sky.
This had a very British feel to it, with the small town and the public puppet shows, and was similar to other Almond titles. It also reminded me a bit of DiCamillo's The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, or her more recent The Puppets of Spellhorst series. This seemed a bit young to me, so I won't be buying it, but if doll or puppet stories work well with your students, definitely take a look.
Puppet is a chapter book for kids, written by David Almond, and illustrated by Lizzy Stewart. The story introduces us to Silvester, who was a puppeteer and used to put on incredible shows with the puppets he made. One day, he is reminiscing over the past and decides to make a new puppet. The puppet turns to life and Silvester takes it around town.
My first thought is that it’s a very simple book to read. I’m sure that a lot of kids will have an easy time of it. There’s a lot of simple words and scenes which are fairly easy to understand. The book description says it’s “Writing in the tradition of Pinocchio”, so it’s clear that it was sort of based on the old tale. And the writing does reflect that; the general plot at the beginning feels very reminiscent of Pinocchio. For me, I felt like it’s a kind of sad book. A lot of the initial stages of the book are indicating how lonely the protagonist is, and how his mind is stuck on the past, what he has done. Even throughout the rest of the story, there’s a little girl who he tries to teach puppetry to, and it’s meant to be an uplifting moment that she has an excitement for it. But there’s just something about the way it’s written that makes it feel really sad, in my opinion. Especially towards the end of the book. It’s an okay book in general. But… To be blunt, I just wasn’t excited by it and I didn’t particularly enjoy it much.
There were little comic sections, to show displays of what was going on. The art was pretty good. I enjoyed the artist’s style and felt they provided a good show of the scenes. I think there was a good use of linework and shading.
Overall, it’s a mediocre book. Though it does feel somewhat unoriginal at points. The real shining point of the book is the illustration work, which was brilliantly done. Other than that, I don’t think it’s a book that I would read again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Heartfelt Almond story about purpose, death and taking enjoyment in life.
A very whimsical and bittersweet traditional-feeling tale.
An aging puppeteer, Sylvester, has sold his puppets, sets and memories to a museum. With his beloved wife dead and an empty-feeling home, he clearly feels isolated and down.
But in making one last puppet, almost instinctively, Sylvester finds something in life to enjoy and as a way to make new connections. For his wooden toy becomes sentient.
And of course, Sylvester takes little Puppet outside, to the park, to see the world.
A new fairy tale emerges, as Puppet helps his maker to see how his life isn't over because his life's work is no longer there. A little girl taking a liking to his little friend and curious about puppets and puppet-making gives him new purpose and enjoyment. And from there he also sees his own life's work and worth.
Puppet (later called Kenneth) says very little (mostly "Jam!") and has no character development, but his mere existence affects those around him. The illustrations show his simple construction and innocence, the comic strips furthering the narrative with simple black and white pencil drawings.
It's a simple story but oh so moving. Maybe as much for adults as children. Could be a little upsetting at the end for younger readers but the conclusion does end with warmth as well as the expected sad event.
For ages 8-12.
With thanks to Walker Books for providing a sample reading copy.
💫 Silvester es un titiritero que durante toda su vida a trabajado con marionetas y ahora en su vejez todas sus marionetas son llevadas a un museo por lo que decide crear un último muñeco pero no se parecerá a las que había creado antes.
Si hablamos de forma general, podría decir que es una historia bonita y con unos personajes entrañables y a los que se les coge cariño. Además de tener unas bonitas ilustraciones. Las relaciones que hay en la historia son sobre todo la del titiritero con la marioneta, co
Pero si nos centramos más, nada más empezar va a ser inevitable que compares esta historia con un cuento infantil que todos conocemos y es que tiene muchas cosas parecidas. Después, la historia se desarrolla de manera diferente y ese desarrollo, si tengo que pensar para el público al que está destinado, creo que es muy lento y muy repetitivo, no es una historia que enganche y atrape. Quizás haya que ver más allá de un simple cuento y ver las relaciones que se forman en la historia, la del titiritero y su marioneta para evitar la soledad y la tristeza y la de la niña y el titiritero donde verá una luz de esperanza para ese trabajo al que dedicó tantos años.
Me gusta leer libros juveniles de vez en cuando y es que hoy en día, hay algunos súper bonitos.
Puppet by David Almond is a beautiful tale of an aging puppet master, Sylvester, who hasn’t made or put on any shows in many years, that is until a museum wants to showcase his work and write a book about him to be sold at the museum alongside the exhibition.
This new interest in his work makes him sad that all of his puppets are no longer in his home but joyful that he has started to feel more like his younger self and ready to create and create he does a little wooden boy who teaches Sylvester that he still has so much life left to live.
I love this book. It is like a big hug in a book. It is so heartwarming that I didn’t want to put it down. Also, the puppet is just that, he becomes so much more to Sylvester and it was so adorable to see someone’s spark for life return.
There are black and white illustrations throughout that capture the plot perfectly and help the reader envisage each chapter.
Overall, I can’t emphasise how amazing Puppet is. Hopefully it will be loved just as much by many middle-grade readers too.
David Almond's stories do not fail to intrigue and show what special meaning one can find when imagining intriguing relationships. Puppet tells of older master puppeteer Silvester, who, in some surprising moments, decides to make one final puppet. What happens after that is both a magical and a loving story. Not only does this puppet offer a last hurrah for Sylvester, but it lets him pass his knowledge on to a new generation of puppeteers. They will continue his legacy and bring that joy to others, as he and his late wife did. It's the sweetest story, one that would be lovely to read aloud to a group. Lizzy Stewart adds a few entertaining illustrations throughout. Thanks to Walker Books for my copy.
Sylvester feels like his time is ending, he has inspired children for decades with his wondrous puppets but he’s becoming someone of the past. One last bit of magic is on the cards for a little girl and for himself when Puppet arrives to brighten their spirits.
David Almond has created a lovable story with adorable illustrations from Lizzy Stewart. It not only brings a smile to the reader and yet tugs at our heart strings as the connections deepen for Sylvester and Fleur.
A sweet story to help your heart grow a few sizes.
I received an early copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
A sweet story of an older puppeteer that has retired from the life of puppetry after his wife’s passing. Silvester decides to give all his puppets away to a local museum, but feels the spark to create one more puppet. This puppet is special and speaks back to Silvester in simple words. Igniting a spark inside the old man, he decides to take his puppet around town to show him the world. Along the way he meets a new girl that may be the answer to continuing the magic of puppetry. A modern twist on a beloved classic. It was heart-warming and the ending got me teary eyed but it was also was a good fit for the end of the book.
I have to admit I was bored almost from the beginning of this book. It has a strong Pinocchio vibe and from fairly early on in the story, I guessed the general ending. As I attempt to look at it from a child's interest level, I don't find many elements that would be engaging. The story is filled with musings and dialogue that don't speak to a child's level of connection and the story moves so slowly that it would be hard even as a read-aloud.
I quite liked this. Is it a strict retelling of Pinochio? No, not really. But it is a wonderful story about a puppet and a puppet master and is told by the author himself, which made it all the more wonderful. I loved how the craft was passed on from master to apprentice, and the magic that seemed to be weaved in all throughout the story. The discussion of the world as a sweet was fantastic. I would recommend this short middle-grade book to anyone who likes fantasy.
This was extremely boring. My eight year old picked it out, and it took us two full months to finish it before bed. He never wanted to read it, but also didn't want to stop. He says he liked it and seemed engaged while I read so two stars, but it was so dull. He's letting me pick our next book and I was careful to not show my boredom! Ha. Obviously I wasn't the target audience, but as a teacher I usually enjoy a lot of children's books. Not so this time.
This book really pulled at my heartstrings. This is my favourite among all the books written by the author. Maybe it is because I am a bit like the old man in the story, old and alone. Half way through the book and I was already in tears.
The language used in the story is not that difficult but the message behind the story is a bit deep, so this might be better for UKS2 students.
David Almond has such a magic way with words. From my days of teaching his classic book Skellig to my new students all the way up to this, his newest release, there is always something special about his writing.
Puppet is a joy filled uplifting tale of family, friendship and never giving up on your dreams that will be loved and adored by all those who read it.
A modern tale inspired by the classic Pinocchio. Sylvester makes one last puppet and he comes alive. He takes him to the park and then to see the neighborhood as a short rethinking of life and wonder. The interaction with the community is very interesting. The cleverness of children, the humorous scene with the mother, the memories of a past good and bad. JAM!
I ended up not finishing this one, because I was getting a little bored, and living puppets kind of creep me out anyway. The writing reminded me a lot of Kate DiCamillo, which is no surprise coming from an author of the caliber of David Almond. I would say it's for kids younger than ten, so a bit young for the students at my school. Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the audiobook.
Children's book, read by the author. English accent, he has, that it even more wonderful. A lovely story about a puppet maker and his life. It does have a wonderful and emotional story line that is more for adults than children. But none the less, a great book for a child. It was three hours long.
This book, from my all-time favourite author, was just beautiful. Wonderful illustrations and a perfect yet highly emotional tale. The magic of storytelling with great characters told so well! Loved it.
I enjoyed the book but at the same time it also moved at a very slow pace, talking quite a long time to get to the point, despite that there are some really beautiful parts of the book( some of which are the incredible illustrations).
Evie and I listened to this on audio and it was soooooo good. It’s read by the author and with his accent and the voice he did for Puppet- it was just magical. We both even cried a little. A lovely book.