The Puppet Wrangler

by Vicki Grant

Telly Mercer is shy and quiet, used to living in the shadow of her older sister, Bess. Then she finds herself on the set of a puppet show, staying out of the way of her overstressed aunt Kathleen. One evening she makes a surprising discovery that launches her on an adventure with an unpredictable and angry puppet.

Genres: Canada

Library Binding

First published March 1, 2004

About the author

After a long and messy adolescence, Vicki Grant stumbled into writing. She worked her way up from 30-second ads to 30-minute television scripts to full-length novels. She's written sixteen young adult, middle-grade and high-low novels. Her most recent YA novel, 36 Questions That Changed My Mind About You, has been published worldwide in over twenty territories.. Vicki lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Juvenile (2006): Quid Pro Quo
Red Maple Award: Not Suitable For Family Viewing
CBC Young Canada Reads: The Puppet Wrangler.

Reviews

[molly ☆]

yet another silver birch blast from the past!

[Rebecca Mckenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be surprisingly pretty good and funny too. Recommended for ages 9-14, I think kids will appreciate the imagination and hilarity in the story. Telly is sent to Toronto to stay with her aunt while her parents deal with her older sister's antics. Kathleen, Telly's aunt, produces a kids puppet show and it turns out that Bitsie (the Puppet) is alive and Telly is the only one who knows. Bitsie is Telly's only true friend in Toronto talks her into doing some pretty crazy things and Telly is left to fix up all the mishaps

[LisaRose · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's so much to discuss about a psychotic, abusive, potty~mouthed, puppet with an inferiority complex and mechanism issues, where does one begin? Bitsie the puppet is alive, insane, and makes Telly's life as hellacious as her older sister Bess did before Telly was shipped away for the summer. In one madcap adventure after another, Telly finds out who she really is, and how she fits in a world of misfits.

This is one I will read again.

[Ghi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very imaginative and creative. A very interesting read, although I can see why it may leave potential young readers scarred. If they believe that their toys will start walking around and talking to them, that is a problem.

Apart from that, a very enjoyable book for all age groups.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really odd.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was in grade 6 when I read this and I thought it was creepy because I don't like clowns and marionettes so it wasn't a favourite. I was reading it for Silver Birch Award voting

[Shawn Bird · Rating 2 out of 5]

What an odd premise.

There were some very wonderful characters here, and I would liked to have seen more from the parallel sister relationships.

But. Hmm.

It was okay.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best books ive ever read. it doesnt have the best cover but its an AMAZING book!

[Happycatz · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun book