Published by Candlewick

Summary:  The old sea captain Spelhorst just wanted to buy the girl puppet, who reminded him of a lost love, but the five puppets were a set, so he ended up with the king, the wolf, the boy, and the owl as well.  After his death, they’re sold and wind up in a home with two little girls and their maid.  While the oldest girl is writing a puppet show, the puppets somewhat inadvertently have some amazing adventures.  Finally, it’s time for the show, and they are gathered together again.  They perform a magical story that has repercussions beyond the show, with an unexpected twist at the end paves the way for a sequel.  160 pages; grades 2-5.

Pros:  Kate DiCamillo uses her gifts of storytelling to create fascinating and distinctive human and puppet characters that convey messages that readers will take long after they finish reading the story. Julie Morstad’s illustrations help bring the characters to life.

Cons:  I know I’m in a tiny minority, but I’m not a big Kate DiCamillo fan.  Her language never feels very kid friendly to me.  I would hands-down choose Dogtown as a book recommendation for this age group over this book.