Just So Stories

Walker Books Australia

ISBN13:9781406391619

Australia RRP:$24.99

New Zealand RRP:$27.99

David Almond‘s Skellig is a book that has always stood out among the thousands I’ve read over the past 60 odd years. The magical realism, the sheer beauty of the characters and their actions, and the undeniable urgency to turn the page all make for just a memorable read. Puppet evokes precisely the same emotions in me.

There is a naivety about both Puppet and his creator, Silvester, that is immediately endearing as we follow their remarkable journey together. Their meeting with Fleur and Antonia, which brings Silvester’s puppetry full circle, is the sort of happenchance that makes for beautiful and moving stories. Silvester’s passing on his knowledge and skills to an already imaginative and creative Fleur creates an enduring legacy that will be cherished by even more audiences.

Silvester is a lonely widower, who used to both make and show puppets with his wife Belinda, for whom he still grieves. Their shows were well-known and treasured by all who saw them and are still talked of years later. The book opens with Silvester donating his puppets, props and other memorabilia to the museum. While he is sad, he is also pleased that his contribution will be recognised and valued.

The memories of his past life stir him to create one last puppet, and using bits and pieces of different ages, woods and previous creations, Puppet is born. I say born, because, rather than just being assembled, it is clear to Silvester as he wakes up, still at his workbench after working late into the night, that somehow Puppet has become a living creature.

This is Geppetto and Pinocchio for a whole new era, and Carlo Collodi would be, I am sure, thrilled to see a new incarnation of the idea of a lonely old man and the son he never had. Silvester’s patience with Puppet is tender and moving, and the townsfolk’s acceptance of the strange-looking little boy equally so. When the pair encounter Fleur and her mother, their tiny family is extended.

I loved every word of this, and certainly every nuance with the themes of love, creation, legacy, imperfections and acceptance. Lizzy Stewart’s emotive drawings capture the essence of Puppet and his family beautifully.

This one has earned its own place in my heart, right alongside Skellig. I would encourage you to share this with your readers and show them the beauty of it. Readers from around 10 years would be the most fully appreciative IMO. I can give it no higher recommendation ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐… and all I can to say finish off is ‘Jam’. For interest, you may enjoy this article about the real story behind Collodi’s Pinocchio (NOT the Disney version!).

Photo credit: Lizzy Stewart