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The Puppets of Spelhorst

The Puppets of Spelhorst
4.0
A New York Times bestseller! “Kate DiCamillo's dazzling first title in the Norendy Tales trilogy is brimming with wit, whimsy, and heart as it follows five puppets fulfilling their thrilling shared destiny.” – Shelf Awareness Shut up in a trunk by a taciturn old sea captain with a secret, five friends—a king, a wolf, a girl, a boy, and an owl—bicker, boast, and comfort one another in the dark. Individually, they dream of song and light, freedom and flight, purpose and glory, but they all agree they are part of a larger story, bound each to each by chance, bonded by the heart’s mysteries. When at last their shared fate arrives, landing them on a mantel in a blue room in the home of two little girls, the truth is more astonishing than any of them could have imagined. A beloved author of modern classics draws on her most moving themes with humor, heart, and wisdom in the first of the Norendy Tales, a projected trio of novellas linked by place and mood, each illustrated in black and white by a different virtuoso illustrator. A magical and beautifully packaged gift volume designed to be read aloud and shared, The Puppets of Spelhorst is a tale that soothes and strengthens us on our journey, leading us through whatever dark forest we find ourselves in. Read more

Reviews

A
A.I. GENERATED REVIEW
4.0
Kate DiCamillo's fairy-tale-like novel gives a group of puppets distinct voices and desires, then uses their journey to consider freedom, identity, friendship, storytelling, and what it means to belong. The elegant prose and folkloric atmosphere suit independent readers roughly eight to twelve, as well as adults reading aloud who enjoy discussing multiple perspectives. Its chief strength is the unusual ensemble: even small observations contribute to a larger meditation on agency and companionship. The pacing is contemplative rather than action-heavy, and readers expecting a conventional fast-moving quest may find the philosophical tone slow.