Parents' Guide to

The Puppets of Spelhorst: A Norendy Tale

By Mary Eisenhart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Whimsical, heart-filled fantasy series off to a great start.

Book Kate DiCamillo Fairy Tale 2023
The Puppets of Spelhorst book cover: Five puppets -- an owl, a boy, a girl, a king, and a wolf -- sit together on a ledge of some sort

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What's the Story?

THE PUPPETS OF SPELHORST -- an owl, a wolf, a king, a boy with a bow and arrows, and a girl with a shepherd's crook -- hang in a shop window in the land of Norendy. One day a sad old sea captain spots them in the window and wants to buy the girl, who looks just like his long-lost love. But no, says the clerk, the puppets make a story, and they have to stay together. Reluctantly, the old man, Spelhorst by name, agrees, takes them all home, is overcome by sorrow and regret, and dies of a broken heart. The puppets, who up to now haven't seen much of the world, are soon coping with quite a lot beyond their control as they're slung in a box, sold to the musical rag-and-bone man, then purchased as a gift for two little girls. They're determined to stick together -- but between a hawk, a fox, a housemaid, and other hazards -- it's not always up to them.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Readers will find sweetness, humor, and whimsy galore in this tale of a puppet girl, boy, king, wolf, and owl, their many adventures, the lives they change, and the promise of more in the series. Kate DiCamillo is in top form, weaving an imaginative, funny, suspenseful and heart-filled tale of love, loss, perseverance, and the power of storytelling. Julie Morstad's appealingly quirky, detailed drawings bring to life not just The Puppets of Spelhorst, but also the Victorianesque setting and the people, predators, and others they meet along the way as their story unfolds -- with many heart-stopping twists and quirky surprises. Take, for instance, the boy's abduction by a hawk, who realizes he is not living, terrified prey and drops him from a great height, and the boy goes tumbling, head over heels down through the air. Or, when a character ditches her job and steals the puppets -- which her ex-employers seem to think is a great story, but may be setting up events for future installments. This cozy, satisfying fairy tale will enchant readers young and old, while whetting appetites for more.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about stories and storytelling, which are important themes in The Puppets of Spelhorst. Are stories important to you? Have you ever made up your own? What were they about?

  • Did you ever receive a gift you really liked, that became a big part of your life? What was it, and what did you do?

  • Have you ever found yourself in an unexpected situation, and had to make the best of it? What happened?

  • Which puppets and characters demonstrate the character strengths of curiosity, empathy, and perseverance? How do their different strengths help them as a team?

Book Details

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