It’s been years since I read one of Kate DiCamillo’s juvenile books. I read and loved her debut, Because of Winn-Dixie. I couldn’t resist her first Newbery Award-winning novel, The Tale of Despereaux. And, I’ll admit I picked up her new book, The Puppets of Spelhorst because I follow her on Facebook, and love her stories of her encounters with young readers. This latest book is about story, and it’s the first Norendy Tale, an original fairy tale. Each book will be illustrated by a different artist. Julie Morstad is the illustrator of this book.
Once upon a time, there was an old sea captain. He was all alone in the world, and, occasionally, when the weather was good, he would wander around town. One day, he ended up at a toy shop where he was captivated by a puppet hanging in the window. He wanted to buy the girl puppet who reminded him of a lost love, but the clerk said five puppets came together as a set, and he wouldn’t sell just one. There was a king with a crown, a wolf with sharp teeth, the girl with violet eyes,, a cloak and a shepherd’s crook, a boy with a quiver and arrows, and an owl with real feathers. The clerk said the puppets were all in a story, so they were to be sold together.
The book is divided into three acts, perfect for a performance from puppets. The Puppets of Spelhorst is about dreams and wishes, adventures, and, most important, stories. It’s about songs, and setting out in the world with everything unexpected that comes with that journey. And, as some of the puppets suggest, it might just break your heart, and put it together again.
Kate DiCamillo’s website is https://www.katedicamillo.com/
The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo. Candlewick Press, 2023. ISBN 9781536216752 (hardcover), 161p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I bought a copy of the book.
