Prime junior melancholia, as five puppets, resplendent with real hair in the case of the king, and real feathers for the owl, find that despite them being promised great potential and the chance of something wonderful, also find they are lacking something wonderful and important – agency. While they have been made aware that they could enter a fabulous story, they get shunted from pillar to post first, and find the wait for their wishes to come true just far too long.

Or they don't, for they feature in this story, which is pretty fabulous at times. Written in a very nicely pared back and succinct manner, the tale easily establishes family-like relationships with each other for the puppets, but we can also care for their owners as well, especially as we slowly see things tie together and elements of the story get revealed.

This is clever stuff, for it could have been meta – "hey, kids, look – the story they wanted to be in was this one, aren't I a great writer?!" – but reins that in. It's a gentle pleasure, well presented with notable illustrations, and the fact there is at least one sequel is only good news. There's a timeless charm here that can only last, and can only impress. Four and a half stars.

I was given a PDF that I can't read and it's already expired so I can't review this, but I have to put something or my NetGalley ratio will never hit 100% sorry. I also have to leave a rating.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this early copy of The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo. This is the most beautiful story wrapped up in the most stunning visual way. A perfect winter read!

Is there anything prettier and cosier than a compact, philosophical tale accompanied by beautiful artwork? That’s exactly what I wanted from this stunning cover and I’m really glad that I got the chance to curl up with it one weekend morning.

Five puppets -a boy, a girl, a king, an owl and a wolf- are shut in a trunk owned by a sea captain and each have an individual dream. However, they know that they are all part of the same story and they must stay together. When they find themselves on the mantelpiece in the home of two young, imaginative girls, their true destiny becomes apparent.

Julie Morstad’s illustrations are so unique and they lend themselves so well to the folkloric character of the story. The art really breathes life into the puppets and it was lovely to literally see them living their story on the page.

Storytelling is a strong theme in the book and its power resonates from beginning to end. It tells us that in every story, each character has an important role to play and that the story is different if one of them is missing. It also tells us that happy endings can always be found and that they may be different to how we expected them to be.

I really loved that each of the characters had such distinct personalities and that these were showcased so often. It gave the book a very vivid fairytale-esque vibe and I thought it was so clever how these personalities each felt so essential to the narrative.

The book is full of wisdom and although most of it comes from the owl’s thought-provoking words, the whole story has a gentle sageness. I felt like my mind and soul were absorbing important lessons, which made for a thoroughly lovely reading experience.

The Puppets Of Spelhorst is a spellbinding, magical, quiet book that is a quick read but its message stays with you. I believe that it’s the first in a proposed trilogy of stories known as the Norendy Tales, so I’m intrigued to see what it will be followed up with.

Any book by Kate DiCamillo is a must read and this one does not disappoint. A magical fairytale with enchanting illustrations will hook the reader in. This is a tale of five puppets who come up against circumstances beyond their control. We learn how they deal with this confrontation. Allows for lots of discussion about what the children would do. Great for book talk and discussion writing in English.

This book made me cry so much. I love it, and will more than likely use it in my class, I am not sure which year group should I put it in though. The words are very simple but the emotional depths, that dilemma in life can only be grasped by older students.

The story is structured like a Russian Doll.

It reminds me of "Clockwork" by Philip Pullman.

Definitely buying this one when it is published.

Beautifully written tale about a box of puppets, all with their own dreams and wishes, and the adventure that they have together. This short story reads like a classic Anderson-type tale and is perfectly illustrated by Julie Morstad.

What a lovely story! Once again Kate DiCamillo captures emotions by telling them through the eyes of a group of puppets which gave me an immediate sense of empathy with all of those involved. Who couldn't fall in love with the irritating Wolf?!
I often read children's books with my teacher head on, thinking of which parts of the book I can use in the classroom to support themes, but with this one, although I thought of lots of ways, I also just enjoyed it purely as a story and think it would be enjoyed by many children having it read aloud to them or reading it for themselves.
The illustrations add a lot to the story, and I really do look forward to seeing a physical copy of this book.
I reviewed an ARC copy.

Absolutely loved this story. Although written very recently it feels like an original fairy tale. DiCamillo’s writing is just perfect.

Kate Di Camillo is a master storyteller - always weaving her words with a moral intertwined in the tale.
An old sea captain lives above a tailor's shop. He comes across a puppet hanging from a shop front - intent on buying the puppet with violet eyes, he is informed that the puppet cannot be parted from the other puppets in the group - a Wolf, an Owl, a King, and a boy. The Captain takes home the puppets in an old wooden chest to his room, pens a letter, and unfortunately dies. The puppets are then sold and they end up in the hands of two young girls - Emma and Martha.
The puppets each dream of a purpose and the wolf is obsessed with her very sharp teeth. Emma puts on a puppet show (based on the Captain's letter), employing her younger sister and her maid - Jane who has a wonderful singing voice. The puppet show entrances the audience - in particular one elderly lady and the puppets fulfill their purpose.
The book has wonderful, detailed black-and-white illustrations by Julie Morstad which bring the characters to life. The tale is full of hope and love and will be loved by adults and children alike.