A fan of whimsical, heartfelt tales with rich character development and magical elements would enjoy The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo. Perfect for readers who love The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and The Tale of Despereaux, it offers a journey of friendship and courage.

The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo follows a group of puppets, each with distinct personalities, on a journey to discover their destiny and purpose. Together, they navigate challenges and forge connections, exploring themes of identity, companionship, and self-discovery. This charming narrative emphasizes the importance of unity and the impact of personal growth.

Mysterious / Fantastical / Adventurous / Emotional

**Girl**  
One of the five puppets known for her heart-shaped face and violet eyes, serving as a hopeful leader and representation of an important character in a play.

**Boy**  
A dynamic puppet with a sense of destiny and longing for importance, whose experiences parallel the story's themes of self-discovery and fulfillment.

**Wolf**  
A fierce puppet identifiable by her sharp teeth, she takes pride in her ferocity and represents a character in a play while embodying elements of fear and realization.

**King**  
Despite his royal status, this puppet is known for his love of music and for being often overlooked by others, yet he demonstrates growth through community and song.

**Owl**  
Identified by his wise words and real feathers, this puppet harbors a heartfelt desire to fly and serves as a source of wisdom among his peers.

**Jane**  
A young housemaid with a gift for storytelling and a longing for adventure, she experiences significant personal growth through the influence of the puppets.

**Emma**  
The older sister of two, she is careful and observant, writing a play for the puppets and reinforcing themes of love and community through her storytelling.

**Martha**  
The younger, adventurous sister drawn to the wolf puppet, she pursues moments of excitement and mischief while balancing her sister’s careful nature.

Kate DiCamillo

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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The Puppets of Spelhorst Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Puppets of Spelhorst Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Act I”

Part 1 The Puppets of Spelhorst Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Act II”

Part 2 The Puppets of Spelhorst Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Act III”

Part 3-Coda

The Puppets of Spelhorst Part 3-Coda Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Puppets of Spelhorst Character Analysis

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Themes

The Puppets of Spelhorst Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Puppets of Spelhorst Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Puppets of Spelhorst Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Puppets of Spelhorst Essay Topics

The Puppets of Spelhorst

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

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