Poppy's Puppet - Hardcover

Patricia Lee Gauch is the author of more than thirty books for children, and is currently editor-in-chief at a large publishing house in New York City. She lives with her husband in Hyde Park, NY.

David Christiana has illustrated a number of picture books, including Drawer in a Drawer, A Tooth Fairy's Tale, and The Mouse Bride. He teaches art at the University of Arizona.

Kindergarten-Grade 2-"Poppy made every one of the toys himself he'd see-or hear-something in it no one else did." The toymaker listens to the wood and discovers who or what each piece wants to be. One day, he finds a rare piece of teakwood, takes it home, and carves Clarinda, who is silent. Impatient to know her wishes and noticing her pretty, pointed toes, he declares her "A ballerina!" He tries to work the marionette's strings into pirouettes and arabesques, and although she is clumsy, he thinks she'll come around once onstage. A traveling marionette troupe is formed and is soon enjoyed by eager audiences of children. Gauch's deftness with words, smoothness of style, and clarity of expression allow readers to easily accept the notion of toys with hopes and dreams; they will cheer when Clarinda finds her true calling as a tightrope artist. The narrative becomes a kind of allegory; each figure (and the toymaker himself) realizes a special talent. Christiana's intricate and exquisitely rendered drawings, executed in mostly soft watercolors, have an Old World look. Each jointed limb and doll face claims its own space in the tale. Poppy is almost mannequinlike himself. He is as long and spindly as many of his marionettes; only his hands are large and workmanlike. There is something new to see with every viewing, be it turned-up toes on footwear or masks on Poppy's knees. Because of its length and style, this book may not have a wide audience, but it will be treasured by the right child.
Harriett Fargnoli, Great Neck Library, NY
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