From Hans Christian Andersen Medal-winning author David Almond comes a heartwarming story that shows anything is possible with imagination and trust.

What should a puppet master do when he's old and alone, and all his puppets are gone? Sylvester makes one last puppet. But this one is different. When the old man speaks to him, Puppet speaks back. And then he walks...

While Sylvester shows Puppet the town, the playground and the wonders the world holds, Puppet in turn helps Sylvester to make a new friend, and share his puppet-making skills with the next generation in this wonder-filled story of creation and the circle of life.

Illustrated with sequences of wordless spreads by an award-winning artist, this is a modern-day classic.

About the Author
David Almond OBE is the acclaimed author of many award-winning novels for children such as Skellig, Kit's Wilderness and My Name Is Mina, and has collaborated with artists such as Polly Dunbar, Dave McKean, Alex T. Smith and Oliver Jeffers on fiction for younger readers. David's books sell all over the world, and in 2011 he was the recipient of the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award. David lives in Northumberland; for more info visit www.davidalmond.com Lizzy Stewart is an illustrator and author currently based in London. She has written and illustrated three picture books for children and three illustrated books for adults.

Reviews
A magical, rittly-rattly tale... A gentler story that avoids whittling into the darker themes of Pinocchio to stay closer in tone to Pixar's Up. But thanks to Almond's idiosyncratic style it has the same creeping sense of a life hanging in the balance that makes Skellig such an electrifying read 26 years on... Lizzy Stewart's drawings are pitch-perfect, giving the story the feeling of having been as lovingly handcrafted as Silvester's green-eyed lad. -- Lucy Bannerman * Children's Book of the Week, The Times *
Inspired by Pinocchio, David Almond has created another timeless classic... It's tender, very moving and the delicate black-and-white drawings reflect the joy and sadness at the beginning and end of lives. * Daily Mail *
Fans of Hans Christian Andersen Medal-winning author David Almond will fall in love with this beautiful, poignant story about creativity, playfulness and community. * The Bookseller *
This book really pulled at my heartstrings. * NetGalley Reviewer *
This is a tale about love- for one another; love -for the pleasure doing something you enjoy; love - for sharing enthusiasm and knowledge. This is a perfect longer read for 7-10 year olds - a gentle plot with depth. * NetGalley Reviewer *


Awards
Long-listed for UKLA Book Award 2025 (UK). Nominated for The Carnegie Medal 2025 (UK).



Book Information
ISBN 9781529523706
Author David Almond
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint Walker Books Ltd
Publisher Walker Books Ltd