The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice by Lisa DeSelm

The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice explores what it means to be human in an interesting twist on the Pinocchio story.

The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice by Lisa DeSelm. Page Street, 2020, 329 pages.

Reading Level: Teen, ages 12-15

Recommended for: ages 12-18

Pirouette Leiter (Piro) is not only her father’s daughter; she’s also his talented apprentice. What no one know is that her father, the puppetmaster Gephardt, made her from wood. On the advice of a mysterious old woman he met in the forest, he brought her to life with a magical chant in the light of the blue moon. Piro’s deep kinship with the trees contributes to her gifts as a wood carver, but trees never lie, and they won’t let her lie. Even casual fibs cause splinters to pierce her skin. Now that she’s 17, she’s taken a larger part in the business and Bran Soren the tailor’s son has taken more of an interest in her. Piro returns his affection, but what kind of future can a wood-girl have with a human?

Also, her father has taken on the near-impossible task of carving a small army of life-sized puppet soldiers for the elusive Duke who rules over the town. When Gephardt doesn’t finish in time, he’s thrown into the dungeon of Wolfspire Hall. Piro’s attempts to get him released bring her into contact with the Duke’s even more elusive son, whose designs go farther than a wooden army, with dire consequences for Piro and her fellow makers.

Readers may think of Pinocchio and there are some parallels in plot. But even more in theme. What does it take to be human? is the question. In Piro’s case, it’s not enough to experience human emotions like fear, love, loyalty, or romance (yes, there is some kissing). Becoming human also takes self-sacrifice and hard work and allowing yourself to be known “for the marvelous and terrible creatures we are and not for the odd scraps of our faults and follies.” Also choosing the good when it’s time to make that choice. Some scenes are a bit harrowing toward the end and the story meanders a bit (could be shorter). But overall it’s an absorbing tale that comes to a satisfying conclusion.

Overall Rating: 4.25 (out of 5)

• Worldview/moral value: 4.5
• Artistic/literary value: 3.75

Also at Redeemed Reader:

• Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz, another fantasy featuring life-sized puppets, was a Newbery honor title from 2013.
• The original Pinocchio is better in movie form than the book by Carlo Collodi. At least, that’s my opinion.

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