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Strings
Welcome to Puppet Town! Home to hand puppets, sock puppets, shadow puppets, marionettes, rod puppets and a mysterious theatre...
When Mary Scully and her imaginary friend, Mr Socks discover a puppet theatre in her room, little does she realise it is a doorway to another world and an adventure of a lifetime!
For ages 8 and up
"Strings is a lovely children’s book that deals with bullying, loneliness and building friendships. Mary is a lovely sweet little girl and Mr. Sock is a very wise sock. I adored the storyline and love the idea of a puppet world where all the puppets come to life." Whisperingstories.com
"I really loved this story. It is incredibly imaginative and I could visualise every scene so clearly while I read it." Goodreads Review
When Mary Scully and her imaginary friend, Mr Socks discover a puppet theatre in her room, little does she realise it is a doorway to another world and an adventure of a lifetime!
For ages 8 and up
"Strings is a lovely children’s book that deals with bullying, loneliness and building friendships. Mary is a lovely sweet little girl and Mr. Sock is a very wise sock. I adored the storyline and love the idea of a puppet world where all the puppets come to life." Whisperingstories.com
"I really loved this story. It is incredibly imaginative and I could visualise every scene so clearly while I read it." Goodreads Review
102 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2018
3 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 21, 2018
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Twelve-Year-Old Mary Scully lives in Cotton Lane with her parents Anthony and Barry. She attends the local school. She is good at her school work but is also lonely too, no-one sits with her or plays with her.
One day whilst she is in her bedroom she hears a voice. Looking around she soon notices that it is her right-hand talking. She makes a sock puppet and places it on her hand and soon Mr. Sock comes to life. She is happy with her new friend and her parents embrace that she is happier too. That is until the school bully Abigail Hodges sees Mr. Sock and makes fun of her and tells her she will tell everyone.
Both Mary and Mr. Sock are now sad. Soon more voices are heard, this time it is Mr. Con and Mrs. Old. They are puppets on a stage and invite Mary to join them. However, they are not very nice puppets and Mary and Mr. Sock (who has now become a puppet with arms and legs too) are trapped in Puppet Town. They only have 24 hours to get home or they are stuck forever.
Strings is a lovely children’s book that deals with bullying, loneliness and building friendships. Mary is a lovely sweet little girl and Mr. Sock is a very wise sock. I adored the storyline and love the idea of a puppet world where all the puppets come to life – I’m sure that those suffering from Pupaphobia (fear of puppets – I know a few people who have this fear), might not like this book too much though!
If I have one critique it would be that in the copy I have (I presume it is the same for the purchased copy) there are no pictures. I am a big fan of pictures in children’s books and believe that even black and white sketch illustrations help a child to connect with the story, giving them a better reading experience. The importance of illustrations is to highlight what the words read and give them context. With the cover as beautiful and colourful as it is, I expected lots of colour throughout too.
Twelve-Year-Old Mary Scully lives in Cotton Lane with her parents Anthony and Barry. She attends the local school. She is good at her school work but is also lonely too, no-one sits with her or plays with her.
One day whilst she is in her bedroom she hears a voice. Looking around she soon notices that it is her right-hand talking. She makes a sock puppet and places it on her hand and soon Mr. Sock comes to life. She is happy with her new friend and her parents embrace that she is happier too. That is until the school bully Abigail Hodges sees Mr. Sock and makes fun of her and tells her she will tell everyone.
Both Mary and Mr. Sock are now sad. Soon more voices are heard, this time it is Mr. Con and Mrs. Old. They are puppets on a stage and invite Mary to join them. However, they are not very nice puppets and Mary and Mr. Sock (who has now become a puppet with arms and legs too) are trapped in Puppet Town. They only have 24 hours to get home or they are stuck forever.
Strings is a lovely children’s book that deals with bullying, loneliness and building friendships. Mary is a lovely sweet little girl and Mr. Sock is a very wise sock. I adored the storyline and love the idea of a puppet world where all the puppets come to life – I’m sure that those suffering from Pupaphobia (fear of puppets – I know a few people who have this fear), might not like this book too much though!
If I have one critique it would be that in the copy I have (I presume it is the same for the purchased copy) there are no pictures. I am a big fan of pictures in children’s books and believe that even black and white sketch illustrations help a child to connect with the story, giving them a better reading experience. The importance of illustrations is to highlight what the words read and give them context. With the cover as beautiful and colourful as it is, I expected lots of colour throughout too.
October 7, 2018
An amazing children's story with funny characters. I loved the story and also liked the hidden messages inside it.
When little Mary and her imaginary friend, Mr. Socks, find a puppet theatre inside the house, they bargain on a journey in an unknown world. Mary must race against time to save herself and on this journey, she faces her fears.
It's not what I would expect from a children story but its originality gained me.
I would recommend it to children and adults. I can't wait to read more of this author!
When little Mary and her imaginary friend, Mr. Socks, find a puppet theatre inside the house, they bargain on a journey in an unknown world. Mary must race against time to save herself and on this journey, she faces her fears.
It's not what I would expect from a children story but its originality gained me.
I would recommend it to children and adults. I can't wait to read more of this author!
August 29, 2018
I recently bought this book for my niece and nephew. I wanted to read it first before giving it to them as I wanted to make sure it was age-appropriate. I ended up getting stuck in and didn't want to leave it down until I had it finished. A very enjoyable read and definitely would be a great aid in helping children "feel normal" and to not worry if they may feel a little different to their school mates. Mary is a lovely girl who strikes up a friendship with her best friend, the invisible Mr Socks. Mr Socks stays by Mary's side when she is afraid and helps her find her way back to her parents when she is struggling. I'm definitely happy I took the time to have a read. There are some great insights in to the power of imagination and how friendships make challenges easier to overcome. I would definitely recommend Strings to the smaller members of my family and look forward to hearing what they think!
September 27, 2018
Strings is probably going to haunt me for a whole lot of time, but I don't mind it, because it took me on a crazy ride to a world I had not seen in my minds eye before. The characters were lively and enchanting, the story was paced just right, and if read to a child with funny voices, a lifetime of fun. It gave lots of laughter, some well written one-liners, and even unexpected feels. I can see it being some kids favorite story, and some adult's nightmare. 10/10
I recommend this to everyone.
I recommend this to everyone.
July 23, 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
I read this pretty quickly and it was an easy read. I liked it, but it also wasn't really my type of book. I thought it was something different before I read it, but after reading it I liked it alright. It just wasn't my cup of tea with the creepy puppets part and all.
I did wish and think that maybe it should have or could have been longer. I would have liked having more background and details maybe some more depth to why she was always alone and what her personality was like and a bit more info on her parents. I also would have liked a bit more depth or development with the story of the friendship/relationship between the MC and the bully.
But overall it was pretty good.
I read this pretty quickly and it was an easy read. I liked it, but it also wasn't really my type of book. I thought it was something different before I read it, but after reading it I liked it alright. It just wasn't my cup of tea with the creepy puppets part and all.
I did wish and think that maybe it should have or could have been longer. I would have liked having more background and details maybe some more depth to why she was always alone and what her personality was like and a bit more info on her parents. I also would have liked a bit more depth or development with the story of the friendship/relationship between the MC and the bully.
But overall it was pretty good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2018
Book Review: Strings.
Children"s fiction:
Very Interesting.
An eight-year-old girl Mary, lives with her working parents. She spends all school holidays alone, at home. Mary is a smart and intelligent child and has a sock puppet as a friend.
The story takes an adventurous turn when Mary and her sock puppet find themselves inside a puppet land. There are just 24 hours left to escape or else.....
Children"s fiction:
Very Interesting.
An eight-year-old girl Mary, lives with her working parents. She spends all school holidays alone, at home. Mary is a smart and intelligent child and has a sock puppet as a friend.
The story takes an adventurous turn when Mary and her sock puppet find themselves inside a puppet land. There are just 24 hours left to escape or else.....
October 17, 2018
This is the perfect children's read. I immediately became engrossed in the storyline and I never wanted it to end. The young of age and the young at heart will love this story. An engaging storyline with wonderful characters that you will love getting to know. The author has truly captured my heart with this story.
July 23, 2018
Loved it .. wish it was a little longer ..
June 7, 2018
I really loved this story. It is incredibly imaginative and I could visualise every scene so clearly while I read it. I immediately took to the character of Mary. There are some great messages here about the importance of imagination and of friendship. I read the story in one sitting which is unusual for me (I bore easily!) I can't wait to read this to my nephews over the summer - I think it's going to capture their imaginations completely!
July 16, 2018
This book was a very quick read. It had many good lessons, but I wish it was longer and had a little bit more to the story line.
May 30, 2018
Wow! What an amazing, imaginative adventure! Brought back memories of my own creative childhood. I certainly recommend this book.
August 7, 2019
FBRC REVIEW :
DISCLAIMER : I received a review copy of this book for free from Goodreads and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, Morgan, from FOR LOVE OF A BOOK group at Goodreads for providing me with a review copy of this book.
Strings' is the story of the 12yr old girl Mary Scully living with her parents Anthony and Barry at the end of the Cotton Lane. She is lonely and relied on her imagination a lot to work through her boredom. She spends most of her time on her own as her parents worked during the day. Mary loves drawing maps of imaginary places and jumping into it to live an alternate life through her imagination.
Mary one day found a special friend and became bonded with it. She named him Mr. Socks and they were very close to one another. They went on their adventures together. Her parents were concerned at first but later on, accepted Mr. Socks as a part of their small family. Mr. Socks brought out Mary's funny, clever side she hides.
Abigail Hodges the school bully sees her and Mr. Socks playing in the yard and taunts Mary. Mary is scared and doesn't want any confrontation. Abigail's remarks about Mary's oddities makes Mary self-conscious and draw herself back into her shell.
One day while hiding in her room Mary sees a puppet stage and goes to investigate it with her best friend Mr. Socks. They meet the strange Mr. Con and Mrs. Old. Mary and Mr. Socks gets into the stage and finds themselves trapped in a new world. The new world pulls them in deeper. They find out they are in a new world called Puppet Town. The puppet town is colorful and full of excitement. The town is unique with its different residents. They meet a new friend Bear. With the help of Bear, they figure out the solution to get back to the real world.
Strings is the story of friendship, love, and perseverance. The story pulls you in with its unique characters. The story is short for children to enjoy without getting bored. The description of the town and the characters help us imagine the world of Mary vividly. The story is appropriate for kids and will help them understand the importance of love for family and friends and their loyalty towards them. The story is fun and filled with adventures of Mary and Mr. Socks.
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS :
I gave the book 3 stars even though I enjoyed it is because I wished it was a little longer. I wanted to get immersed in the story but found myself out of the world before I had a chance to really enjoy the world. I wanted the book to be more of an experience. I wish we had more descriptive adventures to keep the reader hooked. The story is apt for children under 8 yr old. For kids older than 8 yr old the book could have been longer and more descriptive of the Puppet Town. I believe that the story had room to expand and felt robbed of the experience to visualize the story effectively.
Mary's character and her being left alone at home a lot made the story a little bit difficult to believe. For a 12yr old to stay home alone during day time just doesn't feel real. The fact that 12yr old was playing with Mr. Socks at her age was also quite strange. I guess if Mary was younger then it would have made more sense.
Aside from the fact that the book was short for kids above 8yrs and the minor issues, I enjoyed the book. I can see the story being read to my kids and them enjoying the story as well. The book is enjoyable and good for kids with some hidden lessons as well.
DISCLAIMER : I received a review copy of this book for free from Goodreads and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, Morgan, from FOR LOVE OF A BOOK group at Goodreads for providing me with a review copy of this book.
Strings' is the story of the 12yr old girl Mary Scully living with her parents Anthony and Barry at the end of the Cotton Lane. She is lonely and relied on her imagination a lot to work through her boredom. She spends most of her time on her own as her parents worked during the day. Mary loves drawing maps of imaginary places and jumping into it to live an alternate life through her imagination.
Mary one day found a special friend and became bonded with it. She named him Mr. Socks and they were very close to one another. They went on their adventures together. Her parents were concerned at first but later on, accepted Mr. Socks as a part of their small family. Mr. Socks brought out Mary's funny, clever side she hides.
Abigail Hodges the school bully sees her and Mr. Socks playing in the yard and taunts Mary. Mary is scared and doesn't want any confrontation. Abigail's remarks about Mary's oddities makes Mary self-conscious and draw herself back into her shell.
One day while hiding in her room Mary sees a puppet stage and goes to investigate it with her best friend Mr. Socks. They meet the strange Mr. Con and Mrs. Old. Mary and Mr. Socks gets into the stage and finds themselves trapped in a new world. The new world pulls them in deeper. They find out they are in a new world called Puppet Town. The puppet town is colorful and full of excitement. The town is unique with its different residents. They meet a new friend Bear. With the help of Bear, they figure out the solution to get back to the real world.
Strings is the story of friendship, love, and perseverance. The story pulls you in with its unique characters. The story is short for children to enjoy without getting bored. The description of the town and the characters help us imagine the world of Mary vividly. The story is appropriate for kids and will help them understand the importance of love for family and friends and their loyalty towards them. The story is fun and filled with adventures of Mary and Mr. Socks.
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS :
I gave the book 3 stars even though I enjoyed it is because I wished it was a little longer. I wanted to get immersed in the story but found myself out of the world before I had a chance to really enjoy the world. I wanted the book to be more of an experience. I wish we had more descriptive adventures to keep the reader hooked. The story is apt for children under 8 yr old. For kids older than 8 yr old the book could have been longer and more descriptive of the Puppet Town. I believe that the story had room to expand and felt robbed of the experience to visualize the story effectively.
Mary's character and her being left alone at home a lot made the story a little bit difficult to believe. For a 12yr old to stay home alone during day time just doesn't feel real. The fact that 12yr old was playing with Mr. Socks at her age was also quite strange. I guess if Mary was younger then it would have made more sense.
Aside from the fact that the book was short for kids above 8yrs and the minor issues, I enjoyed the book. I can see the story being read to my kids and them enjoying the story as well. The book is enjoyable and good for kids with some hidden lessons as well.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews