The Good, the Bat, and the Ugly

by Paul Magrs

After his puppet Tolstoy begins to take over his thoughts, ventriloquist Frank decides to lock his puppet away for his own safety, but when Frank's son decides that he wants to get into the act, Tolstoy decides to use young Jason's new career choice to break free from his attic prison and seek his revenge.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2004

Reviews

[Pam Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the weirdest book I have ever read.
There is a British subculture of sentient puppets and their handlers. Then a string of puppet murders. Felt and stuffing everywhere. Who could do such a thing? Weeping and accusations abound. It is absurd and I loved it.

Major spoiler ahead:
In the last chapter when the ground splits open to reveal puppet hell, I thought "This is the best book I have ever read. Nothing tops puppet hell."

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seem to be drawn to sad middle grade books and there are a lot of them out there, so this was a refreshing, humorous, and creepy tale of puppets. I think those who enjoy Gaiman's Caroline or Graveyard Book would really enjoy this cute little tale. BTW- The setting is mostly over Christmas, although its not really a Christmas book, so it might make a nice holiday read. Recommended!

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.75

I love reading children's books because my childhood only lasted 11 years and I miss it.

Also, this was fun in a very disturbing way. Which is the best way a thing can be fun.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

A slightly scary, slightly silly story of one boy who has a puppet who wants to be #1 on tv. Can his dad pull the right strings to stop the puppet?