SOLVED. Fantasy. Possible adventure, somewhere between YA and kids, four kids go on a beach holiday and see a Punch and Judy show. They go to a wax museum and a magic shop, and find out the Punch and Judy puppets are alive. [s]

[Evie]

Could be for kids, I read it when I was about 7 but probably more suited for 10-12 year olds. Kids (from two families) go to a beach for a holiday, the kids go exploring together (it may be a small town) and see a P&J show, the guy running it gets them to watch his stuff while he runs to his car, he also owns the magic shop (other toys possibly come alive), the kids break in a few days later and see toys moving, one of the kids goes missing and the other kids believe he has been turned to wax in the adjoining (to the magic shop) wax museum.
Cover was possibly red and white stripes, possibly Australian author, written some time before 2014, had the vibes of a 90s-2000s book.

[Becca]

Neville the Devil by Michael Lawrence?

[Evie]

Yesss! Thank you Becca! I’ve been looking for so long, it’s such a nostalgic book. Thank you!

[Becca]

You're welcome!

[Kris]

Glad you found your book, Evie.

Neville the Devil (book 7) of the Jiggy McCue series by Michael Lawrence - Becca's find.