BY JASON COX

(Jason Cox ISBN 1–59971–005–6)

Children's stories are often bathed in messages of perseverance and triumph. The great ones work their magic for generations. Puppet A Story harbors the spirit of classic children's tales, and hits the mark when it comes to touching the heart.

The plot introduces us to Puppet, a pure–hearted creation, a soul that knows no language other than love. Puppet is conceived free from the strings that control the actions of regular puppets. He lives in joy and purity.

However, Puppet's innocence is lost when he is confronted by the deceptive Crafty One, who corrals Puppet's spirit and leads him to a world of greed and selfishness. Soon, strings emerge and Puppet becomes consumed with life's excesses. Cox is obviously drawing a fantasy from sketches of reality. Older readers will welcome his effort to focus on life's struggles.

Author, Jason Cox, frames his protagonist well. It is easy to care for his creation. Puppet lives life gracefully, far from the clutches of life's "wants."

Cox also breathes life into his characters by writing them with a delicate voice. Certainly, there is a bit of Puppet, and the Crafty One, in us all. Don't we often miss the point of life, too?

The book's charm and message of freedom stir the senses. At only 48 pages, Cox doesn't allow himself to overextend his welcome. The story is brisk and light–hearted. Toward the end, Puppet encounters a beautiful, female puppet. Their meeting is pure and reveals the book's ultimate message. I found myself wanting more. More dancing. More love. More exposition.

Puppet A Story is a sweet fable that will resonate with the young and young at heart. Maybe, Cox will revisit the Puppet Maker's world one day, and continue telling a tale that has captured our hearts. For more information or to purchase Puppet A Story, please visit http://puppet.alamoartsballet.org/.

– Mario Ochoa