Puppet Truck

The Puppet Truck travels throughout Davidson County with the aim of reaching people who aren’t able to visit the Main Library Children’s Theater. The Puppet Truck works in conjunction with the library’s Bringing Books to Life! program to provide literacy outreach and educational programs to preschools and daycare centers.

Fall Shows: July 2022–December 2022

Anansi the Spider

This colorful marionette and hand and rod puppet play is based on the African tales of a tricky spider who uses cleverness to achieve his wishes.

Running time: 30 minutes

The classic Brothers Grimm tale is told with the charming Peeko Puppets. Be enchanted as two siblings face challenges that test their courage in difficult times.

Running time: 38 minutes

Winter Shows: January 2023–June 2023

Tomas and the Library Lady

A marionette show based on the true story of Tomas Rivera, the son of migrant workers who became a national education leader. His life changed when as a boy he was encouraged to read by a librarian in Iowa. Based on the book by Pat Mora. Produced with special permission from Random House.

Puss in Boots

Wishing Chair Productions is proud to present a brand new jazz infused version of the classic Brother’s Grimm story. A tiny kitty cat with a mighty wit guides an innocent boy to riches and happiness beyond his wildest dreams! With Nashville favorites, Chris Walters scoring and Connye Florance singing, you are in for a treat!

Reserve the Puppet Truck

Shows

The Puppet Truck rotates shows available each season. Shows are subject to availability.

Bringing Books to Life! may offer different Puppet Truck shows to its partner sites than are available to the community. Learn more about the Bringing Books to Life! program.

Eligibility

The Puppet Truck is available to daycare centers, preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, senior centers and other organizations and institutions across Davidson County. It is also available for community events in Davidson County that are open to the public.

The Puppet Truck is not available for birthday parties, private events or outside Davidson County.

Performance Requirements

The following requirements must be met in order for the Puppet Truck to successfully conduct a performance at your location:

Location must be within Nashville and Davidson County.
Access to an electrical outlet
Performance space of at least 8′ x 8′ x 8′ (this measurement is subject to change based on specific show requirements)
Direct access into the performance space with no obstacles between the parking lot and the entrance
Freight elevator required for locations with second floor performance spaces
Parking space to accommodate a 15′ box truck

Download Performance Requirements (pdf)

Request the Puppet Truck

What People are Saying

This was our first time having the Puppet Truck and I will book them again and again and again! Our children loved the performance.
– The Gardner School of Midtown

Both of the puppeteers, on Tuesday and today, were fantastic and did the best with that they could with the virtual setting. We loved seeing the different puppets that they brought out and the demonstrations of how they work. They were so patient in answering the questions of our students. Thank you for making this possible virtual during these pandemic times.
– St. Joseph School

The Nashville Public Library’s Puppet Truck is one of the most valuable programs for all the Nashville children. There is a lesson to learn from each and every program…the children loved the Ellingtown virtual puppet show this morning. The puppeteers took questions from the children today and were so good at explaining the difference between the puppets ( rods, strings…) and showed the children how they worked them. Thank you again for coming.
– Gower Elementary

Our Abe’s Garden Community Memory Support residents absolutely love the Puppet Truck! The residents were very engaged and the puppeteers are excellent at what they do. The show was easy to follow and extremely entertaining. Come again!
– Abe’s Garden