Puppets???

Question

What are those puppets with string attached to them and where can you get them in North Carolina? Raleigh?

Answer 1

They are either called Marionettes or String puppets. In addition to the basic string puppets, there are also some rod puppets that use strings to move things from below...commonly facial features. Humanettes sometimes use strings when both the head and the hands of the puppeteer are part of the puppet, a knee string is attached to a ring for the puppeteer's pinky finger--that let's them walk the puppet eventhough their hands are busy.
As for places that sell string puppets, online is your best bet, however I have seen a four string puppet called "Limber Louie" at Spencer's which is a store I've seen in lots of malls. Also, at the Dollartree (everything's a dollar) I've seen those yarn puffball type of marionettes. Very cheap but fun for kids. When last I saw them, there were six types.
Since it is almost fair season, you might consider attending a county fair. I've been seen the yarn marionettes sold as novelities at booths there--lot more than six types to be had there.
Also, when ever there's a movie including string puppets, very often big box stores will carry some. I have a Woody and Bulls-eye set from Toy Story 2. I found a Pinocchio puppet from "The Adventures of Pinocchio" movie from 1996 with Jonathan Taylor Thomas. Not a very popular movie, so I got it pretty cheap.
Since Pinocchio in Shrek 3 was shown with strings at one point in the movie, I've been on the look out for one of him. So far, no luck.
I found some of the movie ones I have on eBay. See the links below.
Google "Yarn marionettes" to see the ones like I've seen at fairs and at the dollar store.

Answer 2

They're called marionettes. You can find them in high-end toy stores or online. http://www.marionettes.com/

It would be fun to get one and switch out the strings for fishing line, then they'd be invisible!
.