Melissa & Doug King Puppet

I bought this puppet and 3 similar M&D puppets (the knight, the dragon, and the princess) and my fingers tend to slip out of the mouth when attempting to make the lips move. For this reason, I've yet to put on a performance that doesn't end with the puppet cussing. My fingers (average size male) simply can't get a grip on the inner mouthpiece! I agree these are great quality, very whimsical and well appointed--but FUNctionality gets a 2/5. I'm surprised not more people have mentioned this flaw.

I bought this puppet with the Melissa and Doug puppet theater for my 2 year old and 6 year old. This is a great durable puppet that stands up to pulling and tugging of regular play. It is also very easy to use.

I agree with the other reviewers on the "mouth" being difficult to act with. What is interesting is that we have 9 puppets and this model in particular is difficult to use. Others (like the chef) are not. The difference seems to be that the king has a significantly different shaped head with a more "protruding" chin. The problem basically seems to be that my thumb does not have as much room as with other puppets (other puppets your thumb actually extends past your fingers). With your thumb positioned slightly behind your top fingers, it tends to be slightly uncomfortable.

However - this issue has not caused much complaint for me. If I was performing for Broadway - maybe I would want my money back, but for now my 3 year old doesn't know the difference.