Even the smallest of kids connect to puppet shows, and the Seattle area is lucky to have two companies that perform regularly all over the region.

The Northwest Puppet Center (see related story, this issue) performs at local festivals as well as at its North Seattle theater. Its new season begins in October with Paul Mesner Puppets' rod marionette Strega Nona (October 8-24), followed by Q'we-Ti: Tales of the Makah Tribe (November 5-21). After its holiday show Babar & Father Christmas (November 26-December 19), the season continues with a world premiere of Madeline & The Gypsies (January 21-February 13), the sci-fi tale Mrs. Twig & the Stupid Machine (February 25-March 13) and a colorful Thumbelina by Oregon Shadow Theatre (April 1-17). $7.50-$9.50. 206-523-2579; www.nwpuppet.org

Thistle Theatre takes its Bunraku puppets (a Japanese puppet style in which puppeteers, dressed all in black, operate puppets from behind) and live music to KidsQuest Children's Museum in Bellevue, the Burien Community Center, and Sand Point Magnuson Park and Sunset Hill Community Club in Seattle. This year's offerings include a modern twist on the kids' staple Goldilocks and the Three Bears (October 9-31), Merry Chris Mouse (November 27-December 19), Japanese classic The Magic Tea-Kettle (February 4-March 6) and a story about a Russian witch, Baba Yaga and the Bag of Gold (April 2-May 1). $7-$9. 206-524-3388; www.thistletheatre.org