The play Petit-Paul et son Pantin (Petit-Paul and his Jumping Jack) is part of the collection Guignol : Livre de la jeunesse (Guignol: Book of youth), arranged and improved by Alfred des Essarts. It is composed of novels, short stories, poems, articles, and a collection of puppet plays gathered under the label “Théâtre Guignol”. However, it is not an authentic transcription of the real Théâtre Guignol, but a rather loose and light-hearted adaptation destined for children. The word “Guignol” only refers to the use of a hand-puppet booth, regardless of the character. The plays from this repertoire have an edifying dimension, and aim at instilling good manners in young spectators.

The play was written by a certain Fantasio.

Petit-Paul complains about adults and his teacher to his Pantin (Jumping Jack). He would rather play and not learn. However, the Pantin refuses to play with him as long as he has not done his homework; he explains that, without any learning, he will end up as the jumping jack amongst the adults. Petit-Paul is affected by these words and starts working diligently.