Just to answer the puppet show question - there's an authentic Sicilian puppet show performed at the Grasso family theatre in Acireale (just outside of Catania). Rolling drums, blaring horns and battle sounds (so it will keep you awake!)
FAB! I just went to it with my four year old who enjoyed the 'rousing' performance immensely and then we all had arancino's and cippollinas for 'snack' Yummy!

We visited Collodi last year on the way to Barga. It is an incredibly beautiful place. Worth a visit. I did not buy a puppet - too tired to visit the couple vendors-and now regret it!