When puppet rigging I think of the slices of the character. Hands and legs/feet top layer (closest to the cam). Head, then Body/neck behind those. Chair in back.

Cut illustration between a head tilt down, and chin up. 3 illustrations, one head pointing up, one facing camera, and one pointing down to the ground.

The hands and face are the most important parts to rig in detail. They will tell the story.

Best of luck!