The Adventures of Pinocchio
illustrations by
What’s inside...
The Adventures of Pinocchio, written by Italian author Carlo Lorenzini (better known as Carlo Collodi), is a children's novel first published in serial form between 1881 and 1883, and then as a complete book in February 1883. It follows the story of Pinocchio, a mischievous wooden puppet with a penchant for trouble, and his poor father, a woodcarver named Geppetto. Throughout his adventures, Pinocchio's deepest desire is to become a real boy. The story has become a classic in children's literature and has inspired numerous adaptations, including the renowned 1940 Disney animated film.
Age
0-18
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Pinocchio learned about telling the truth?
Why is it important to listen to wise advice from others?
How did Pinocchio's feelings change throughout the story?
What would you do if you were in Pinocchio's place during his adventures?
How do you think trust is important in friendships, like between Pinocchio and his friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking how they would feel in Pinocchio’s situations.
Discuss the consequences of Pinocchio's decisions and how different choices could have led to different outcomes.
Highlight the importance of honesty, using examples from Pinocchio’s experiences to illustrate how lying can lead to trouble.
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of the characters, helping your child to grasp the moral lessons more deeply.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Honesty is the best policy
Explanation: Pinocchio learns through his various adventures that telling lies can lead to trouble and complications in life. His nose growing longer each time he lies is a vivid depiction of the consequences of dishonesty.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of being truthful in their everyday interactions and understand that honesty builds trust in relationships.
Example Lesson: Actions have consequences
Explanation: Throughout the book, Pinocchio faces different repercussions based on his decisions. This helps children understand that bad choices can lead to undesirable results, while good choices are rewarding.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to think before they act and helps them understand the cause and effect relationship in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: The value of education
Explanation: Pinocchio’s journey from being a puppet to becoming a real boy is significantly affected by his attitude towards education. His realization of the importance of schooling mirrors the transformative power of education.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value their education and see it as a path to personal growth and better opportunities.
Example Lesson: Listening to advice
Explanation: Pinocchio often finds himself in trouble when he ignores the good advice of his father, Geppetto, and the Talking Cricket. These scenarios illustrate the importance of listening to guidance from elders and those who care.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider advice from parents and teachers, understanding it can often help them navigate their own challenges.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and redemption
Explanation: Despite his earlier missteps, Pinocchio ultimately shows he can change for the better, highlighting the themes of redemption and perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that it is never too late to correct one's mistakes and that continuous effort can lead to positive change and personal development.