Book details
The Patua Pinocchio
Description
The Patua Pinocchio is a fresh and exciting visual interpretation of the well-known story of the puppet who longs to become a boy. Swarna Chitrakar, Patua scroll painter from West Bengal, visualizes the tale in her own idiom-drawing on popular Indian iconography, which depicts children as nothing less than divine. In the process, she effortlessly transforms this children's classic into a universal tale.
Age
8-10
Text complexity
proficient
Length
188 pages
Why to read
- Cultural Enrichment: 'The Patua Pinocchio' offers a unique take on Carlo Collodi's classic tale, blending traditional Italian storytelling with the Patua art form from West Bengal, India. This fusion provides a rich cultural experience and a new perspective on a beloved story.
- Artistic Appreciation: The book is illustrated with the intricate and colorful Patua scroll paintings, which are a visual treat. Reading 'The Patua Pinocchio' allows one to appreciate the skill and creativity of the Patua artists, and understand the significance of their art in the context of storytelling.
- Moral Lessons: Similar to the original 'Pinocchio' story, this version also imparts important moral lessons about honesty, responsibility, and the consequences of one's actions. It is a great way to discuss these themes with children in an engaging and memorable manner.
- Literary Diversity: Exploring 'The Patua Pinocchio' introduces readers to a diverse literary form, combining prose with visual narrative. It broadens one's literary horizons and encourages the exploration of books that incorporate different storytelling techniques and cultural backgrounds.