The Story of a Puppet - Or, The Adventures of Pinocchio - Illustrated by C. Mazzanti
What’s inside...
Follow Pinocchio, a wooden puppet, on his adventure to become a real boy. The mischievous marionette must learn how to be good for his wish to come true. This beloved tale, filled with fairies, talking crickets and man-eating fish, has been described as one of the greatest works of Italian literature of all time. 'Pinocchio', originally published in 1883, is the perfect bookshelf addition for collectors of fairy tales and lovers of children's stories. Carlo Collodi (1826 - 1890) was an Italian author best remembered for his children's stories. He translated fairy tales as well as writing his own, the most notable being Charles Perrault's French tale, 'I Racconti delle Fate' (1875).
Age
7-12
Length
238 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Pinocchio
Lampwick (Lucignolo)
The Fairy With Turquoise Hair
The Talking Cricket
Geppetto
Mangiafuoco
The Cat
Fox
Discussion points
What do you think Pinocchio learned at the end of his adventure?
How would you feel if you were Pinocchio and transformed into a real boy?
Why do you think honesty is important in Pinocchio's story?
How do you think Pinocchio's feelings changed throughout the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life, which can help your child connect more deeply with the story.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the story to keep them engaged and thinking critically.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book. Discuss their drawing, focusing on how they interpreted the characters and events.
Relate themes from the book to real-life situations to help your child understand the moral of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Honesty
Explanation: Pinocchio often lies, leading to his nose growing longer as a consequence. This visual representation teaches children that lies have tangible consequences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of telling the truth and being honest with others in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The value of hard work
Explanation: Throughout the story, Pinocchio faces various challenges but learns valuable lessons when he puts in effort and strives to be better.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand that perseverance and effort are important to overcome difficulties in school or while learning new skills.
Example Lesson: The consequences of disobedience
Explanation: Pinocchio’s disobedience leads him into troublesome situations. His journey underlines the importance of listening to guidance from trusted adults.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider the advice of parents and teachers, recognizing that it is often for their own safety and benefit.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Pinocchio's interactions, particularly towards the end of the story, show him learning to care about others' feelings and wellbeing, reflecting growth in his character.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being empathetic and kind to their peers, which helps in building positive relationships.
Example Lesson: Accepting responsibility
Explanation: Pinocchio learns to take responsibility for his actions, which is a major theme towards the end of the story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to accept the outcomes of their actions and understand their responsibility in different situations, helping them grow into responsible individuals.