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katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
Didactic but pleasing translated classic story. Rather different to Disney's vision.
I have read this, but twenty years ago and I'd forgotten it completely. I thought I'd introduce it to my son (almost 8), and we read this at bedtimes as well as listening to a Librivox audio version in the car.
The basic story is recognisable for those (almost all of us) who grew up with the 1940s Disney version. There is an element of dark humour here though that Uncle Walt left out, in the opening scene in particular. Pinocchio is mischievous even as a piece of wood before he is carved, and from the first my son was rather horrified as his behaviour. From allowing his father to sell a patchy winter coat to buy a spelling book, to refusing to work for food or money, we had lots of discussions about gratitude and responsibility.
Ours was an illustrated edition, with 'plates' depicting characters and scenes, a great addition with their old-fashioned look. I also loved the chapter openings, a summary of the contents of each chapter, something my son wasn't familiar with, reminded me of even older texts.
Pinocchio learns the hard way that giving in to temptation and trying to take the easy way out won't work. His long-suffering father Gepetto, the talking cricket, Blue Fairy are all familiar, as are the donkeys on The Land of Toys, but there are also some darker incidents and moralising that make this a read that some children will find a little heavy and antiquated.
We didn't have a problem with the language or tone, my son was always happy to read a chapter, or listen in the car on the way to school. We even laughed a few times.
Lots of lessons to be learned from Pinocchio's story, and though most children will be wanting more light-hearted humour, I think many will still find themselves engaged with the character and his self-inflicted 'trials'.
For listeners age 7+ and for readers of 9 and above.
I have read this, but twenty years ago and I'd forgotten it completely. I thought I'd introduce it to my son (almost 8), and we read this at bedtimes as well as listening to a Librivox audio version in the car.
The basic story is recognisable for those (almost all of us) who grew up with the 1940s Disney version. There is an element of dark humour here though that Uncle Walt left out, in the opening scene in particular. Pinocchio is mischievous even as a piece of wood before he is carved, and from the first my son was rather horrified as his behaviour. From allowing his father to sell a patchy winter coat to buy a spelling book, to refusing to work for food or money, we had lots of discussions about gratitude and responsibility.
Ours was an illustrated edition, with 'plates' depicting characters and scenes, a great addition with their old-fashioned look. I also loved the chapter openings, a summary of the contents of each chapter, something my son wasn't familiar with, reminded me of even older texts.
Pinocchio learns the hard way that giving in to temptation and trying to take the easy way out won't work. His long-suffering father Gepetto, the talking cricket, Blue Fairy are all familiar, as are the donkeys on The Land of Toys, but there are also some darker incidents and moralising that make this a read that some children will find a little heavy and antiquated.
We didn't have a problem with the language or tone, my son was always happy to read a chapter, or listen in the car on the way to school. We even laughed a few times.
Lots of lessons to be learned from Pinocchio's story, and though most children will be wanting more light-hearted humour, I think many will still find themselves engaged with the character and his self-inflicted 'trials'.
For listeners age 7+ and for readers of 9 and above.
garvsy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Funny book at times and a lot of disgraces for pinocchio, kind of reminds me of "Lazarillo de Tormes" but lighter.
I really liked the end and you can see through the book how Pinocchio evolved.
I would not give this book to a little kid tho.
I really liked the end and you can see through the book how Pinocchio evolved.
I would not give this book to a little kid tho.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Animal cruelty
Moderate: Animal death, Death, and Violence
Minor: Child death
samumori's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
nearlydeflated's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
justgraceanne's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
i have SO many thoughts
the one thing i can't say, though, is that this book wasn't entertaining
full review to come once i figure out who i am, having read this at age 26 when i've only ever seen the - admittedly still scarring - Disney movie
the one thing i can't say, though, is that this book wasn't entertaining
full review to come once i figure out who i am, having read this at age 26 when i've only ever seen the - admittedly still scarring - Disney movie
duriangray's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
isabella1018's review against another edition
1.0
I read this for Italian class; super redundant, goes on for way too long.
dcommet's review against another edition
5.0
KC Green's artwork has always left such a huge impression on me and pushed me to get more abstract and emotive artistically. Here he gets to let loose and play with a story he clearly loves and spin around in ways that so funny and cute. Pinocchio being a bad boy is less annoying here, as I know people can feel about other versions of this story, and more like a charming looney tunes gag rapscallion boy when you know he just cant help falling for the next little scam or trap. And when the story turns and Pinocchio commits to being a good little boy, Im proud of the little fella! He deserves that nice little outfit! Good job Pinocchio!!