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A review by michellewatson
Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi
3.0
I knew that this book barely resembles the Disney movie, but I had no idea how heavy handed it is. It’s a true morality tale, through and through. The narrator breaks the fourth wall to say stuff like, “Now you see, boys and girls, why it’s never a good idea to keep bad company” and that kind of thing. And, the metaphor is classic and unmistakable: A person cannot be fully human if he lives only to please and serve himself and if he delights in errant foolishness.
The morals are spot on. But they are laid on pretty thick.
It’s just…kind of weird if you don’t know what to expect. I’d describe it as a fairy tale. There are talking animals and magic and such. It’s not to be believed on its face, of course, but the heart of the story is meant to be believed.
The structure is very episodic, with Pinocchio learning a different life lesson (or failing some kind of test) in each episode. The chapter breaks are creatively placed as cliffhangers in some spots, which was cool.
I’m trying to think what age kids would really enjoy this and maybe even identify a little with Pinocchio. Seven to nine years old? There is a short window that we have to spring this on kids, haha. Too young and they won’t get it. Too old and they’ll for sure roll their eyes. Hm.
The morals are spot on. But they are laid on pretty thick.
It’s just…kind of weird if you don’t know what to expect. I’d describe it as a fairy tale. There are talking animals and magic and such. It’s not to be believed on its face, of course, but the heart of the story is meant to be believed.
The structure is very episodic, with Pinocchio learning a different life lesson (or failing some kind of test) in each episode. The chapter breaks are creatively placed as cliffhangers in some spots, which was cool.
I’m trying to think what age kids would really enjoy this and maybe even identify a little with Pinocchio. Seven to nine years old? There is a short window that we have to spring this on kids, haha. Too young and they won’t get it. Too old and they’ll for sure roll their eyes. Hm.