'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Wednesday 27 April 2011

Review: The Adventures of Pinocchio

"Lies are easily recognised, my boy, because there are two kinds. There are lies that have short legs, and lies that have long noses."

The ultimate tale of misadventure has been interpreted from Collodi's original Italian story and re-released for children (and adults!) to enjoy once again.

Kids might be aware of the story of this little wooden boy via modern adaptations, but there is so much more to this tale than the Disney portrayal.


When this book landed in my mailbox, I was so excited I began reading it straight away and barely put it down until it was finished. I love Collodi's storytelling style, I love the messages within each chapter, and I love that the characters are simpler and yet much more rounded than many modern fictitious characters.

Did you know, for example, that the character of Jiminy Cricket is actually The Talking Cricket and is introduced, communicates his message and is killed off within one small chapter? Such an little-seen character can have such an impact on the story of a master narrator.

Each chapter is full of adventure and highlighted with a moral. The magic happens when all of these combine to create a story with an overall message of epic proportion - so much so that it has been told since 1881.

This is a must-have addition to any book collection, but be warned - by the time the whole family has read it and re-read it and then read it time and again, it will be a well-worn spine peeking from your shelf. Perfection.

Title: The Adventures of Pinocchio
Author: Carlo Collodi (translated by Ian Pedlow)
Publisher: New Holland, $9.95 RRP
Publication Date: March 2011
Format: Softcover
ISBN: 9781742571270
For ages: 8+
Type: Novel

Buy this book online