Al Dempster (1911–2001)

It's interesting to read the Disney Golden Book version of Pinocchio right on the heals of original Collodi version. The Golden Book is a pared down version of an already pared down version. In their brevity, they both try to make a coherent story out of Collodi's rambling allegories.

Characters that survive the transition from Collodi to Disney are Pinocchio, Geppetto, the Blue Fairy, the cat and fox (renamed), the puppeteer (now named Stromboli), the cricket (now named Jiminy), and the show more giant ship eating sea creature (changed from a shark to a whale and named Monstro). Scenes that survive: the carving of Pinocchio, the initial meeting of Jiminy and Pinocchio, the puppet show, Pleasure Island (a new name), the rescue of Geppetto and Pinocchio's transformation.

Frankly I'm still not a fan of either version of Pinocchio. In the original, Pinocchio is unlovable and brings most of the trouble onto himself. In the Disney version, Pinocchio is naive but otherwise likeable. He ends up sacrificing so much of himself just to fit in by way of becoming a "real boy." show less

I remember reading this when I was a kid - or at least the illustrations are very familiar to me. The story is fairly simple - it describes Santa's workshop at the North Pole, all the different departments: dolls, games, trains, etc. The illustrations show the elves cavorting merrily with the toys while Santa laments that he doesn't have any time to enjoy the toys. The book continues with Santa making his Christmas deliveries and then stopping at his final delivery and taking time to enjoy show more and play with the toys he's left.

It's a moderately cute story, but what really makes it enjoyable to me are the nostalgic-feeling illustrations. The book says it was illustrated by the "Walt Disney Studio" and it does look very typical of Disney. I wonder if it was ever made into an animated movie or something? It'd be perfect for a cute Christmas special. show less

A well-written book filled with fantasy elements such as magic, flying, and other dimensions. This book blends fantasy and reality well together making for a believable story. The story of Peter Pan has real plots and real characters. Pan is very stubborn and often selfish. Pan and Wendy explore independence and have little responsibility; these are all kids wishes! This book does a great job of exploring the minds of young children and how they feel. The book also does a good job with show more Captain Hook helping us realize that all of us share both good and bad qualities.

Extensions to this story would be building a fairy house for Tinkerbell.
Also In the book, peterpan has lost his shadow. I could have the children draw lines with chalk around their shadows.

Personal Reactions:
I enjoyed reading the book as a child and as an adult. I like that this book has a movie that I can watch with my children. show less

Summary:
This story starts the day before Wendy must leave the nursery and grow up. Peter Pan ends up in the nursery looking for his shadow and decides to take Wendy and the others with him to Never Land. Once in Never Land they encounter Captain Hook the bad guy. They all must take on Captain Hook in the end they rescue Tiger Lily.
Reflection:
I remember reading this book growing up and would recommend it to others. It is great way to get a child's imagination going. This book has great show more pictures and they are full of color. It would also be great to teach kids to work as a team and be there for each other. show less