Steffi Fletcher

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

In the book Pinnochio, a marionette longs to become a real boy but can't seem to stay out of mischief long enough. He is skipping school, lying, and running away. With the aid of his conscience Jimmy Cricket this coming of age story shows how Pinnochio proves he is worthy of becoming a real boy.
This a great book to open a discussion in the classroom on topic of lying. Pinnochio goes through many struggles to become a good person worthy of becoming a "real boy" and children would react to show more this scenario. This story is a good foundation for open ended question and answers that revolve around this topic and a great lesson in the early education classroom.
Another activity that would be fun and educational is for the children to make a marionette. Give the children the materials to create their own marionette doll like the one in the book and see where the creation takes them. show less

Summary: Pinocchio is little wooden boy who comes to life, to become a real boy he has to prove to that hes a good kid. During his journey Pinocchio discovers that being a good boy is not so easy. He is faced with many decisions and with the help of his conscience he eventually ends up on the right path.

Personal Reaction: Not one of my favorite stories to read or tell, but the importance of this story out weighs my dislikes. This is a fun way for kids to learn about choices and consequences, show more and to learn about truth and lies.

Classroom extensions: Can be used to sow the importance of telling the truth and the consequences of telling lies. Can be used to show that everybody has the ability to choose their own path but not free from the consequenses of thoes choices. show less

This is a story about a man who carved a wooden boy and wished he would turn into a real boy. A good witch grants his wish and Pinocchio was partially a real boy. one day he was going to school and he was told to get on this wagon with other boys and go to wonderland. when they got to wonderland they were turned into donkeys. the good witch turned pinocchio back into a real boy and he was actually a real person now. I liked the book it was interesting.