Product Description

Translated from the Italian by Carol Della Chiesa

From Publishers Weekly

Innocenti's luminous interpretation of Collodi's tale carves the action out of 19th century Italian landscapes. Clearly shown as a mocking marionette, this Pinocchio races through cobbled city scenes and then throws himself prostrate at the personor fairywhom he has most recently wronged by his hasty, thoughtless behavior. And when he becomes a real boy, the transformation is resounding: left slumped on a chair is the body of a puppet; readers may marvel that what lies so lifeless in that scene was the source of so much trouble earlier on. Enchantment reigns in the pictures, each a perfect elaboration of the text. Innocenti and Collodi are equally at home in a place where puppets have life beyond human hands, and where souls may die and live again, resurrected by the power of love. All ages.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 2-4, younger for reading aloud. This retelling of a classic story raises a question: does modernizing and truncating the story to popularize it, lose the essence and charm of the original? The answer, of course, is, "It depends on how it's done." The classic, illustrated by Attilio Mussino, is 310 pages. For his picture-book-size, 96-page version, the editors have cut episodes, minimized details, and abbreviated the dialogue. Eliminated are such elements as the Land of the Busy Bees and notes to the reader, and nicknames have been updated (the Lovely Maiden with Azure Hair is now the Blue Fairy). The emphasis is on the magical aspects of the tale, and the heavy moral tone of the original has been replaced by a more child-friendly approach. The new full-page, turn-of-the-century-style illustrations, in watercolor, ink, and paint wash, are lively, spirited, and appealing. Certainly, the editorial changes bring a smooth flow to the story, and the attractive new look, with large print, will entice the young audience to whom Pinocchio's escapades most appeal. Isn't that what retellings should do?
Julie Cummins

Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

This promises to reach a wide age range; from the advanced elementary audience it intends to reach in over 200 pages peppered with black and white drawings into middle school levels. Collodi's classic story of a naughty puppet come to life is a fine tale which deserves the attention of new audiences. --
Midwest Book Review

From School Library Journal

Grade 4 Up–This volume is a revision of Innocenti's version of the classic tale (Creative Co, 1988; o.p.). Although the majority of the artwork can be found in the earlier edition, the layout and design have been modified and some new scenes have been added. The book retains the 19th-century European setting, and the careful composition, use of perspective, and dark earth tones are an apt visual expression of this complex moral tale. A more delicate font and text framed on subtly shaded paper give the book a more classic look. Murray's new translation employs more lyrical phrasing and use of language than the earlier edition. Libraries owning the 1988 book needn't replace it, but those looking for a traditional treatment of
Pinocchio should consider this handsome revision. Robert Ingpen's version (Purple Bear, 2005) offers a similar traditional flavor, but his portrayal of Pinocchio is more playful than mocking. Sara Fanelli's (Candlewick, 2003) offers a contemporary visual interpretation featuring collage.
–Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Carlo Collodi was an Italian writer and journalist whose character “Pinnochio” earned more fame than its creator. He had an active interest in politics and he also fought in Wars of Independence on voluntary basis.