A tale as old as time, or at least it sure feels like it, Pinnochio is just one of those classics that tug at all the right strings.
Insightful, engaging, magical and with a message that makes a mark, it is no wonder that the story of Pinocchio has lived on in our hearts for hundreds of years! And children all over the world still love it as much as we did. Or continue to, as parents and older adults.
So if you have been planning to introduce your child to the Pinocchio story but do not know where to begin, we have got you covered. Let’s go!
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Pinocchio story: uncovering the origin
The Adventures of Pinocchio story, as it is actually known, was written in Italian. Did you know that? It was the work of author Carlo Collodi. But that was his pen name. His real name was Carlo Lorenzini. Pretty close to his pen name!
Anyway, this story was not always a novel. It was actually a recurring series in a children’s magazine that went by the name of “Giornale per i bambini”, which literally means “the children’s magazine.” It was such a hit amongst its readers that it ran from 1881 to 1883!
And then, as they say, the rest is history. This beloved work endured the test of time and was eventually translated into English and several other languages, capturing hearts the world over.
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The Adventures of Pinocchio Story: a summary
Want a summary of Pinocchio story so you can narrate it to your child during bedtime? Or maybe just rouse their interest so they would want to read the book? Well, it goes something like this!
Long ago, there lived an old carpenter by the name of Gepetto. He was exceptionally skilled! Carving a myriad of wooden toys were kids that were very well loved in his village. As accomplished as he was, he was all alone in this world and terribly wished that he had children of his own.
His desire was so strong that one fine day, he decided to put his talents to use so he could create for himself a wooden son. He carefully carved a wooden puppet boy whose limbs moved just like a human’s! He named this little boy Pinocchio. And as he went to bed that night, he wished upon a star that his beautiful wooden boy would turn into his real son.
Little did he know that when he would wake up, his wish would have been granted! For Pinocchio was now a real walking, talking boy! All thanks to a fairy who swung her magic wand to make Pinocchio so. She also gave her wand another swish and got Pinocchio a cricket dressed in human clothes who was to be his friend.
Gepetto was beyond delight when he woke and he saw his little Pinocchio blinking like a human does. He could not believe his wooden boy was alive! He was so overwhelmed with joy that from that day onwards, he started Pinocchio as his real son. He even enrolled the boy in school, selling some of his winter wear to buy some school books.
But Pinocchio was a naughty boy, always looking for the next misadventure! One fine day, he came across a cat and a fox who egged him on to go to the fair with them. The cricket refused but Pinocchio would not listen to him. He sold his school books to buy a ticket to the fair and off he went!
He became wildly popular as a stringless puppet at the fair, earning a lot of fame and money. Seeing his success, a puppeteer imprisoned him for profit. Poor Pinoccio was in trouble! But the fairy appeared to save him. She asked him all sorts of questions as to how landed in trouble. But each time he lied, and as he did grew longer. So long that he could see it!
When the fairy told him his nose will grow longer each time he lies, he finally caved in and told the truth. So the fairy rescued him, and he was on his way home. Free at last! But as he was going, his friends called out and asked him to come to Toyland with them. And off he went again!
He had a lot of fun at Toyland, losing track of time and his bearings until the cricket finally realised that all of Pinocchio’s friends had disappeared. More shockingly, Pinocchio started getting donkey ears and a tail! And that is when they found out the owner of the Toyland lured little kids and turned them into donkeys to sell them in the market! What luck! And so Pinocchio fled before he could be caught!
As he arrived home, he saw that Gepetto had gone to the sea looking for him. Panicked, Pinocchio dashed in a hurry to the sea only to find Gepetto being devoured by a big whale! Pinocchio swam as fast as he could and entered right into the whale’s mouth with Gepetto. The father and son hugged as they were ready to admit defeat but Pinocchio got an idea! He used the fire Gepetto lit to make the whale sneeze and lo, they came out of the whale’s nostrils!
They swam to safety and that is when the fairy showed up again! She lauded Pinocchio for his bravery and the love for his father. She waved her wand again and this time turned him into a real boy. Pinocchio and his father lived a happy life after!
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Pinocchio story moral explained
The Pinocchio story moral is that lies get you into trouble, but the truth can save you! What is more, the story of Pinocchio in English also teaches kids to take heed of their elders and to let love guide their actions.
All your questions about the story of Pinocchio in English answered!
- What is the core plot of the Pinocchio story?
- What are the core themes in this story?
- What makes this story a forever classic?
- What makes Pinocchio feel sorry?
In summary of Pinocchio story, it is all about a little wooden boy carved by Geppetto, who turns into a real boy through all the lessons he learns during his many misadventures!
The power of love. That is one of the main themes. Apart from that, the Adventures of Pinocchio story also explores the themes of obedience, ethics and morality as well as the consequences of one’s action. It shows that many lessons are to be learnt along life’s journey!
Its universal theme of love, morality, honesty and redemption make it a classic that deeply resonates with both kids and adults. This story is like a little metaphorical compass that is ready to guide back to the path of truth and love shall you ever wander!
Pinocchio feels sorry when he lies. He realises that he should apologise and be honest instead as that is the right way to be. This is a major turning point for Pinocchio?
Had fun with our breakdown of the Pinocchio story? Find summaries and analysis of more such timeless classics on the EuroSchool blog. We are always sharing something new and interesting!
Check out other Stories for your kids:
Aladdin and the Magic Lamp
The Wolf and The Lamb
Little Red Riding Hood
Beauty and The Beast
The Ant and The Dove
The Gift of Magi
Snow White and Seven Dwarfs
Sleeping Beauty
Cinderella
