Pinocchio (World Classics) Paperback – Illustrated, August 1, 2015

A booklist blog that I read recommended this original version of the story of Pinocchio, published in 1883. It's very much different (and better) than the Disney cartoon we all grew up with.The very first scene had me laughing out loud as Geppetto and a shop owner brawled.This original version is more graphic and violent than the children's version. For example (spoiler alert!), the talking cricket that Walt Disney lovingly named 'Jiminy' only lasted a page and a half before Pinocchio killed it with a hammer. And in another scene (big spoiler alert!) Pinocchio is hiding four gold pieces in his mouth while the cat and fox try to pry it open with a knife. The puppet bites the cats paw off and spits it on the ground.There are so many good lessons to be found in this story. Taken as a whole, we see a model of maturity. Pinocchio is a bad boy, but as he goes through life he takes note of the lessons around him. By the end of the book, he's accountable and responsible for caring for his father and the fairy. He does so by working extra hours and earning more money.

Bottom line is this is a disappointing piece of junk, not only printed by the country where once upon a time junk was a boat, but it also seems as though someone there may have done the choppy translation.While this is a hardcover, it is a mere 6-1/4 inches high by 4 inches wide, about the size of a pulp paperback, and the print is relatively small.This one went in the trash while I bought a real used hardcover copy, translated by Carol Della Chiesa and with original illustrations by Attilio Mussino.Don't waste your money on this version.

First, The Adventures of Pinocchio by Collodi is a fantastic read-aloud for young kids, and bears repeated readings in order to catch more and more symbolism. My 8-year-old kept yelling "Don't do it, Pinocchio!" 5 stars, Signore Collodi.The Macmillan Collector's Library edition is beautiful. It is a pocket-sized hardback with embossed cover and a dusk-jacket with adorable illustrations. Though I wasn't expecting or needing illustrations, I was optimistic about the illustrations based on the cover. (You might predict the moral of this story.) Again, I was not interested in illustrations as I intended to read it to my kids, but they have become something of a distraction from the story. Basically, the illustrations are creepy. Those aren't my words. They are the words of my 8-year old daughter. I wasn't going to say anything because who cares about the illustrations? I do...now. The illustrator for this edition is Charles Folkard. Probably a great guy, and most likely even a good artist, but these drawings didn't do it for our family.

No lie! This book is the meaning of life! If you don’t have time to read the whole bible, this is the cliff notes for ANY good guidance book! The Disney cartoon is a fragment of the whole story, but this book is by no means, long. You’ll breeze through and when you’re done... you will have been through a wealth of adventure and learned what you might already know inside, but you’ll have renewed confirmation!

These are the best Pinocchio illustrations!Great story with great art.Every high school age boy should read this.Symbolism also good for college age students.Bilingual versions good for learning Italian.

The book that is described - the 1929 Macmillan version with the Attilio Mussino illustrations - is excellent.My experience, and (from reading reviews ) that of a lot of others, is that many times the product on offer is NOT what is described. That not only sucks - it means Amazon isn’t policing third-party sellers.I guess Prime Membership is of less value every day.

Never having read this story until now (middle-aged parent) I was reminded of the Disney film of the same title, and how it shocked and scared me when Pinocchio turned into a donkey. But now, I understand how and why the fable is the way it is. While the book could be read by younger children, the somewhat violent nature of the episodes might make it better for older elementary- but then, the morality will be all too transparent and such children could dismiss it for being "preachy"- but there, they would be wrong. I am glad to have read it, and learned the moral of the story, even at my age. For, after nursing both an ailing father and a sick mother-in-law until their passing, I fully grasp the reality this fable conveys. Our parents are both our joy, and, when old, our responsibility. And no kind deed ever goes unrewarded; either in this life, or the next.

Got this for a friend. She loved it. Wonderful text and illustrations. There is no comparison to the saccharine, bowdleriized Walt Dsiney version of the story. Do yourself a favor and get this version, if you can. Or, you won't know what you are missing.

Beautifully illustrated. I have the whole collection of books illustrated by R. Ingpen and I just LOVE them. It is my greatest pleasure to read them to my kids and I am enjoying them over and over again thanks to the beautiful editions. I do own many different editions of all the classic stories but this one is the best. I hope to read it to my grandchildren in the future.

Bought this after a trip to Florence - children have enjoyed listening to this old classic

Absolutely loved this children's book. It is nothing like the Disney version most people have seen. It has deeper plot elements about 19th century Italy, particularly the working class, education and politics. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and have read it a couple of times. I needed it for university, and wrote two essays on it because it was one of the most enjoyable texts I was set.I would definitely recommend this to friends. It's great for any age.

Very good book with amazing drawings. The only thing that I really don't like is that names have been translated. For instance Magiafuoco is called fire-eater, which in English just doesn't sound right.

Had never read the beautiful story of Pinocchio. Enjoyed the adult references and hidden meanings of the mistakes Pinocchio, makes me think I need to revisit my youth for the books I have never read.

Good sized book for what I'm am using it for and great for the money. I would have liked a bigger size but I'll take what I can get :) overall great product.

ace

great authentic drawings of the area ( its where my partner grew up) and a beautiful classic gift of the traditional story not the disneyfied one

A fun and quick read. We enjoyed reading it with our 8 year old son, a bit dated in part

a good read

Good illustrations for ideas

Excellent service beautiful book very satisfied

The book was a lot smaller than I thought it would be, made for hobbits, very disappointed

Lovely book

A wonderful book - top quality print and beautifully illustrated. A real treat.