Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi and Sara Fanelli
| Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi and Sara Fanelli | |
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| Category: Confident Readers | |
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Reviewer: Keith Dudhnath
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| Summary: The classic tale of the naughty puppet who wanted to be a real boy, with a fresh new translation and outstanding illustrations. If you've only ever seen the Disney film, you'll have a real treat on your hands here. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 32 | Date: December 2009 |
| Publisher: Walker | |
| ISBN: 978-1406317473 | |
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Pinocchio, as you all know, is a little wooden puppet, who wants to be a real boy. He's very badly behaved, and always getting into trouble. Will he listen to the advice of Gepetto, the cricket or the fairy? Will he become real? What's it like if he doesn't break into a Disney song every two minutes?
Pinocchio is a classic tale, but not one most people know that well beyond the film. It's a shame - or an opportunity now - because it ticks all the right boxes: there's plenty of humour, morality, quirky characters, and a strong central narrative. There are surreal and silly touches which grab the attention and keep the readers on their toes. The morality is laid on with a trowel at times, but just around the corner, there's always a twist or surprise to take the edge off. If you've only ever seen the film, it's well worth a read to see just how much better the book is.
Emma Rose's translation bears particular note. The language is fresh and engaging, without being modern for modern's sake. It feels as if it could have been written yesterday, but always remains true to the spirit of the original. It flows wonderfully and feels as if it had been written in English in the first place - the main aim for any translation.
Sara Fanelli's illustrations are the main highlight: the mix of collage and ink is as playful as the text. Pinocchio's oversized half moon face, as seen on the front cover, creates an impression of the character, but still allows the reader's imagination to run wild. The other characters are bristling with as much fun and excitement, and the illustrations sit wonderfully alongside the text. It all works together to create a wonderful whole, as much fun for those who've never read the story as those who've read it frequently. Recommended.
My thanks to the publishers for sending it to Bookbag.
There are plenty of great choices for further reading in our Top Ten Classics of Children's Literature. For other naughty boys, look no further than George's Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl. If it's puppets you like most, take a look at Puppet Master by Joanne Owen.
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