Our children’s book of the month for January is Pinocchio by Michael Morpurg0
Pinocchio – the blurb
“Now – there’s no point in pretending here – I was, and still am deep down, a puppet. Everyone knows Pinocchio is a puppet. I reckon I must be just about the most famous puppet the world has ever known. But the truth is I’m not just a puppet, I’m more than just bits of wood and string. I’m me. So I thought it was about time that I, Pinocchio, told you my story…”
So begins this stunningly beautiful interpretation of the classic story. Michael Morpurgo channels Pinocchio’s words to tell the famous puppet’s story in his own inimitable, cheeky and always funny way.
Lavishly illustrated throughout in black-and-white by the acclaimed Emma Chichester Clark, this is a must-have for all book lovers, and an utterly charming and surprising adaptation of a much-loved tale.
Collodi, Disney, Morpurgo
The tale of Pinocchio has been re-told many a time. Morpurgo clearly has telling stories from an animal’s perspective down to a T so why not a puppet? The story is told in first person and covers all of the stereotypical Pinocchio elements – the donkey, the nose growing, the cricket. There are also slight differences, not least Pinocchio’s lack of desire to turn in to a human boy. “Puppet I was. Puppet I am. I’m glad I’m not a real boy.”
I read the book in 2 hours, mostly helped along by Emma Chichester Clark’s amazing illustrations. Despite this I did find the book dragged a little and Pinocchio’s constant poor decisions became slightly grating. Although you do have to work with what you’ve been given I suppose. Children less familiar with the story (the film was 1940 after all and hasn’t dated amazingly) may well love discovering the tale for the first time. It’s easily manageable for the younger middle grader or competent early reader. That said, it is probably one that is best kept for them, it doesn’t quite stretch to entertaining adults as others in this genre do.
Book club questions
+++ These questions contain spoilers and should only be used if you have read the book already!+++
- How much of the story were you familiar with before you read the book? Have you seen the Disney film?
- Pinocchio is carved from a cherry tree. Do you know what these look like? Can you draw a picture of one in full bloom?
- Pinocchio makes lots of silly decisions but can you find instances in the book where he is brave or kind?
- The book is set in Italy and little bits of Italian are included throughout. Can you find out how to count to 5 in Italian?
- When Pinocchio is caught by the Fire Eater he can see ‘the wobbly red bit’ at the back of his throat. What is this called?
- ‘No money, no honey. That’s life’ Many lessons are taught (or tried to be taught) to Pinocchio throughout the book. Can you list some? Do you think he learns from any?
If you would like to join in with our Children’s Book of the Month keep your eyes peeled when we announce February’s book in a few days time. Our review with book club questions is usually posted on the last Monday of the month and you can check out previous Book of the Months such as Orion Lost by Alastair Chisholm by clicking on the Young Adult/Kids button at the top of our Home Page. In the meantime we would love to see your drawings, answers and counting in Italian!
