When my oldest daughter was about four or five years old, I wanted to find a chapter book version of Pinocchio for her. We had already enjoyed some shorter adaptations of the story, but I was eager for her to experience the full magic of the tale. Growing up, I was enchanted by Disney’s classic Pinocchio film, and I hoped she would feel the same wonder. Since I had limited screen time for my kids and they found Disney movies a bit scary, I looked for a good book instead. That’s when I discovered Michael Morpurgo’s Pinocchio-and I was impressed! His version is even more captivating than the Disney film, though I still love that movie too.
Michael Morpurgo’s Pinocchio Synopsis
The story begins with a wood carpenter creating Pinocchio from a magical log. Pinocchio comes to life and embarks on a journey filled with trials, including encounters with tricksters, moments of disobedience, and lessons about hard work and honesty. Throughout his adventures, Pinocchio faces dangers such as being captured by the Fox and Cat, turning into a donkey, and being swallowed by a whale. The narrative explores his growth from a mischievous puppet to a responsible boy, culminating in his transformation into a real child.
Emotional Roller-Coaster: How Morpurgo’s Pinocchio Captures the Pain and Beauty of Being Different
I’m not sure how anyone can read aloud the first chapter of this book and not feel emotional already. It was so beautifully written highlighting how difficult it is to ‘be different’ and to grow up in general. I felt the emotion within myself, stemming from my own internal feelings of being different to most of our society, along with my struggles growing up. Morpurgo reflects all of these challenges so beautifully just in the first paragraph alone.
Other special features of this story are that it is written in the first-person, which often seems to trigger my emotions and usually tears. Experiencing the world through Pinocchio’s own eyes makes his journey feel even more personal and immediate. Morpurgo masterfully captures Pinocchio’s innocence, curiosity, and longing to belong, making his struggles and triumphs deeply relatable.
As the story unfolds, we see Pinocchio make mistakes, learn hard lessons, and grow in understanding-not just of the world, but of himself. The relationships he forms, especially with Geppetto, are touching and layered with genuine affection and vulnerability. Morpurgo’s retelling doesn’t shy away from the darker or more difficult moments, but always leaves space for hope and redemption.
Overall, this version of Pinocchio is not just a retelling of a classic tale, but a moving exploration of what it means to be human, to feel different, and to strive for acceptance. It’s a story that resonates with anyone who has ever felt out of place or longed to find their true self. Morpurgo’s emotional and heartfelt writing makes this a truly special read for both children and adults.
Possible Themes To Consider Before Reading To Kids
Before sharing Michael Morpurgo’s Pinocchio with young readers, it’s helpful to be aware of the themes woven throughout the story. This adaptation is recommended for ages 8 and up, as some themes may be too challenging for younger children. When I read the story to my five year old daughter, she seemed to enjoy it, but reading together is also a time for connection. As parents, we naturally gauge which parts are suitable for our child’s age and maturity, so I am sure I missed out some words or sections. While this version is beautifully written, it does explore some deeper and more complex topics. Here are a few themes to keep in mind:
1. The Struggle of Being Different
Pinocchio’s journey is, at its core, about feeling different and longing to belong. Children who have ever felt out of place-whether because of their personality, interests, or background-may relate closely to Pinocchio’s experiences. This can open up meaningful conversations about self-acceptance and embracing what makes us unique.
2. The Importance of Honesty and Integrity
As in the original tale, Pinocchio’s nose grows when he tells a lie, providing a memorable lesson about honesty. Morpurgo handles this theme with sensitivity, showing how difficult it can be to always tell the truth, but also how important it is for building trust and relationships.
3. Consequences and Personal Growth
Pinocchio’s mistakes often have real consequences, and he must learn from them in order to grow. This theme can help children understand that making mistakes is a natural part of life, and that growth often comes from facing challenges and learning from our errors.
4. The Value of Family
The relationship between Pinocchio and Geppetto is central to the story, highlighting themes of unconditional love, forgiveness, and the bonds that tie families together.
5. Facing Fears and Overcoming Temptation
Pinocchio encounters many temptations and frightening situations, from the lure of easy pleasures to the threat of real danger.
6. Hope and Redemption
Despite the hardships Pinocchio faces, Morpurgo’s retelling is ultimately hopeful. The story emphasizes that it’s never too late to change, make amends, and become the person you want to be-a reassuring message for readers of all ages.
Why I Liked Reading This To My Daughter
As I mentioned at the start, I set out to buy a Pinocchio book to bring this special story to life for my daughter, since she hadn’t seen one of my favourite films. Little did I know, the story would resonate with me on a much deeper emotional level.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve carried feelings of being different. Living with type 1 diabetes since 2 years old and frequently experiencing hypos was a constant challenge growing up. As a teenager, I felt even more out of place in the UK because I chose not to drink alcohol. Later, I entered a tragic first marriage-perhaps naively-much like Pinocchio wandering off with the Fox and the Cat. Even now, I find myself on a different path, unschooling my children.
All these differences are part of who I am, but they can be a heavy burden to bear. It’s no wonder, then, that Pinocchio’s story struck such a powerful chord with me.
Why My Daughter Loves Morpurgo’s Pinocchio
To be honest, I think the main reason my daughter loved me reading this story to her was because it gave us precious one-on-one time together. These were moments when I could focus just on her, away from the busy demands of her younger toddler twin siblings. Added to that, my own emotional investment in the story made a big difference. Because I was so passionate and animated while reading, the tale truly came alive for her, much more than if I’d been reading something I found boring.
Since then, we’ve revisited Pinocchio while traveling on holiday with all the children. They all seemed to enjoy it, and it sparked a meaningful conversation about my own childhood-specifically, how having diabetes sometimes made me feel different. Sharing those feelings with my kids was emotional, but important, because everyone wants to feel valued and understood, not just different.
Final Thoughts
Looking back on our experience with Michael Morpurgo’s Pinocchio, I’m struck by how much more this story became than just a bedtime read. What started as a quest to share a beloved tale with my daughter turned into a deeply personal journey-one that allowed both of us to explore feelings of being different, the challenges of growing up, and the enduring hope that lives in all of us.
Reading this book together was not only a chance to introduce my daughter to a classic story, but also a unique opportunity for connection. Through Pinocchio’s adventures, we found ourselves reflecting on honesty, family, and the courage it takes to be true to oneself. The story’s themes resonated with my own life experiences, and sharing those with my children helped us build understanding and empathy within our family.
What I cherish most is Morpurgo’s reminder that in a world that often celebrates conformity, our differences are not just challenges to overcome, but gifts that shape who we are and how we love. Ultimately, this retelling is a celebration of growth, forgiveness, and the lifelong journey to belonging.
Have you read Michael Morpurgo’s Pinocchio? I’d love to hear if it moved you as much as it did me-especially if you’re a parent. Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
Gentle Parent 