The Adventures of Pinocchio
by Carlo Collodi (1883)
36 chapters · 36 chapter quizzes · 843 vocabulary words
📖 Read the full book onlineOpen the Interactive Guide →About This Book
The Adventures of Pinocchio is a famous fairy tale from Italy about a wooden puppet who wishes he could be a real boy. It all begins when a poor old woodcarver named Geppetto carves a puppet out of a special piece of wood. To his great surprise, the puppet can talk, walk, and run — and right away he is full of mischief! Geppetto names the puppet Pinocchio and loves him like a son. But Pinocchio is not always good. He would rather play than go to school, and he often forgets to listen to the people who care about him. Along the way he meets a wise cricket, a kind fairy with blue hair, and a sly fox and cat who are not to be trusted. This story follows Pinocchio as he heads out into the world and gets into all kinds of trouble. Each adventure teaches him something new about telling the truth, working hard, and being kind. Readers will want to find out whether this lively little puppet can learn to make good choices.
This book is a wonderful story for young readers because it is exciting, funny, and full of surprises, while also teaching important lessons about honesty and kindness. Pinocchio makes many mistakes, just like real children do, so readers can see how small choices lead to big results. As they follow his adventures, children learn that it is never too late to say sorry and try to do better.
Pre-Reading Discussion Questions
- What do you think it would be like if one of your toys came to life and could talk?
- Have you ever wanted to skip school or a chore to go play instead? What happened?
- What does it mean to tell the truth, and why can it sometimes be hard?
- Who are the people in your life who give you good advice, and do you always listen to them?
- What do you think makes someone a 'real' or 'good' person?
- When you make a mistake, what helps you decide to try to do better next time?
Themes & Big Ideas to Track
- Honesty: Notice when Pinocchio tells the truth and when he does not, and what happens each time.
- Listening to good advice: Watch how Pinocchio treats the people who try to help and guide him.
- Choices and consequences: See how each choice Pinocchio makes leads to something good or bad.
- Growing up: Pay attention to the ways Pinocchio slowly learns to be more responsible.
- Kindness and love: Look for the moments when characters care for one another, even when it is hard.
- Temptation: Notice how easy it is for Pinocchio to be led away from what he knows is right.
Chapter-by-Chapter Study Guide
Chapter 1: Mastro Cherry Finds a Strange Piece of Wood
Before you read — think about:
- What do you already know about the story of Pinocchio before we begin?
- Have you ever heard a sound and not been able to find where it came from? How did that feel?
- What kinds of things does a carpenter make out of wood?
- Do you think an ordinary object, like a piece of wood, could ever surprise you? How?
- When something scary or strange happens, what do people sometimes do to feel braver?
Watch for these while reading:
- How the carpenter Mastro Cherry got his funny nickname
- The very first time the tiny voice speaks and what it asks for
- The different feelings the little voice shows, from crying to laughing
- How Mastro Cherry's face and body change when he gets frightened
- Why the carpenter keeps trying to tell himself that nothing is really happening
Vocabulary to know:
carpenter (noun) — a person whose job is building and fixing things made of wood; firewood (noun) — wood that is cut up so it can be burned to make a fire; hatchet (noun) — a small axe with a short handle; beseeching (adjective) — begging or pleading for something; solemn (adjective) — very serious; trembling (verb) — shaking, usually from fear or cold; stuttering (verb) — repeating sounds while trying to speak, often from nervousness; unmercifully (adverb) — in a rough way, without any kindness; plane (noun) — a carpenter's tool that shaves wood to make it smooth; shavings (noun) — thin curls of wood that come off while a tool shapes it; courage (noun) — being brave even when you feel afraid; mumbled (verb) — spoke in a low, quiet voice that is hard to hear; ripe (adjective) — fully grown and ready, the way a fruit is when it can be eaten; wig (noun) — a covering of fake hair worn on the head; giggled (verb) — laughed in a light, silly way.
Chapter 2: Geppetto Takes the Talking Wood to Carve a Puppet
Before you read — think about:
- If you had a special piece of wood, what would you want to make out of it?
- What does it mean to have a short temper, and how do people act when they lose it?
- Why is it unkind to call someone by a name they do not like?
- Have you ever seen two people argue and then quickly become friends again?
- What is a marionette, and how does it move?
Watch for these while reading:
- The nickname that makes Geppetto furious whenever he hears it
- The big idea Geppetto has for the piece of wood
- How the tiny voice causes trouble between the two old men
- The ways the two friends make up after they fight
- How the piece of wood behaves when it is handed over
Vocabulary to know:
marionette (noun) — a puppet with a wooden body that can be made to move; somersault (noun) — a roll or flip in which the body turns heels over head; dapper (adjective) — neat and tidy in the way one looks or dresses; temper (noun) — how easily a person becomes angry; soothe (verb) — to make someone feel calm and less upset; insult (verb) — to say something rude or unkind that hurts a person's feelings; flatter (verb) — to say nice things to please someone; favor (noun) — a kind or helpful thing you do for someone who asks; surly (adjective) — grumpy and unfriendly; violent (adjective) — using strong, rough force; jerk (noun) — a quick, sudden movement; lame (adjective) — not able to walk well because of a hurt leg or foot; thrashing (noun) — a rough beating or tussle; limped (verb) — walked in an uneven way because of a sore leg.
Chapter 3: Geppetto Carves Pinocchio, Who Runs Away
Before you read — think about:
- What might it be like to build something that starts moving before you even finish it?
- Why do people choose certain names, and do you think a name can bring good luck?
- How should a child treat a parent who is working hard to care for them?
- What could happen if a brand-new puppet ran out into a busy street?
- When someone runs away, why might strangers get the wrong idea about who is at fault?
Watch for these while reading:
- How Geppetto's home shows that he is poor but tidy
- The way each part of Pinocchio starts moving as it is carved
- The very first trick Pinocchio plays on his maker
- How the crowd in the street misjudges kind Geppetto
- The surprising thing Geppetto forgot to give Pinocchio
Vocabulary to know:
pranks (noun) — playful tricks meant to fool or tease someone; rickety (adjective) — weak and shaky, likely to break; tumble-down (adjective) — falling apart or almost in ruins; fixedly (adverb) — staring steadily without looking away; grieved (adjective) — feeling sad and hurt; impertinent (adjective) — rude and not showing proper respect; despair (noun) — the feeling of having no hope left; downcast (adjective) — sad and discouraged; impudent (adjective) — boldly rude and disrespectful; wicked (adjective) — naughty or badly behaved; deserve (verb) — to have earned something by what you have done; stiff (adjective) — hard to bend or move; limbered (verb) — loosened up so they could move easily; bounds (noun) — great leaping jumps; peasants (noun) — poor country people who work the land; carabineer (noun) — a soldier who works as a policeman; colt (noun) — a young horse; resolved (adjective) — firmly decided to do something; seize (verb) — to grab hold of suddenly; ungrateful (adjective) — not thankful for the kindness one is given; tyrant (noun) — a cruel person who treats others harshly; liberty (noun) — freedom to go or do as one wishes; wailed (verb) — cried out loudly with sadness.
Chapter 4: Pinocchio Meets the Talking Cricket
Before you read — think about:
- Have you ever had someone older try to give you good advice? How did you react?
- Why do you think grown-ups want children to go to school?
- What does it mean to lose your temper, and what can happen when you do?
- If a talking bug gave you advice, would you stop to listen? Why or why not?
- What kinds of choices might get a runaway into trouble?
Watch for these while reading:
- The very old creature who says it has lived in the house for a hundred years
- The advice the Cricket gives Pinocchio about school and work
- How Pinocchio reacts when someone tries to correct him
- The kind of life Pinocchio says he wants to live
- Whether Pinocchio chooses to listen to wise words or not
Vocabulary to know:
rascal (noun) — a person who causes mischief and trouble; clutches (noun) — a tight, controlling grip or hold; meadows (noun) — open fields covered with grass; brambles (noun) — rough, prickly bushes; brooks (noun) — small streams of water; hounds (noun) — dogs used for hunting; woe (noun) — great sadness or trouble; obey (verb) — to do what you are told to do; philosopher (noun) — a wise person who thinks deeply about life; offended (adjective) — hurt or upset by something rude; trade (noun) — a job or skill you use to earn a living; patience (noun) — staying calm while dealing with something annoying; fury (noun) — very strong, wild anger; laughingstock (noun) — someone that everyone laughs at; hare (noun) — an animal much like a large, fast rabbit.
Chapter 5: The Omelet That Flew Out the Window
Before you read — think about:
- What do you do when you are very hungry and there is nothing to eat?
- Have you ever wanted something so badly you could think of nothing else?
- What might go wrong if a child tried to cook with no grown-up at home?
- Why is it important to have people who take care of us?
- What lessons might one hungry, lonely night teach a runaway?
Watch for these while reading:
- How Pinocchio's hunger grows stronger and stronger
- The trick the painted pot plays on him
- The surprising thing that happens when he cracks open the egg
- Whether Pinocchio begins to regret running away from home
- What Pinocchio decides to do at the end to find food
Vocabulary to know:
omelet (noun) — a food made from cooked, beaten eggs; ravenous (adjective) — extremely hungry; amazement (noun) — a feeling of great surprise; relief (noun) — the easing of something unpleasant; yawn (noun) — the wide opening of the mouth that happens when you are tired or hungry; dizzy (adjective) — feeling like everything is spinning around you; faint (adjective) — weak and about to fall down; sweepings (noun) — bits of dust and trash swept into a pile; pounced (verb) — jumped on something suddenly; yolk (noun) — the yellow center of an egg; darting (verb) — moving quickly and suddenly; charitable (adjective) — kind and giving to those in need; grumbling (verb) — making a low rumbling sound; shriek (verb) — to cry out in a high, loud voice; appetite (noun) — the wish or need to eat; jiffy (noun) — a very short moment of time.
Chapter 6: Pinocchio Burns His Feet While He Sleeps
Before you read — think about:
- Have you ever been outside on a dark, stormy night? How did it feel?
- What would you do if you were hungry and every shop was closed?
- Why is it not safe to fall asleep too close to a fire or a hot stove?
- How do you think a tired, hungry traveler feels when no one will help?
- What might happen to wooden feet left resting on a hot stove?
Watch for these while reading:
- The frightening storm Pinocchio faces on his way to the village
- How the old man in the nightcap answers Pinocchio's plea for bread
- The way Pinocchio tries to warm and dry himself once he is home
- What happens to Pinocchio's feet while he is fast asleep
- Whose voice Pinocchio hears knocking at the door at dawn
Vocabulary to know:
thundered (verb) — made the loud booming sound of thunder; lightning (noun) — bright flashes of electricity in a stormy sky; dense (adjective) — thick and packed closely together; weird (adjective) — strange and a little spooky; deserted (adjective) — empty, with no one around; desperation (noun) — a feeling of hopeless worry that makes you act wildly; nightcap (noun) — a soft cap worn on the head while sleeping; roam (verb) — to wander around from place to place; weariness (noun) — the feeling of being very tired; ashes (noun) — the soft gray powder left after something burns; snored (verb) — breathed with a loud, rough sound while sleeping; moaned (verb) — made a low, sad sound.
Chapter 7: Geppetto Gives Pinocchio His Own Breakfast
Before you read — think about:
- How do you think a parent feels when their child is hurt, even after being naughty?
- Have you ever made up a wild story to explain something? What happened?
- Why is it important to be thankful for the food we are given?
- What would you do if you were still hungry after eating everything there was?
- How can one hard night change the way someone treats the people who love them?
Watch for these while reading:
- The silly excuse Pinocchio gives for his missing feet
- How Geppetto's anger turns to sadness when he sees Pinocchio
- The breakfast Geppetto gives up for his hungry son
- How picky Pinocchio is about the pears at first
- What Pinocchio ends up eating by the end of the chapter
Vocabulary to know:
staggered (verb) — walked or moved unsteadily, almost falling; headlong (adverb) — head-first and in a rush; sorrowful (adjective) — full of sadness; caressed (verb) — touched gently and lovingly; jumbled (adjective) — mixed up and hard to follow; pears (noun) — a sweet, soft fruit; dainty (adjective) — fussy and delicate about small things; fussy (adjective) — hard to please; accustom (verb) — to get used to something; twinkling (noun) — a very short instant of time; devoured (verb) — ate quickly and hungrily; wry (adjective) — twisted up in dislike; core (noun) — the hard middle part of a fruit; peel (verb) — to take the skin off a fruit; skins (noun) — the outer peels of the fruit; observed (verb) — said as a remark; pointed out.
Chapter 8: Geppetto Sells His Coat to Buy an ABC Book
Before you read — think about:
- What promises do people make when they really want something? Do they always keep them?
- Would you give up something you own to help someone you love? What?
- Why do we need certain things, like books, in order to go to school?
- How does it feel to get a gift from someone who has very little?
- What does it mean to be poor, and how might it change what a family can do?
Watch for these while reading:
- The promises Pinocchio makes to get new feet
- The clever, quick feet Geppetto carves
- The outfit Geppetto makes for Pinocchio out of simple things
- The big sacrifice Geppetto makes to buy the ABC book
- How Pinocchio reacts when he learns what his father gave up
Vocabulary to know:
appeased (verb) — satisfied or calmed; mischief (noun) — naughty behavior that causes trouble; stern (adjective) — serious and strict; diligently (adverb) — working hard and carefully; slender (adjective) — thin and narrow; nimble (adjective) — quick and light in movement; modeled (verb) — shaped or formed by hand; grateful (adjective) — feeling thankful; gentleman (noun) — a polite, well-mannered man; poverty (noun) — the state of being very poor; darns (noun) — places where holes in cloth have been sewn shut; patches (noun) — pieces of cloth sewn over holes; restrain (verb) — to hold back; sobbing (verb) — crying hard with short, gasping breaths.
Chapter 9: Pinocchio Sells His Book for the Puppet Show
Before you read — think about:
- Have you ever been tempted to do something fun instead of something you were supposed to do?
- Why is it hard to walk past an exciting show or game?
- What does it mean to put off, or delay, an important task?
- Is it ever right to sell or trade away a gift someone sacrificed to give you?
- What might happen when you follow the crowd instead of your own plan?
Watch for these while reading:
- The kind daydreams Pinocchio has about helping his father
- The music that pulls Pinocchio away from school
- The choice Pinocchio makes between school and the show
- What Pinocchio is willing to trade to get inside the theater
- Who finally buys what Pinocchio is selling
Vocabulary to know:
arithmetic (noun) — the part of math that uses numbers, like adding and subtracting; nuisance (noun) — something annoying or bothersome; puzzled (adjective) — confused and unsure; brilliant (adjective) — very bright and colorful; curiosity (noun) — a strong wish to know or see something; shamelessly (adverb) — without any feeling of embarrassment; hesitated (verb) — paused because of doubt before doing something; ragpicker (noun) — a person who collects and sells old rags and scraps; shivering (verb) — shaking because of cold; square (noun) — an open public space in the middle of a town; theater (noun) — a place where plays and shows are performed; bargain (noun) — a good deal in buying or trading; shrugging (verb) — raising the shoulders to show you don't care; pipes (noun) — musical instruments that make sound when you blow into them.
Chapter 10: The Puppets Welcome Pinocchio, and Fire-Eater Appears
Before you read — think about:
- Have you ever been welcomed warmly by a group when you arrived somewhere?
- What makes a live show or performance exciting to watch?
- Why might the person in charge get angry if a show is interrupted?
- How does it feel to meet others who are a lot like you?
- What would you do if you suddenly found yourself in real danger?
Watch for these while reading:
- How the puppets on stage react when they spot Pinocchio
- The way the show gets interrupted
- The frightening appearance of the theater's Director
- What the Director plans to do with Pinocchio
- Who Pinocchio cries out to when he is in danger
Vocabulary to know:
riot (noun) — wild, noisy confusion among a crowd; performance (noun) — a show put on for an audience; reciting (verb) — saying words or lines aloud; spectacle (noun) — an interesting or impressive sight; antics (noun) — silly, playful actions; audience (noun) — the people watching a show; wings (noun) — the hidden sides of a stage; orchestra (noun) — the area of a theater near the stage where the musicians sit; embraces (noun) — warm hugs; triumph (noun) — a joyful celebration of victory; fangs (noun) — long, sharp, pointed teeth; apparition (noun) — a sudden, startling appearance; ogre (noun) — a cruel giant in stories; spit (noun) — a thin rod used to hold meat over a fire for roasting; wriggling (verb) — twisting and turning the body; eel (noun) — a long, slippery fish shaped like a snake; pitifully (adverb) — in a way that makes others feel pity.
Chapter 11: Fire-Eater Spares Pinocchio and Harlequin
Before you read — think about:
- Have you ever met someone who looked scary but turned out to be kind?
- What does it mean to be brave for a friend?
- Is it ever right to take another person's punishment for them? Why?
- How can showing respect change the way someone treats you?
- What are different ways people show they feel sad or sorry?
Watch for these while reading:
- The strange way Fire-Eater shows he feels sorry for someone
- The title Pinocchio uses that finally softens the Director
- The brave offer Pinocchio makes to save his friend
- How the other puppets and even the officers react to Pinocchio's words
- How the chapter ends for Harlequin
Vocabulary to know:
reigned (verb) — was widely present, like a ruler over a place; waver (verb) — to become unsure and begin to give in; weaken (verb) — to become less firm or strong; sneeze (noun) — a sudden burst of air out of the nose; here, Fire-Eater's sign that he feels sorry; willow (noun) — a tree with long, drooping branches; hoarse (adjective) — rough and harsh sounding; heartbreaking (adjective) — causing deep sadness; bitterly (adverb) — with deep sorrow; Excellency (noun) — a title of great respect for an important person; compassionate (adjective) — feeling kindness for someone who is suffering; mercy (noun) — kindness shown by choosing not to punish or harm; spared (verb) — chose not to harm someone; duty (noun) — something a person feels they ought to do; piercing (adjective) — sharp and loud; scurrying (verb) — moving quickly with short little steps; pardon (noun) — forgiveness that frees someone from punishment; granted (verb) — given or allowed.
Chapter 12: The Fox and the Cat Tempt Pinocchio with Gold
Before you read — think about:
- If someone gave you money to bring home, what would you do to keep it safe?
- Have you ever met a stranger who seemed a little too friendly? How did you feel?
- Why do some people make promises that sound too good to be true?
- What does it mean to be greedy, and where can greed lead?
- Why is it wise to listen to a warning, even from someone small?
Watch for these while reading:
- The gift Fire-Eater sends home to Geppetto
- The two sly travelers Pinocchio meets on the road
- The warning a little bird tries to give Pinocchio
- The amazing story the Fox tells about growing money
- Whether Pinocchio remembers his father and his good plans
Vocabulary to know:
regards (noun) — friendly good wishes sent to someone; courteously (adverb) — in a polite way; whiskers (noun) — the long stiff hairs near an animal's mouth; tinkle (noun) — a light, ringing sound; unconsciously (adverb) — without meaning to or realizing it; paw (noun) — the foot of an animal like a fox or cat; coals (noun) — glowing, burning pieces of fuel; inquired (verb) — asked about something; blackbird (noun) — a small black songbird; perched (verb) — sat or rested on an edge; companions (noun) — friends who travel or spend time together; double (verb) — to make something twice as much; miserable (adjective) — small and pitiful in amount; expense (noun) — a cost, often something you suffer or lose; fortune (noun) — great luck or riches; blessed (adjective) — lucky or holy, as if given special favor; sprouts (verb) — begins to grow, like a seed; blossoms (verb) — opens into flowers or bloom; sprinkle (verb) — to scatter small bits or drops; multiply (verb) — to add a number to itself many times; sparkling (adjective) — shining with tiny flashes of light; gain (noun) — profit or something won for oneself; enrich (verb) — to make someone rich.
Chapter 13: A Night at the Red Lobster Inn
Before you read — think about:
- Have you ever been so excited about something that you couldn't sleep?
- Why should we be careful about trusting new friends who want our money?
- What does it mean when someone gives you a warning for your own good?
- Have you ever ignored good advice and wished later that you hadn't?
- Why might it be dangerous to travel all alone at night?
Watch for these while reading:
- The enormous meals the Cat and Fox order at the inn
- What the innkeeper's wink might mean
- The trick the Fox and Cat play before leaving the inn
- The familiar voice that gives Pinocchio advice in the dark
- The warning about the Assassins at the end of the chapter
Vocabulary to know:
inn (noun) — a place where travelers can eat and sleep; mullets (noun) — a kind of fish eaten as food; coaxing (noun) — gentle urging to get someone to do something; diet (noun) — a limited way of eating, often to stay healthy; partridges (noun) — plump birds hunted for food; pheasants (noun) — long-tailed birds hunted for food; indigestion (noun) — an uncomfortable, sick feeling in the stomach; here, from thinking too much about gold; innkeeper (noun) — the person who runs an inn; winking (verb) — closing one eye quickly as a secret signal; vines (noun) — climbing plants that grapes grow on; swayed (verb) — swung gently back and forth; telegram (noun) — a short written message sent quickly over a wire long ago; refinement (noun) — fine, polite manners; visible (adjective) — able to be seen; bats (noun) — small flying animals that come out at night; echoed (verb) — repeated a sound back from far away; glimmering (verb) — shining with a faint, soft light; ghost (noun) — the spirit of someone who has died; swindlers (noun) — cheats who trick people out of their money; assassins (noun) — dangerous robbers who attack travelers; snuffed (verb) — put out, like a candle flame; grief (noun) — deep sorrow or trouble.
Chapter 14: Pinocchio Falls into the Hands of Robbers
Before you read — think about:
- Why do children sometimes think grown-ups' warnings are only meant to scare them?
- What would you do if you were being chased and needed to hide something valuable?
- How can being stubborn get a person into trouble?
- What does it mean to be brave in a frightening moment?
- Why is it risky to believe that bad things 'only happen to other people'?
Watch for these while reading:
- What Pinocchio believes about the Assassins as he walks
- Where Pinocchio hides his gold pieces when danger comes
- The clever, surprising way Pinocchio fights back
- The clue that reveals who the Assassins really might be
- The chases and narrow escapes Pinocchio makes
Vocabulary to know:
unlucky (adjective) — having bad luck; scolds (verb) — speaks angrily to correct someone; bothersome (adjective) — annoying and troublesome; misfortunes (noun) — unlucky or bad events; rustle (noun) — a soft crackling sound; shadows (noun) — dark shapes cast where light is blocked; grasped (verb) — grabbed and held tightly; thieves (noun) — people who steal; threatening (adjective) — showing a plan to hurt or harm; stubborn (adjective) — refusing to give in or change; deaf (adjective) — not able to hear; pry (verb) — to force something open; claws (noun) — the sharp nails on an animal's paws; pursuers (noun) — those who chase after someone; exhausted (adjective) — extremely tired; spurred (verb) — urged on to try harder; sputter (verb) — to make popping, spitting sounds; somber (adjective) — dark and gloomy; drenched (adjective) — completely soaked with water; terror (noun) — very great fear.
Chapter 15: The Robbers Hang Pinocchio from an Oak Tree
Before you read — think about:
- When you are very scared, what makes you feel safer?
- Have you ever knocked on a door hoping someone would help you?
- Why do people sometimes think of the ones they love most in hard moments?
- What does it mean to keep a secret even when it is very hard?
- How can a story make you feel worried about a character you care about?
Watch for these while reading:
- The little white cottage Pinocchio races toward
- The mysterious girl with blue hair at the window
- Why the girl says she cannot open the door
- How Pinocchio's hard wood helps protect him
- Who Pinocchio thinks of at the very end of the chapter
Vocabulary to know:
cottage (noun) — a small house; gleaming (verb) — shining softly; labored (adjective) — slow, heavy, and hard; maiden (noun) — a young girl; azure (adjective) — sky-blue in color; wax (noun) — a smooth, pale substance, like the kind used to make candles; coffin (noun) — a box in which a body is placed; dismay (noun) — a feeling of shock and worry; noose (noun) — a loop of rope that tightens when pulled; limb (noun) — a large branch of a tree; gasp (noun) — a sudden, sharp breath; mockingly (adverb) — in a teasing, unkind way; seasick (adjective) — sick and dizzy from rocking motion; choked (verb) — kept from breathing by something tight around the throat; murmured (verb) — spoke in a very soft, low voice; oak (noun) — a strong, tall kind of tree.
Chapter 16: The Blue-Haired Fairy Rescues Pinocchio
Before you read — think about:
- Have you ever been rescued or helped just when you needed it most?
- Why might a story include magical helpers, like talking animals?
- When someone is very sick, who comes to help them get better?
- Have you ever felt that people were talking about you, and it made you uncomfortable?
- What does it mean to feel sorry for the way you have behaved?
Watch for these while reading:
- Who the girl with azure hair really turns out to be
- The magical helpers the Fairy calls to save Pinocchio
- The fancy coach and its unusual horses
- The silly answers the three doctors give
- The one doctor who tells Pinocchio the honest truth about himself
Vocabulary to know:
dangled (verb) — hung loosely and swung; pity (noun) — a feeling of sadness for someone else's trouble; whirr (noun) — a soft, buzzing, rushing sound; falcon (noun) — a swift bird that hunts; ledge (noun) — a narrow shelf sticking out from a wall; reverence (noun) — deep respect; vicinity (noun) — the area near a place; sigh (noun) — a long, deep breath that shows a feeling; magnificent (adjective) — grand and splendid; poodle (noun) — a dog with curly hair; livery (noun) — the fancy uniform of a servant; tricorn (noun) — a hat with three corners; jaunty (adjective) — cheerful and stylish; velvet (noun) — a soft, thick cloth; breeches (noun) — short trousers that stop at the knee; crimson (adjective) — deep red; coach (noun) — a fancy carriage pulled by animals; pulse (noun) — the beat of the heart felt in the body; contradict (verb) — to say the opposite of what someone else says; colleague (noun) — a fellow worker; shuddered (verb) — shook suddenly with fear; recover (verb) — to get well again.
Chapter 17: Pinocchio Tells a Lie and His Nose Grows
Before you read — think about:
- Why do some children make a big fuss about taking medicine?
- Have you ever bargained to get something you wanted before doing something you didn't?
- What usually happens to a lie in the end — does it stay hidden forever?
- Why is it easier to tell one small lie and then another?
- How might a story show, in a magical way, that lying is wrong?
Watch for these while reading:
- All the excuses Pinocchio makes to avoid the bitter medicine
- What finally scares Pinocchio into taking the medicine
- The lies Pinocchio tells the Fairy about his gold pieces
- What happens to Pinocchio's nose each time he lies
- The Fairy's famous saying about the two kinds of lies
Vocabulary to know:
fever (noun) — a hot, sick feeling caused by illness; powder (noun) — fine, dry bits like dust; whining (adjective) — complaining in a high, unhappy voice; bitter (adjective) — having a sharp, unpleasant taste; lump (noun) — a small solid piece; smacking (verb) — making a sharp sound with the lips; medicine (noun) — something taken to help cure sickness; pillow (noun) — a soft cushion for resting on; gulp (noun) — a big swallow; muttering (verb) — speaking in a low, unclear voice; confused (adjective) — mixed up and unsure; windowpanes (noun) — the sheets of glass in a window; shame (noun) — the bad feeling that comes from doing wrong; imagine (verb) — to picture something in your mind; sickness (noun) — the state of being ill; swallowed (verb) — made food or drink go down the throat; burning (adjective) — feeling very hot, as with a fever; ink (noun) — a dark liquid used for writing; here used to mean very black; chewing (verb) — grinding food with the teeth; feather (noun) — one of the soft, light parts that cover a bird; death (noun) — the end of life; rabbits (noun) — small animals with long ears; here, coal-black messengers; forehead (noun) — the part of the face above the eyes.
Chapter 18: Back to the Field of Wonders with the Fox and Cat
Before you read — think about:
- When you set out to do something good, what things might pull you off course?
- Why do tricksters keep coming back to the same person?
- Have you ever believed a promise that was too good to be true?
- What are the warning signs that a place or a deal is not what it seems?
- Why is it hard to say no to the same temptation twice?
Watch for these while reading:
- How the Fairy shrinks Pinocchio's giant nose
- Who Pinocchio runs into again on the wood path
- The wild story the Fox tells about the Cat's hurt paw
- The strange, ruined city Pinocchio walks through
- What Pinocchio does with his four gold pieces in the field
Vocabulary to know:
mourned (verb) — felt and showed deep sadness; acquire (verb) — to get or pick up something, like a habit; habit (noun) — something a person does over and over; woodpeckers (noun) — birds that peck at wood with their beaks; pecked (verb) — struck at something with a beak; enormous (adjective) — very, very large; sling (noun) — a cloth loop that holds up a hurt arm or paw; modest (adjective) — humble; not showing off; wolf (noun) — a wild animal like a large, fierce dog; starved (adjective) — suffering badly from hunger; beast (noun) — a wild animal; overtook (verb) — caught up to someone from behind; sow (verb) — to plant something in the ground, like seeds; rogues (noun) — dishonest, sneaky people; hairless (adjective) — having no hair or fur; sheared (adjective) — with the wool cut off; peacocks (noun) — large birds known for their beautiful tail feathers; bedraggled (adjective) — messy, wet, and untidy; scuttling (verb) — moving with short, quick steps; paupers (noun) — very poor people; beggars (noun) — people who beg for money or food; hawk (noun) — a bird that hunts smaller animals; vulture (noun) — a large bird that eats dead animals; pail (noun) — a bucket; grain (noun) — a single seed of a food plant like wheat; wheat (noun) — a grassy plant whose grain is used to make bread.
Chapter 19: Pinocchio Is Robbed and Sent to Prison
Before you read — think about:
- What are the dangers of believing money can come with no work?
- Have you ever waited eagerly for something that never came?
- Why is it important to earn things honestly?
- What would you do if you discovered you had been tricked?
- Is the law always fair? What might make a court unfair?
Watch for these while reading:
- The wild daydreams Pinocchio has while he waits
- What Pinocchio finds when he digs up the spot
- The truth the Parrot tells him
- The strange, unfair decision of the Monkey judge
- The lucky reason Pinocchio finally gets out of prison
Vocabulary to know:
impatiently (adverb) — in a restless way, not able to wait calmly; palace (noun) — a very large and grand house; stables (noun) — buildings where horses are kept; cellar (noun) — a room below a house, underground; fancies (noun) — pleasant things imagined in the mind; hearty (adjective) — loud, warm, and full of energy; parrot (noun) — a brightly colored bird that can talk; preening (verb) — cleaning and smoothing feathers with the beak; peevishly (adverb) — in a grumpy, irritated way; simpletons (noun) — foolish people who are easily fooled; conclusion (noun) — a final decision or opinion reached after thinking; furiously (adverb) — with wild, fast energy; courthouse (noun) — a building where a judge hears cases; magistrate (noun) — a judge; gorilla (noun) — a very large, powerful ape; venerable (adjective) — respected because of great age; spectacles (noun) — eyeglasses; justice (noun) — fair treatment under the law; mastiffs (noun) — large, strong dogs; stunned (adjective) — shocked and unable to move or speak; emperor (noun) — the ruler of a large land or empire; jailer (noun) — a person who guards a prison.
Chapter 20: The Long Road Back to the Fairy
Before you read — think about:
- When you make a mistake, how does it feel to promise yourself you'll do better?
- Have you ever had to pass something scary that stood in your way?
- Why is it risky to take something that isn't yours, even when you're desperate?
- What does it mean to truly learn from your mistakes?
- How can being in a hurry cause you to fall into a new trap?
Watch for these while reading:
- The honest promises Pinocchio makes to himself on the road
- The frightening creature blocking the road
- The funny way the Serpent finally moves aside
- What tempts Pinocchio into a field of grapes
- The trap that snaps shut on him at the end
Vocabulary to know:
serpent (noun) — a large snake; greyhound (noun) — a slim dog that can run very fast; tormented (verb) — troubled or bothered greatly; immense (adjective) — extremely large; fiery (adjective) — burning or glowing like fire; chimney (noun) — a pipe that carries smoke up from a fire; column (noun) — a tall, upright shape; awkwardly (adverb) — in a clumsy way; whirlwind (noun) — a spinning column of wind; pangs (noun) — sudden sharp pains; withstand (verb) — to hold up against or bear something; grapevine (noun) — the climbing plant that grapes grow on; trap (noun) — a device made to catch animals; weasels (noun) — small, thin, sneaky animals; heartless (adjective) — unkind and without pity; artery (noun) — a tube in the body that carries blood.
Chapter 21: Pinocchio Is Made to Guard a Chicken Coop
Before you read — think about:
- Is being hungry a good excuse for taking something that isn't yours?
- Have you ever been blamed for something worse than what you actually did?
- What does it feel like to face the results of a bad choice?
- Why do people sometimes need to be reminded that stealing is wrong?
- What does it mean to be truly sorry and want to start over?
Watch for these while reading:
- The tiny glowing helper who speaks with Pinocchio
- The lesson the Glowworm gently teaches
- How the farmer punishes Pinocchio
- The strange new job Pinocchio is given
- The honest things Pinocchio admits to himself at the end
Vocabulary to know:
glowworm (noun) — a small insect that gives off a soft light; flickering (verb) — shining with an unsteady, wavering light; lantern (noun) — a light in a case that can be carried; collar (noun) — a band that goes around the neck; chain (noun) — a line of connected metal loops; doghouse (noun) — a small shelter for a dog; straw (noun) — dried stalks of grain plants; henhouse (noun) — a small building where hens are kept; watchdog (noun) — a dog kept to guard a place; huddled (verb) — curled up close together for warmth or comfort; tugged (verb) — pulled hard; truant (noun) — a child who stays away from school without permission; vagabond (noun) — a person who wanders with no home; sermon (noun) — a serious talk about right and wrong.
Chapter 22: Pinocchio Catches the Thieves and Wins His Freedom
Before you read — think about:
- What does it mean to be loyal, even when no one is watching?
- Would you keep a promise if breaking it meant you'd get a treat? Why?
- Have you ever been offered something to do the wrong thing?
- How can doing a good job change the way people see you?
- Why might someone choose not to speak badly about someone who has died?
Watch for these while reading:
- The sneaky deal the Weasels offer Pinocchio
- What secret arrangement the old dog Melampo used to have
- The clever trick Pinocchio plays on the thieves
- Why Pinocchio decides not to tell the farmer everything
- The reward Pinocchio earns for his honesty
Vocabulary to know:
seldom (adverb) — not often; whisperings (noun) — soft, quiet talking; stealthy (adjective) — quiet and sneaky; fond (adjective) — liking something very much; terms (noun) — the conditions of a deal; provided (conjunction) — as long as; on the condition that; coop (noun) — a small pen where chickens are kept; faithful (adjective) — loyal and true; mortal (noun) — a human being; generous (adjective) — giving freely and kindly; shameful (adjective) — deserving shame; disgraceful; contract (noun) — an agreement between two sides; accusing (verb) — saying that someone did something wrong; audacity (noun) — bold rudeness or nerve; proposition (noun) — an offer or suggestion; bribed (verb) — paid or offered a treat to make someone do something wrong; reward (noun) — something good given for a good deed; faults (noun) — weaknesses or mistakes in someone.
Chapter 23: A Pigeon Carries Pinocchio to the Sea
Before you read — think about:
- How does it feel to return somewhere and find it completely changed?
- Have you ever missed someone so much that it hurt?
- Why might a person travel very far to find someone they love?
- Would you take a scary journey to help a family member?
- What does it mean to put someone else's safety before your own?
Watch for these while reading:
- The sad message Pinocchio reads where the Fairy's house once stood
- The large bird who brings Pinocchio surprising news
- What Geppetto has been doing for the last four months
- The long journey Pinocchio takes to reach the sea
- The brave and dangerous thing Pinocchio does at the very end
Vocabulary to know:
seashore (noun) — the land right along the edge of the sea; marble (noun) — a smooth, hard stone; slab (noun) — a flat, thick piece of something hard; inscription (noun) — words carved or written on something; abandoned (verb) — left behind completely; heartbroken (adjective) — filled with deep sadness; frame (noun) — the body's structure; lonely (adjective) — sad from being all alone; pigeon (noun) — a common gray bird; turkey (noun) — a large bird; ocean (noun) — a very large body of salt water; anxiously (adverb) — in a worried way; astride (adverb) — sitting with one leg on each side; steed (noun) — a horse for riding; gallop (verb) — to run fast, the way a horse does; thirsty (adjective) — needing something to drink; chick-peas (noun) — round beans eaten as food; relish (noun) — great enjoyment; sauce (noun) — a liquid served with food; here used in a saying about hunger; nutshell (noun) — the hard shell around a nut; oars (noun) — long poles with flat ends used to row a boat; prayer (noun) — words spoken to God or Heaven; dive (verb) — to plunge headfirst into water; float (verb) — to rest or move on top of water; rough (adjective) — not calm; full of choppy waves; recognized (verb) — knew someone again from before; valley (noun) — low land between hills or mountains.
Chapter 24: Pinocchio Reaches the Island of the Busy Bees
Before you read — think about:
- What keeps a person going through a hard, frightening night?
- Why do some people look down on begging and value hard work?
- Have you ever had to do a job you didn't want to do to earn something?
- How can pride sometimes get in the way of getting help?
- Why might a familiar face fill someone with joy and surprise?
Watch for these while reading:
- The stormy night Pinocchio swims through
- The polite sea creature who gives Pinocchio directions and a warning
- The terrible monster the Dolphin describes
- The busy town where no one is idle
- The surprising person Pinocchio recognizes at the end
Vocabulary to know:
hailed (verb) — fell as small balls of ice from the sky; stretch (noun) — a long, continuous area; island (noun) — land with water all around it; twig (noun) — a small, thin branch; tremendous (adjective) — very great in size or force; daunted (adjective) — discouraged or frightened away; splendor (noun) — great brightness and beauty; calm (adjective) — still and peaceful; sails (noun) — large sheets of cloth that catch the wind to move a boat; lonesome (adjective) — lonely; dolphin (noun) — a smart, friendly sea animal; necessarily (adverb) — for certain; always; swamped (verb) — filled with water and sunk; shark (noun) — a large, dangerous fish; gait (noun) — a way of walking; idle (adjective) — not working; doing nothing; tramp (noun) — a person who wanders with no home or work; perspiration (noun) — sweat; carts (noun) — small open wagons for carrying loads; pride (noun) — too high an opinion of oneself; bricklayer (noun) — a worker who builds with bricks; plaster (noun) — a paste spread on walls that dries hard; jugs (noun) — containers with handles for holding liquid; cauliflower (noun) — a white vegetable; resist (verb) — to hold out against a temptation; bottomless (adjective) — seeming to have no bottom; benefactress (noun) — a woman who helps or gives to someone; stammering (verb) — speaking with nervous pauses and repeats; clasped (verb) — held onto tightly; preached (verb) — taught with strong urging.
Chapter 25: Pinocchio Promises to Study and Be Good
Before you read — think about:
- Have you ever wished you could grow up faster?
- What do you think it takes to earn a big reward or a big change?
- Why do grown-ups say that work is important?
- What does it mean to truly promise to do better?
- How can love help someone forgive a mistake?
Watch for these while reading:
- How the Fairy explains why Pinocchio hasn't grown
- What Pinocchio must do to become a real boy
- The honest list of Pinocchio's bad habits
- The Fairy's warning about laziness
- The big promise Pinocchio makes at the end
Vocabulary to know:
melt (verb) — to soften and seem to dissolve away; disgustedly (adverb) — in a way that shows strong dislike; contrary (noun) — the opposite; profession (noun) — a job that needs special training; laziness (noun) — the habit of not wanting to work; cure (verb) — to make a sickness go away; comfort (noun) — someone or something that brings ease and happiness; depth (noun) — how deep or strong something is; forgiven (verb) — stopped being angry at someone for a wrong; admitted (verb) — agreed that something is true; suffered (verb) — felt pain or great sadness; tiresome (adjective) — boring and tiring; illness (noun) — a condition of being unwell; childhood (noun) — the time of being a child; serious (adjective) — not joking; thoughtful and grave.
Chapter 26: Off to See the Terrible Dogfish
Before you read — think about:
- How do new kids sometimes get treated at school?
- Have you ever been teased for doing your best or following the rules?
- Why is it hard to keep good habits when friends pull you the other way?
- What warning signs tell you a friend might be a bad influence?
- Why do people skip important things to chase something exciting?
Watch for these while reading:
- How the other students treat Pinocchio at first
- How Pinocchio earns the boys' respect
- The warning the teacher and Fairy give about bad friends
- The exciting news that tempts Pinocchio away from school
- The race the boys have toward the shore
Vocabulary to know:
classroom (noun) — a room in a school where lessons are taught; mustache (noun) — hair that grows above the upper lip; respect (verb) — to treat someone with honor and politeness; howled (verb) — cried out loudly; elbows (noun) — the bending joints in the middle of the arms; admired (verb) — looked up to with respect; attentive (adjective) — paying close attention; astray (adverb) — away from the right path or good behavior; scamps (noun) — naughty, mischievous children; troop (noun) — a group moving together; dreadful (adjective) — terrible and frightening; shin (noun) — the front of the leg below the knee; praised (verb) — said good things about someone's work.
Chapter 27: A Fight on the Beach and an Arrest
Before you read — think about:
- What can happen when a group of friends dares each other into trouble?
- Have you ever been blamed for something you didn't mean to cause?
- Why is it wrong to fight, even when others start it?
- How does it feel to wish you had made a different choice?
- What might make someone run away instead of facing a problem?
Watch for these while reading:
- The trick the boys reveal about the Shark
- How the fight on the beach begins and grows
- The book that causes a terrible accident
- Who gets hurt, and how Pinocchio tries to help
- What the Carabineers do, and how Pinocchio escapes
Vocabulary to know:
battle (noun) — a fight between two sides; playmates (noun) — friends you play with; wounded (adjective) — hurt or injured; arrested (verb) — taken away by officers of the law; smooth (adjective) — flat and even, without waves; goody-goody (noun) — a person who tries too hard to be good, in a way others tease; enemies (noun) — people who are against you; bragging (verb) — boasting; talking proudly about yourself; apologize (verb) — to say you are sorry; fray (noun) — a noisy fight; defended (verb) — protected against attack; opponents (noun) — the people you are fighting or competing against; enraged (adjective) — made very angry; geographies (noun) — books about the earth's lands and places; grammars (noun) — books about the rules of language; nibble (noun) — a small bite; horrid (adjective) — very unpleasant; crab (noun) — a sea animal with a hard shell and claws; trombone (noun) — a large brass musical instrument with a deep sound; ammunition (noun) — things thrown or fired as weapons; volume (noun) — a book; leather (noun) — a strong material made from animal skin; missile (noun) — an object thrown to hit something; senseless (adjective) — knocked out; not awake or aware; handkerchief (noun) — a small square of cloth; schoolmate (noun) — a fellow student at the same school; bathed (verb) — gently washed with water; influence (noun) — the power to change how someone acts; temple (noun) — the flat side of the head beside the eye; fishermen (noun) — people who catch fish; innocent (adjective) — not guilty of doing wrong; nightmare (noun) — a very frightening dream; gust (noun) — a sudden burst of wind; bullet (noun) — the small piece of metal shot from a gun.
Chapter 28: Pinocchio Nearly Becomes a Fried Fish
Before you read — think about:
- What would you do if the person chasing you suddenly needed your help?
- Why do people say a kind deed is never wasted?
- Have you ever helped someone who had been unkind to you?
- What dangers might a swimmer meet in the open sea?
- Why is it important to keep a promise, even to an enemy?
Watch for these while reading:
- The surprising thing the chasing dog cannot do
- The choice Pinocchio makes when his pursuer is in danger
- The strange green Fisherman who lives in the cave
- What the Fisherman plans to do with the fish he catches
- How much trouble Pinocchio is in by the end of the chapter
Vocabulary to know:
frenzy (noun) — wild, uncontrolled excitement; trail (noun) — the track or scent left behind by someone; bulging (adjective) — swelling or sticking out; swollen (adjective) — puffed up and larger than normal; balloon (noun) — a bag that puffs up round when filled; spiral (noun) — a coiling, twisting shape; cave (noun) — a hollow opening in rock; net (noun) — a mesh of ropes used to catch fish; lizard (noun) — a scaly reptile with four legs and a tail; gloomy (adjective) — dark and dreary; sizzled (verb) — made a hissing, frying sound; repelling (adjective) — disgusting; driving one away; odor (noun) — a smell; spade (noun) — a tool with a flat blade for digging; bass (noun) — a kind of fish; whitefish (noun) — a pale-colored fish eaten as food; flounders (noun) — flat fish that live near the sea floor; anchovies (noun) — very small ocean fish; tub (noun) — a large, deep container; mortified (adjective) — very embarrassed; resentfully (adverb) — in a hurt, bitter, and angry way; esteem (noun) — high respect; opportunity (noun) — a good chance to do something; streaming (verb) — flowing steadily; stout (adjective) — thick and strong; cord (noun) — a thin, strong rope; flour (noun) — the fine powder made from ground wheat; cupboard (noun) — a closet or cabinet for storing food or dishes; chalk (noun) — a soft white stone used for writing.
Chapter 29: A Grand Party Is Planned for Pinocchio
Before you read — think about:
- How can one friend returning a favor change everything?
- Why is it tempting to tell lies to make yourself look better?
- Have you ever had to wait a very long time for something?
- Why is it hard to face someone after you've let them down?
- What does it mean to finally earn a reward you've worked hard for?
Watch for these while reading:
- The friend who arrives just in time to save Pinocchio
- The lies Pinocchio tells about himself and what happens to his nose
- The very slow Snail who answers the Fairy's door
- The strange breakfast the Snail finally brings
- The wonderful news the Fairy gives Pinocchio at the end
Vocabulary to know:
mindful (adjective) — keeping something in mind; attracted (verb) — drawn toward something; refusal (noun) — the act of saying no; bared (verb) — uncovered or showed openly; bundle (noun) — a wrapped-up package of things; snatched (verb) — grabbed quickly; coughing (noun) — the act of forcing air noisily from the throat; appetizing (adjective) — making you feel hungry; digested (verb) — broken down as food inside the body; hut (noun) — a small, plain house; sunning (verb) — warming oneself in the sun; feigning (verb) — pretending; ignorance (noun) — not knowing something; urchin (noun) — a poor, ragged, mischievous child; calumnies (noun) — cruel, false statements about someone; clad (adjective) — dressed; uneasy (adjective) — worried and uncomfortable; knocker (noun) — a metal piece on a door used for knocking; snail (noun) — a small, slow animal with a shell on its back; disturbed (verb) — bothered or interrupted; determined (adjective) — firmly decided; torture (noun) — great pain or suffering; tray (noun) — a flat board for carrying food or dishes; cardboard (noun) — stiff, thick paper; alabaster (noun) — a smooth, pale stone; sofa (noun) — a long, soft seat for more than one person; examinations (noun) — important school tests; remainder (noun) — the part that is left; the rest; celebrate (verb) — to do something special to mark a happy event; natural (adjective) — normal; the usual size or state; pale (adjective) — having very little color; whitish; roast (adjective) — cooked by roasting in heat; interrupted (verb) — broke in while someone was speaking; wound (noun) — an injury to the body; behave (verb) — to act in a good, proper way; report (noun) — a written account of how well someone has done; spoil (verb) — to ruin something; apt (adjective) — likely to do something.
Chapter 30: Pinocchio Runs Off to the Land of Toys
Before you read — think about:
- Why is it so hard to say no to a tempting offer?
- Have you ever been talked into something you knew you shouldn't do?
- What would a land with no school and endless play really be like?
- Why do promises get harder to keep when a good friend pulls the other way?
- What warning signs might tell you a 'too-good' place is a trap?
Watch for these while reading:
- The party Pinocchio plans and the promise he makes to the Fairy
- Pinocchio's dearest friend and his nickname
- The amazing country Lamp-Wick describes
- How Lamp-Wick slowly wears down Pinocchio's 'no'
- The mysterious wagon that arrives at midnight
Vocabulary to know:
permission (noun) — being allowed to do something; invitations (noun) — requests asking people to come to an event; accepted (verb) — agreed to something offered; woebegone (adjective) — looking very sad; vacation (noun) — time off from school or work; enjoyment (noun) — the feeling of having fun; boundaries (noun) — the outer edges of a place; marvelous (adjective) — wonderful and amazing; composed (verb) — made up of certain parts; muffled (adjective) — made softer and harder to hear; mosquito (noun) — a small insect that buzzes and bites; buzz (noun) — a low humming sound; queer (adjective) — strange or odd; tempt (verb) — to try to make someone want to do something they shouldn't; useless (adjective) — having no use; pointless; colleges (noun) — schools students attend after high school; elders (noun) — people who are older than you; wagon (noun) — a cart with wheels for carrying people or goods; hurriedly (adverb) — in a fast, rushed way; worried (adjective) — feeling anxious or troubled; morn (noun) — morning; distance (noun) — the far-off space away from you; nodding (verb) — moving the head up and down; dearly (adverb) — very much; with deep love; agree (verb) — to suit or be good for someone.
Chapter 31: Five Months of Play End in a Surprise
Before you read — think about:
- Why do people who trick others often seem very friendly at first?
- Have you ever ignored a quiet warning voice inside you?
- What might a place with no rules and endless fun really be like?
- Why is it easy to get carried along when everyone else is doing something?
- What does it mean to give up your own good plans just to please a friend?
Watch for these while reading:
- The odd wagon and the animals that pull it
- The strange, too-sweet little driver
- The final warning voice Pinocchio hears
- The surprising thing the donkey does
- What the Land of Toys is really like
Vocabulary to know:
rags (noun) — torn, worn-out pieces of cloth; burden (noun) — a heavy load that is carried; laced (adjective) — tied up with laces; beaming (verb) — shining and smiling brightly; wheedling (adjective) — coaxing with sweet, flattering words; sardines (noun) — small fish packed tightly in a can; complaint (noun) — words said to show one is unhappy; discomfort (noun) — a lack of comfort; bows (noun) — polite bends of the body to greet someone; coachman (noun) — a person who drives a coach; mount (verb) — to climb up onto something; rebellious (adjective) — refusing to obey; resisting control; uproariously (adverb) — with loud, wild laughter; applause (noun) — clapping to show approval; sprawling (verb) — lying spread out clumsily; reasonable (adjective) — sensible and calm; dormouse (noun) — a small animal that looks like a mouse; population (noun) — all the people living in a place; trumpets (noun) — brass instruments that make a loud sound; deafening (adjective) — so loud it almost hurts the ears; marbles (noun) — a game played with small glass balls; hopscotch (noun) — a hopping game played on squares drawn on the ground; tag (noun) — a chasing game; regiments (noun) — large groups of soldiers; catcalls (noun) — loud, mocking shouts; imitated (verb) — copied the sound or actions of another; den (noun) — the home of a wild animal; pandemonium (noun) — wild noise and confusion; cotton (noun) — soft, white, fluffy fibers; charcoal (noun) — a black material used for drawing or writing; investigation (noun) — a careful looking-into or exploring; nook (noun) — a small corner or hidden spot; stripes (noun) — long bands of color; rooster (noun) — a male chicken.
Chapter 32: Pinocchio Grows Donkey Ears
Before you read — think about:
- What do you think happens to people who never work or learn?
- Have you ever woken up to a surprise you didn't want?
- Why is it easy to blame others for our own choices?
- What does it mean to face the results of ignoring good advice?
- How can two friends react very differently to the same trouble?
Watch for these while reading:
- The strange change Pinocchio finds on his head
- The little neighbor who explains what's wrong
- The name of the 'illness' Pinocchio has caught
- How Pinocchio and Lamp-Wick try to hide their ears from each other
- The startling thing that happens to both boys at the end
Vocabulary to know:
eventful (adjective) — full of important happenings; naked (adjective) — bare; without any covering or help; organs (noun) — parts of the body that each do a job; adorned (verb) — decorated; mirror (noun) — a glass that shows your reflection; basin (noun) — a wide bowl for holding water; manly (adjective) — like a grown man; neighbor (noun) — someone who lives close by; wrist (noun) — the joint between the hand and the arm; fate (noun) — what is bound to happen to someone; decreed (verb) — decided in a firm, official way; heedless (adjective) — careless; not paying attention to warnings; classmate (noun) — someone in the same class at school; false (adjective) — not true, or not loyal; shelf (noun) — a flat board fixed to a wall for holding things; bruised (adjective) — hurt with a sore mark under the skin; earache (noun) — a pain inside the ear; flute (noun) — a musical instrument that makes a soft, high sound; honey (noun) — a sweet, thick food made by bees; tottered (verb) — wobbled and nearly fell; snouts (noun) — the long noses and mouths of animals; lengthened (verb) — grew longer; humiliation (noun) — a strong feeling of shame; bemoan (verb) — to cry or complain about something sad; brays (noun) — the loud sounds a donkey makes; ached (verb) — hurt with a dull, steady pain; stumbled (verb) — tripped or almost fell while moving; helplessly (adverb) — without being able to help oneself; overnight (adverb) — during the night; figure (noun) — the shape of a person's body.
Chapter 33: Pinocchio the Donkey Joins the Circus
Before you read — think about:
- What happens to someone who is treated only as something to be used?
- Why do cruel people sometimes hide behind a kind-looking smile?
- Have you ever wished you had listened when it was too late?
- How can a hard experience teach an important lesson?
- Why might a familiar, loving face give someone hope in a hard moment?
Watch for these while reading:
- What the Little Man does with the two donkeys
- The secret of the Little Man's whole business
- The harsh new life Pinocchio faces at the circus
- The special guest Pinocchio spots during his performance
- What happens to Pinocchio after his accident
Vocabulary to know:
currycomb (noun) — a comb used to clean an animal's coat; millionaire (noun) — a person who has a huge amount of money; hardships (noun) — hard, painful conditions; stable (noun) — a building where horses or donkeys are kept; manger (noun) — a box or trough that holds food for animals; hay (noun) — dried grass used to feed animals; particular (adjective) — very fussy and hard to please; lashing (noun) — a hard whipping; headache (noun) — a pain in the head; macaroni (noun) — a kind of pasta; rice (noun) — small white grains eaten as food; waltz (noun) — a smooth, spinning dance; polka (noun) — a fast, bouncy dance; announce (verb) — to tell everyone about something publicly; extraordinary (adjective) — very unusual and special; gallery (noun) — the highest row of seats in a theater; balcony (noun) — an upper level of seats in a theater; swarmed (verb) — crowded together in great numbers; pompous (adjective) — acting too grand and self-important; humble (adjective) — modest; not proud; arrayed (verb) — dressed up in a grand way; bridle (noun) — the straps put on an animal's head to guide it; buckles (noun) — metal fasteners for straps; brass (noun) — a shiny yellow metal; camellias (noun) — large, showy flowers; tassels (noun) — hanging bunches of threads used for decoration; mane (noun) — the long hair on the neck of a horse or donkey; sash (noun) — a wide band worn around the waist or shoulder; encountered (verb) — met or faced something; tame (verb) — to make a wild animal gentle and obedient; savage (adjective) — wild and fierce; civilization (noun) — an advanced, orderly human society; subduing (verb) — bringing under control; resort (verb) — to turn to something as a last choice; bump (noun) — a small raised lump; salute (verb) — to greet with a sign of respect; quickstep (noun) — a fast marching step; pistol (noun) — a small handgun; medallion (noun) — a large medal worn on a chain; spectators (noun) — people watching an event; gracefully (adverb) — in a smooth, lovely way; veterinary (noun) — a doctor who treats animals; drumhead (noun) — the tight skin stretched over the top of a drum; cliff (noun) — a high, steep face of rock.
Chapter 34: Back to the Sea and into the Dogfish
Before you read — think about:
- How can a difficult experience change you back into who you really are?
- Why might someone tell their whole life story to a stranger?
- What would you do if a giant creature were chasing you?
- How does it feel to be so close to safety, then have it snatched away?
- Why is it comforting to know someone is watching over you?
Watch for these while reading:
- The surprising change that saves Pinocchio in the water
- The tale Pinocchio tells his new master
- The strange blue-haired goat on the white rock
- The enormous sea monster and its nickname
- Who Pinocchio meets inside the monster
Vocabulary to know:
surface (noun) — the top layer of the water; cheat (noun) — a person who tricks others dishonestly; effect (noun) — a result of something; untie (verb) — to loosen or undo a knot; hatred (noun) — a very strong feeling of hate; experience (verb) — to go through or feel something; porpoise (noun) — a small sea animal much like a dolphin; bleating (verb) — making the crying sound of a goat or sheep; beckoning (verb) — signaling to someone to come closer; redoubled (verb) — increased greatly; rows (noun) — lines of things placed side by side; hasten (verb) — to hurry; hoofs (noun) — the hard feet of animals like goats and horses; inkwell (noun) — a small pot that holds ink; lungs (noun) — the parts of the body used for breathing; asthma (noun) — an illness that makes breathing hard; convinced (adjective) — made completely sure of something; guitar (noun) — a musical instrument with strings; tunny (noun) — a large sea fish, also called a tuna; dignified (adjective) — showing calm self-respect; opinion (noun) — what a person thinks or believes; wits (noun) — a person's mind or good sense; dot (noun) — a tiny round mark; squirming (verb) — twisting and turning the body; circus (noun) — a traveling show with performers and animals; fair (noun) — a large outdoor market and show; harm (noun) — hurt or damage; swear (verb) — to promise something very strongly; horrified (adjective) — filled with shock and horror; greedy (adjective) — wanting far more than one needs; cruelty (noun) — the act of being very unkind and harsh; nicknamed (verb) — given a fun or extra name; rescue (verb) — to save from danger; swiftly (adverb) — very quickly; goat (noun) — a farm animal with horns and hoofs; monster (noun) — a huge, frightening creature; effort (noun) — a hard try; senses (noun) — a person's awareness and mind; polite (adjective) — having good manners.
Chapter 35: A Surprise Inside the Dogfish
Before you read — think about:
- Who would you most want to find if you were lost and alone?
- How can hope keep a person going in a dark, scary place?
- Why do people who love each other never truly give up on one another?
- What would you risk to save someone you love?
- How can planning and courage help you escape a hard situation?
Watch for these while reading:
- What Pinocchio finds at the end of the faint light
- The joyful, long-awaited reunion
- How Geppetto has survived inside the Shark for so long
- The clever plan Pinocchio makes to escape
- What goes wrong on their first escape attempt
Vocabulary to know:
greasy (adjective) — covered with oil or fat; slippery (adjective) — smooth and hard to hold or walk on; proprietor (noun) — the owner of a business; whitecaps (noun) — waves with white, foamy tops; overturned (verb) — turned upside down; peppermint (noun) — a small minty candy; centuries (noun) — periods of one hundred years each; matches (noun) — small sticks used to start a fire; main-mast (noun) — the tallest pole that holds the sails on a ship; preserved (adjective) — kept from spoiling; raisins (noun) — dried grapes eaten as a snack; blessings (noun) — good things one is thankful for; crumbs (noun) — tiny bits of bread or food; obliged (verb) — forced or required to do something; glimpse (noun) — a quick look; jaws (noun) — the parts of the mouth that open and close; fugitives (noun) — people trying to escape; unceremoniously (adverb) — roughly, without any care or politeness; jolt (noun) — a sudden, hard shake; cannon (noun) — a large, heavy gun; soundly (adverb) — deeply and completely; astonishment (noun) — great surprise; ship (noun) — a large boat; sailors (noun) — people who work on a ship; throat (noun) — the passage at the back of the mouth; tiptoes (noun) — the very tips of the toes; vein (noun) — a tube in the body that carries blood back to the heart; candle (noun) — a stick of wax with a wick that burns to give light; loaded (adjective) — filled up with a load or cargo; escape (verb) — to get away from danger; storm (noun) — wild weather with strong wind and rain; spat (verb) — forced something out of the mouth.
Chapter 36: Pinocchio Becomes a Real Boy
Before you read — think about:
- What does it mean to truly take care of someone who needs you?
- Why is honest, hard work something to be proud of?
- How can kindness to others come back to help you?
- Do you think Pinocchio has finally earned his reward? Why?
- What makes someone a 'real' good person on the inside?
Watch for these while reading:
- The friend from the Shark who helps them reach shore
- What has become of the Fox and the Cat
- How Pinocchio works hard to care for Geppetto and the Fairy
- The sad fate of Lamp-Wick
- The wonderful change Pinocchio wakes up to at the very end
Vocabulary to know:
dawn (noun) — the first light of the morning; contented (adjective) — happy and satisfied; strokes (noun) — the arm movements made while swimming; implore (verb) — to beg earnestly; eternal (adjective) — lasting forever; gratitude (noun) — the feeling of being thankful; knelt (verb) — went down on the knees; affectionately (adverb) — in a loving way; tenderness (noun) — gentle kindness and love; plunged (verb) — jumped or dove suddenly; wayside (noun) — the edge of a road; individuals (noun) — single people; alms (noun) — money or food given to the poor; proverb (noun) — a short, wise old saying; clump (noun) — a small, tight group of things; beam (noun) — a long, heavy piece of wood that holds up a roof; courteous (adjective) — polite and respectful; reeds (noun) — tall grassy plants that grow near water; baskets (noun) — containers woven from strips of material; airing (noun) — a trip outdoors for fresh air; lamplight (noun) — the light given off by a lamp; secondhand (adjective) — already used by someone else, not new; whittled (verb) — carved wood into shape with a knife; blackberries (noun) — small, dark, sweet berries; cherries (noun) — small, round, red fruit; diligence (noun) — careful, steady hard work; purse (noun) — a small bag for carrying money; behold (verb) — to look at; to see; furnished (adjective) — filled with furniture; lark (noun) — a small bird that sings cheerfully; ridiculous (adjective) — very silly and laughable; well (noun) — a deep hole dug to reach water; bucketfuls (noun) — amounts that fill a bucket; yonder (adverb) — over there, in that direction; draw (verb) — to pull up, as water from a well; stricken (adjective) — struck down by trouble or illness; million (noun) — a very large number, a thousand thousands; hospital (noun) — a place where sick people are cared for; models (noun) — examples that others should copy; behavior (noun) — the way a person acts; strength (noun) — the power to do something hard; roof (noun) — the covering on top of a building; ceiling (noun) — the inside top surface of a room; hammer (noun) — a tool for pounding nails; kindness (noun) — the quality of being friendly and caring; spied (verb) — caught sight of; noticed; succeeded (verb) — managed to do what one was trying to do; wide-awake (adjective) — fully awake and alert; carver (noun) — a person who cuts wood into shapes; faraway (adjective) — distant; a long way off; peaceful (adjective) — calm and untroubled; amount (noun) — how much of something there is; trick (noun) — a clever act meant to fool someone; twisted (adjective) — bent or turned out of its proper shape; cows (noun) — large farm animals that give milk; market (noun) — a place where things are bought and sold; worn (adjective) — tired and used up; leaning (verb) — resting against something for support.
About the Author
Carlo Collodi was an Italian writer who was born in the city of Florence, Italy, in 1826. His real name was Carlo Lorenzini, but he chose the pen name Collodi after the small town where his mother grew up. He worked as a writer and a newspaperman, and he loved creating stories for children. His most famous creation, Pinocchio, has been read and loved all around the world for well over a hundred years.
Collodi first wrote Pinocchio's adventures as a series of short stories in an Italian children's magazine in the early 1880s. Young readers loved the puppet so much that the stories were later gathered together into one book. At that time, many fairy tales were written to entertain children while also teaching them how to behave. Pinocchio became one of the most beloved stories of its kind and has since been translated into hundreds of languages.