The Adventures of Pinocchio in over 240 languages

We’ve all read the story about the mischievous little puppet named Pinocchio and his father, a woodcarver named Geppetto. This is the story portrayed in Carlo Collodi’s novel, The Adventures of Pinocchio. It is one of the most recognised pieces of children’s literature and has gone on to inspire hundreds of new editions, stage plays and even animated movies.

But, what’s most interesting about this originally Italian novel for children is that it has been adapted in over 240 languages, which makes it one of the most translated books ever written. And when asked on Twitter, four in ten online respondents were aware of this fact.

The novel was originally published in 1883 and what most people might remember from it is that liar’s nose. Every time Pinocchio lies to the fairy in the story, his nose starts to grow, to the point where he can’t turn his head anymore.

When Disney decided to make a movie about Pinocchio’s adventures, illustrators were unsure whether to draw him with human or wooden movements. Animators struggled for 18 months before deciding to blend the two ideas, giving Pinocchio human-like motions, but adding puppet-like joints and screws to the mix.

Which is your favourite adaptation of this children’s novel? Tell us at readers@gulfnews.com.

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