Book details

The Patua Pinocchio
Description
The Patua Pinocchio is a unique visual adaptation of the classic tale of Pinocchio, reimagined by Swarna Chitrakar, a Patua scroll painter from West Bengal. The story follows Pinocchio, a puppet who desires to become a real boy, but faces various moral challenges along the way. Chitrakar's rendition incorporates popular Indian iconography, portraying children as divine beings, and transforms the familiar story into a universal narrative. Pinocchio is a marionette who aspires to be a real boy but encounters a series of moral dilemmas that keep him from reaching his goals. This classic tale is an unconventional hero's journey, highlighting the importance of integrity and discipline in a world filled with distractions. Geppetto is an elderly and impoverished carpenter who's gifted with an enchanted piece of wood. He uses it to create a marionette, which he fashions after a young boy, calling him Pinocchio. He quickly learns that Pinocchio can walk, talk and has a brash attitude. His most distinguished feature is his nose, which is prompted to grow whenever the puppet tells a lie. As Pinocchio explores his surroundings, he encounters various characters who attempt to show him the error of his ways. The Adventures of Pinocchio is one of the most famous books in the world. It's been translated into over 300 languages, selling more than 80 million copies. Its most popular adaptation came in 1940 with the Disney animated film, Pinocchio. Despite the many interpretations, the original maintains the story's core values with greater nuance and depth. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Adventures of Pinocchio is both modern and readable.
Age
8-13
Text complexity
proficient
Length
188 pages
Why to read
- Cultural Enrichment: 'The Patua Pinocchio' offers a unique take on Carlo Collodi's classic tale, blending traditional Italian storytelling with the Patua art form from West Bengal, India. This fusion provides a rich cultural experience and a new perspective on a beloved story.
- Artistic Appreciation: The book is illustrated with the intricate and colorful Patua scroll paintings, which are a visual treat. Reading 'The Patua Pinocchio' allows one to appreciate the skill and creativity of the Patua artists, and understand the significance of their art in the context of storytelling.
- Moral Lessons: Similar to the original 'Pinocchio' story, this version also imparts important moral lessons about honesty, responsibility, and the consequences of one's actions. It is a great way to discuss these themes with children in an engaging and memorable manner.
- Literary Diversity: Exploring 'The Patua Pinocchio' introduces readers to a diverse literary form, combining prose with visual narrative. It broadens one's literary horizons and encourages the exploration of books that incorporate different storytelling techniques and cultural backgrounds.