Wooden Bones

July 15, 2012
What happens after Pinocchio becomes a real boy? In Carter's fanciful sequel, though people think the gift of life is Geppetto's doing, it actually belongs to the boy. But Pino's talent for carving and animating lifelike images brings him and his father nothing but trouble. Followed by the wife-and-mother puppet Pino creates, whom even fire cannot destroy, they run away from desperate and threatening neighbors and embark on a series of adventures and escapes. Everywhere, they are besieged by people who want what Geppetto has, the dead apparently brought to life. And throughout, Pino is gradually turning back into wood, perhaps because of his use of his gift. As in Collodi's original story, the moral is explicit. For the 19th-century author, happiness came from being well-behaved. For today's readers, it becomes acceptance of one's difference, being "true to yourself." The moral seems to be tacked on to an otherwise entertaining series of discrete adventures that are good for reading aloud. Each chapter ends on a suspenseful note, leading readers on, but the resolution disappoints. Those who only remember Pinocchio as the untruthful boy in the Disney film may be surprised by this different character. But for readers already familiar with the original, this is an interesting exercise. (Fantasy. 9-12)

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August 1, 2012

Gr 4-7-This novel is based on the story of Pinocchio and his wood-carver father. Like Geppetto, Pino has the gift of making wood come to life, and this skill causes many people to want favors from him. The two go on a magical quest of danger and intrigue, meeting interesting characters and visiting unusual settings. They hear a voice in a cave, and the People of the Tall Trees tell them to visit Queen Elendrew. She has healing skills, and they strike a deal with her, but they soon learn that she doesn't respond with gratitude and they're off again, running from danger. The concept of taking this classic story and showing what could happen after it ends is sure to grab readers' attention. This fun read is a fast-paced adventure filled with thoughtful life lessons that will encourage readers to accept themselves as they are and to appreciate how they are different. It is certain to prompt contemplation and discussion.-Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego

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