For my money Collodi’s The Adventures of Pinocchio is one of the most marvelous books ever written. Full of dry wit and dark humor, much of which is lost on children, the story is a developmental cautionary tale. For children the take-away is “see what happens when you don’t listen to your conscience” but for adults the story is a little more complex. With a little compassion even a dull boy can make good.
Pinocchio is one of 50 classic books that the Independent’s hand picked group of authors tap for must-reads. Other books on the list: Emil and the Detectives, Treasure Island, Animal Farm, Sherlock Holmes, and Beano Annual.
The 50 books every child should read via kottke
Also on Wild Rye
Book Recommendations: 20 Strange Books You Might Like to Read. Or Not.
The philosopher that C.S. Lewis felt everyone should read. Boethius: Getting Your Mind Right
