Pinocchio: The Story of a Wooden Puppet

Introduction

Pinocchio is a famous story about a wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy. This classic tale, retold by Sue Arengo, is part of the Classic Tales series published by OUP Oxford. The story is written for primary language learners and comes with beautiful illustrations, audio, and activity books. Let’s discover what makes this story so special.

Who is Pinocchio?

Pinocchio is a puppet made by a kind man named Geppetto. Geppetto is a poor carpenter who lives alone. One day, he decides to make a puppet out of wood to keep him company. To his surprise, the puppet comes to life! Geppetto names him Pinocchio and loves him like a real son.

Pinocchio’s Adventures

Pinocchio wants to be a good boy, but he often makes mistakes. He does not always listen to Geppetto or follow the advice of his friends. This leads him into many adventures.

• Meeting the Fox and the Cat: One day, Pinocchio meets a clever fox and a greedy cat. They trick him into giving away his gold coins. Pinocchio learns that not everyone can be trusted.
• The Puppet Show: Pinocchio also visits a puppet show. The puppets welcome him, but the puppet master tries to capture him. Pinocchio escapes and learns the importance of bravery.
• The Land of Toys: Pinocchio goes to the Land of Toys, where children play all day and never work. But he soon discovers that too much fun can be dangerous.

Lessons Pinocchio Learns

Pinocchio’s adventures teach him important lessons:

1. Honesty: Each time Pinocchio tells a lie, his nose grows longer. This shows him that being honest is always better than lying.
2. Hard Work: Pinocchio learns that working hard and going to school are important if he wants to achieve his dreams.
3. Love and Sacrifice: Pinocchio realizes how much Geppetto loves him. He decides to be brave and save Geppetto when he is in trouble.

Pinocchio Becomes a Real Boy

At the end of the story, Pinocchio proves that he has changed. He becomes kind, honest, and hardworking. The Blue Fairy, who has been watching over him, rewards him by turning him into a real boy. Geppetto is very happy, and they live together as a family.

Why Read Pinocchio?

This story is not just for children. It teaches valuable lessons about life, honesty, and love. The language in Sue Arengo’s retelling is simple and perfect for B1-level English learners. The colorful illustrations make the story easy to understand and enjoyable to read.

You can also listen to the audio version to improve your English listening skills. The activity book helps you practice what you have learned and makes learning fun.

Conclusion

Pinocchio is a timeless story that inspires readers to be better people. It shows us that honesty, hard work, and love can change our lives. If you want to enjoy a classic tale while improving your English, this book is a great choice. Start your adventure with Pinocchio today!

Sue Arengo British author and editor of children's books 

A Storyteller for Young Learners of English

Sue Arengo is a British author who writes wonderful stories for children learning English. She has worked with Oxford University Press for over 20 years, creating books that are fun and easy to read. Many of her books are part of graded reader series like Classic Tales, Dominoes, and Oxford Bookworms.

Bringing Fairy Tales to Life

One of Sue’s most famous works is the Classic Tales series. This award-winning series retells traditional fairy tales like The Ugly Duckling, The Magic Brocade, and The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse. These stories are written in simple English, making them perfect for children learning English as a second language. The series is loved by teachers and students worldwide and is now in its second edition.

Creating Original Stories

Sue Arengo doesn’t just rewrite old stories—she also creates new ones! Books like Baby Robot and Archie’s Sweet Shop show her talent for writing fun, imaginative stories. These books help children enjoy reading and improve their English at the same time.

A Talent for Art

Did you know Sue Arengo is also an artist? Using the name Kisa, she paints colorful and imaginative pictures with oil paints. Her art has been shown in exhibitions, including one at John Wesley’s Methodist Chapel in Bristol. Sue even illustrated her own fairy tale called Lord of the Meadow. This beautiful story, set in an English summer meadow, has many small oil-painted illustrations.

Inspiring Young Readers

Sue Arengo’s work is special because it helps young learners discover the joy of reading. Her books make English easy and fun for children all over the world. With her creativity and talent, Sue continues to inspire young readers to dream big and learn with enthusiasm.

If you are looking for interesting books for English learners, Sue Arengo’s stories are a great place to start. Her work combines learning with imagination, making reading an enjoyable experience for everyone.