Pinocchio : A Famous Italian Folk Tale

   

                                 Pinocchio 
                                 Written By: Carlo Collodi

 Libro.Livre.Buch.Livro.BOOK. One word, many different languages, yet one universal meaning.

      Although I never really thought too much into it, I found it really interesting in class to discuss and analyze the topic of famous children's genres. One of these most recent genres revolves around the area of folk and fairy tales. It is truly amazing how you can also take one influential folk story, translate it into many different languages, and adapt it for various cultures and countries all around the world.
        Being proud of my own families' Italian culture and heritage, I felt the need to blog about a famous Italian fairytale and children's book that has also been portrayed in many different languages throughout the world. It has been particularly influential in the American society through the works of Walt Disney, but has generally become a classic tale for many children in this country. This is the original story of Le Avventure di Pinocchio, or as we know it, Pinocchio.
        Pinocchio was originally written in 1883 by the Italian children's writer, Carlo Collodi which was actually his pen name when he was writing. Although most books have a specific particular genre, Collodi as well as myself agree that Pinocchio can be describe both as a  fantasy, allegory and folklore. As the majority of us are aware, the story of Pinocchio is about a wooden puppet whose only one wish is to become a real boy.
         I always find it amazing how authors, even in their adults lives, can connect their own life story through the words and illustrations of a book. As a child Collodi was always mischievous, imprudent, never valued what he received from others, curious, disobedient, selfish and gullible. These were all the characteristics that Collidi decided to use in creating his character of Pinocchio. If you have read this story before, you can agree that all of these elements can be most positively identified in every single scene of the book. Because Collidi was sent to the seminary at a young age, and did not have much of a childhood, he developed a creative imaginative and wanted to design a character that was likable and fun, but also taught a valuable lesson.
       Pinocchio as a children's book is one of those stories that I can really say is not simple at all; it is rather complex! However, even within this complexity it can be a great resource to use in the classroom because it has the capability to send such an important messages to young children and students. This adorable character of Pinocchio, who is much like a naive child himself, can also teach children the precious values of life as well as the importance to embrace those people who truly care and love us. Although we may not like to be disciplined by our elders, they give us disciplines because they care. Collodi also has the talent to convey other themes through Pinocchio. Some of these major themes include peer pressure, learning and taking responsible for our actions, correcting them, and the use our conscience to guide us. 
      One of the major reasons why I think it's important to recognize and embrace Collodi as an author is because, just like us teachers, Collodi truly believed in the importance of receiving a good education.
He wanted to show us that being disobedient can lead to evil, trouble and unhappiness. He also stresses that being honest and working hard is important and is key to doing well in school. The famous scene of Pinocchio's nose growing every time he tells a lie is a simple and visual way to show children why it is bad to be deceitful. Through Collodi's life experiences, he wanted Pinocchio to represent that idea that we've all heard which is knowledge equals power. Once we can embrace that, we can come to understand what is real. For Pinocchio, once he himself came to face his greatest challenges and found his way back home, he finally became a, "real boy."
      As a child I was read the story of Pinocchio both in English and Italian, and for me each message then and today has come across the same. We live in a world were we are constantly faced with making difficult decisions. Sometimes we ourselves can feel as if we are attached to strings like a marionette, controlled by others or by what the world tell us to do. However, if we make the right decisions and walk down the right path, we can be set free into this world. The message that I take away from Pinocchio is that life is full of experiences and that as human beings we are going to fall into traps and make wrong decisions. Life is a constant battle, but we must decide on what is wrong and right, what is good and bad, what is materialistic and imaginary and what is real and pure.

       Pinocchio. One word. Many themes. Many folktales. One universal meaning.

                       
           

Corduroy: Get the scoop on one of my favorite picture books

Title: Corduroy
Written and Illustrated by: Don Freeman

 ISBN: 0140501738 
 Ages: 4-8
      
        One of my favorite pictures books that I remember reading as a child is, Corduroy. Re-reading this book again for this assigned blog, it reminded me of my recent trip to the movie theaters to go see the visually appealing Disney favorite, Toy Story 3. Any one who has seen Toy Story 3 knows they got a little teary eyed watching this movie. Even I WILL admit that I cried. I remember even my mother, who has gone through and purchased a numerous amount of toys for me and my sisters, turn to me as the credits were scrolling down and in the darkness she whispered to me, " I feel so guilty now for throwing out some of your old beat up toys!" 
     Every child in a toy store doesn't know where to turn first. It's like finding all these magical and beautiful jewels in a treasure chest and you can't get enough of it! Although my days of collecting stuff animals and dolls has dwindled, every now and then when I'm in my room and I look up at my shelf full of old dolls, it's not the newest that I stare to stop and admire. The ones that always catch my eyes are those that are worn out, not the best in shape, but hold the longest and most dear memories in my heart. I look beyond those rips and other damages and only see the good and beauty in them. This is what the story of Corduroy reminds me of.
     Corduroy, written and illustrated by the popular Don Freeman, just celebrated its 42nd anniversary in publication. Everyone knows of the brown bear in his green overalls and missing button. It is believed that this book has become a classic cult favorite and is even more popular and recognizable in today's generation. Corduroy is a little teddy bear who is eager to be bought from a toy store. One day while he is sitting on the shelf, he admires a young African American girl who falls in love with Corduroy instantly. Although she was eager to buy him, she was denied the purchase by her mother because she believed that had bought too many things already for that day. Later that night, when Corduroy notices he is missing a button, he goes in search for it. Although he does not find his button, he is awakened with the surprise of the same little girl from the previous day. Having saved her money, she purchases him and brings him home where Corduroy acknowledges that he has a home and a new best friend. Although she loves him just the way he is and looked beyond his imperfections, she sewed him a brand new button. 
       I think Corduroy is such a touching story with a basic simple message: never judge or pass someone by who has imperfections. It doesn't mean that they don't offer something as amazingly unique and special! If we were all the same, what kind of of world would we be living in? Even if we have some sort of imperfection or even some insecurities about ourselves, we must always remember to put our best foot forward. We should proudly show the qualities that are great about ourselves and what really makes our personality shine!
      I will absolutely use Corduroy when I become a certified teacher. Who can resist the popping, bright red background featuring a cute little bear on the cover! The pictures in the book are bright, bold and just the facial expressions of Corduroy alone can tell the story. I believe that every child loves a story about toys, but most importantly, it will explain a message to the children to stop, think and understand that there all types of people in this world. Even if they seem a bit different than you and me, they should all be treated with the same amount of respect and appreciation. You never know what you can discover about them and what you can discover about yourself.
     I found an interesting and yet ironic story about the author, Don Freeman. He tells the story of when he was on the subway and he lost his instrument. Because of this incident he was forced to focus on his art and it was with his own discovery that he saw his talents emerge as a book author and illustrator. Sometimes the story of Corduroy also reminds me of my cousin Matthew who has Down Syndrome. Although he looks and seems different, and he may have some imperfections, he is still a fun, loving boy who loves basketball and loves being admired and adored by his family and friends. He's my own Corduroy in my life and I would never pass him by.
    
    

        

A Chair For My Mother

Written and Illustrated By: Vera B. Williams

         Quarters, Nickels, Dimes and Pennies! Was there a time in your childhood where you remember keeping that shiny, pink piggy bank or glass jar in that secret spot of your bedroom where you kept all of your change? Clink! Clink! Clink! Ahhh...the sound of shaking that money frantically was a treasure, and music to my ears as a kid. Whether you found money in between the couch cushions or received a special monetary treat from your grandparents, it was fun and exciting to save and value something you could call your own.
         In the Caldecott Honor Book, A Chair for my Mother, a little girl tells her tale about how she lives with her single mother and grandmother. Sometimes, after school, the little girl would go visit her mom where she works at the Blue Tile Diner. At the diner her mother's boss, Josephine, would give the little girl the duties of cleaning the salt and pepper shakers as well as filling up the ketchup bottles. When she was done, Josephine would give her some change as a reward for being a good, hard working helper. At the end of every day her family would gather together their money and spare change, and put it into the glass jar.
       The families' goal was to fill the jar until it was completely full so she could buy a beautiful pink rose chair for her mother to rest in after a long, hard day at work. The little girl's family lost all their personal belongings in a fire and wanted to buy something new and special. Although they received many beautiful new things from their neighbors, they wanted to buy this specific easy chair.When they finally collected enough money, they went to the furniture store and purchased the exact chair they had dreamed of buying. With that chair, they all gathered together to spend some quality family time in the loving warmth of their own home. The grandmother even took some pictures of the little girl and her mother sitting in the new chair to capture them in their happy moment.
        After reading through a couple of Caldecott Medal and Honor books, I decided to blog about A Chair for My Mother because, although it was written over 25 years ago, I think it can be related to some current events happening in the world today. The first event is the issues with the economy and the second is how people, as well as children, take advantage of the things they have. During these hard economic times, it's common and easy for many people to say that they haven't had much money to put into their own special, "glass jars" or, "piggy banks." Some people have either lost their jobs, are single parents or may have been faced with some sort of traedgy that cost them a great deal finanically.
        This book reminds that sometimes we can take what we have for granted. Although, we don't always realize it, we can become materialistic and a little bit selfish. We tend to ignore and forget that there are so many people in this world that can barely afford to put food on the table or buy their child a simple rag doll. I believe, as well as many others, that the most rewarding gifts in life are those that we have worked sincerely hard for. These gifts not only reflect who we are, but also instills the importance of responsibility.
        How will children ever learn the value and sacredness of  the things they buy or receive if they get whatever they want whenever they ask for it? At the end of the day the most important thing for that little girl was not to remember how much money she made or saved, but to sit in that chair and be in the moment with her grandmother and mother. It rekindles in me the idea that our loved ones are the most important possession that you can treasure. It is something that money simply can not buy. What do you treasure?