The tale of Pinocchio is one of the most ingenious growing-up stories ever told. Pinocchio's desire to be a boy is almost thwarted by his desire for mischief. Were it not for the good-natured Geppetto, the Blue Fairy, that "miserable croaker" the cricket, and many others, Pinocchio would be a story of dreams that don't materialize. However, Pinocchio's story is a happy one. Children and adults will find in Carlo Collodi's timeless classic plenty to admire, to learn, but mostly to delight in.