How it happened that Mastro Cherry, carpenter, found a piece of wood that wept and laughed like a child.

Once upon a time there was a piece of wood. It was not an expensive piece of wood. Far from it. Just a common block of firewood, one of those thick, solid logs that are put on the fire in winter to make cold rooms cozy and warm.

At such a loving invitation, Pinocchio, with one leap from the back of the orchestra, found himself in the front rows. With another leap, he was on the orchestra leader's head. With a third, he landed on the stage.

How ridiculous I was as a Marionette! And how happy I am, now that I have become a real boy!

When poverty shows itself, even mischievous boys understand what it means.

Pinocchio, spurred on by the hope of finding his father and of being in time to save him, swam all night long.