Pinocchio, after being thrown into the sea by his purchaser, finds himself transformed back into a puppet after a series of misadventures. He recounts his tale to the man, explaining how he was once a donkey due to his disobedience and poor choices. The man, astonished, learns that Pinocchio was saved from drowning by a shoal of fish, which mistook him for a dead donkey. After a humorous exchange, Pinocchio escapes into the sea, swimming away from his former owner. As he swims, he spots a beautiful blue-haired goat on a white rock, but his excitement is cut short when he encounters a gigantic sea monster known as the Dogfish. Despite his desperate attempts to evade it, the Dogfish swallows him whole, leaving Pinocchio in darkness. Inside the monster, he meets a Tunny fish who was also swallowed. They discuss their grim fate, with Pinocchio expressing his desire to escape rather than resign himself to being digested. The Tunny, resigned to their situation, suggests they wait for the Dogfish to digest them, while Pinocchio insists on finding a way out. He spots a distant light and decides to investigate, hoping it might lead to an escape or another companion. The Tunny wishes him luck as Pinocchio ventures toward the light, determined to find a way out of the Dogfish's belly.
By Carlo Collodi · First published 1881 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure