The narrative follows a puppet named Pinocchio, who awakens to find he has grown donkey ears overnight. Distressed, he learns from a Marmot that he is afflicted with "donkey fever," a condition that will transform him into a donkey due to his laziness and disobedience. Pinocchio laments his fate, blaming his friend Candlewick for leading him astray to a place of idleness and amusement instead of studying. Determined to confront Candlewick, Pinocchio disguises his ears with a cap and searches for him. Upon finding Candlewick, they both reveal their caps, discovering they share the same affliction. Instead of feeling remorse, they laugh at their predicament, but soon they begin to physically transform. Their hands turn into hooves, their faces elongate, and they sprout tails, ultimately becoming donkeys. As they grapple with their transformation, they are filled with shame and regret. Their laughter turns to braying, and they realize the gravity of their situation. A coachman, who had previously taken them to the land of idleness, knocks at the door, threatening them if they do not open. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of neglecting education and succumbing to temptation.
By Carlo Collodi · First published 1881 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure