A puppet named Pinocchio falls ill and refuses to take a bitter medicine prescribed by a Fairy, despite her assurances that it will cure him. He makes excuses to avoid drinking it, claiming it is too bitter and demanding sugar first. The Fairy patiently offers him sugar, but Pinocchio continues to resist, even as she warns him of the seriousness of his illness. When four black rabbits arrive to take him away, believing he is about to die, Pinocchio panics and finally drinks the medicine, which miraculously restores his health. After recovering, Pinocchio recounts his recent adventures, revealing that he was tricked by a Fox and a Cat who led him astray instead of delivering gold to his father. He lies about losing the gold pieces, causing his nose to grow longer with each falsehood. The Fairy points out that lies are easily detected, especially when they result in a longer nose. Pinocchio, embarrassed and unable to escape due to his extended nose, learns a lesson about honesty and the consequences of deceit.
By Carlo Collodi · First published 1881 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Fable