A wooden puppet, feeling intense hunger after a day without food, searches desperately for something to eat in his home. His attempts yield nothing but disappointment, leading to a sense of despair and regret for having run away from his father. In his search, he discovers a round, white object in a dust-heap, which he believes to be a hen's egg. Overjoyed, he contemplates various cooking methods, ultimately deciding to cook it in a saucer. As he heats the saucer, a surprising turn of events occurs when, instead of the expected egg contents, a cheerful little chicken emerges, thanking him for freeing it from the shell before flying away. This unexpected encounter leaves the puppet in shock, realizing the futility of his situation. Overcome with emotion, he laments his choices and the absence of his father, feeling the pangs of hunger more acutely than ever. Determined to alleviate his suffering, he resolves to venture outside in search of someone who might offer him food.
By Carlo Collodi · First published 1888 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure