Pinocchio is a novel for children by Italian author Carlo Collodi, written in Pescia (Tuscany).
It is about the mischievous adventures of an animated marionette named Pinocchio and his father, a poor woodcarver named Geppetto.
A universal icon and a metaphor of the human condition, the book is considered a canonical piece of children's literature and has had great impact on world culture. Philosopher Benedetto Croce reputed it as one of the greatest works of Italian literature.
Since its first publication, it has inspired hundreds of new editions, stage plays, merchandising, television series and movies, such as Walt Disney's iconic animated version, and commonplace ideas such as a liar's long nose.

Carlo Lorenzini (24 November 1826 – 26 October 1890), better known by the pen name Carlo Collodi, was an Italian author, humorist, and journalist, widely known for his fairy tale novel The Adventures of Pinocchio.