Pinocchio, paperback/carlo collodi

The old wood-carver Geppetto decides to make a wonderful puppet which can dance and turn somersaults, but by chance he chooses an unusual piece of wood - and the finished puppet can talk and misbehave like the liveliest child.

But Pinocchio is brave and inquisitive as well as naughty, and after some hair-raising adventures, he earns his hearts desire.