Pinocchio walked to school. He had his new book under his arm. He had many happy dreams. He talked to himself.
“Today I will learn to read. Tomorrow I will learn to write. The next day I will learn math. Then I can earn a lot of money. I will buy a new coat for Geppetto. It will be a coat of gold and silver with diamond buttons. He is a good man. He sold his coat for my book. Fathers are very good to their children!” Pinocchio said.
Then he heard some music. He heard pipes (musical instruments like flutes) and drums (instruments that you hit to make a loud sound).
He stopped to listen. The sound came from a small street near the sea.
“What is that noise? I must go to school. But I want to see the music,” Pinocchio said.
Pinocchio was confused. Should he go to school? Or should he follow the music?
“Today I will go to the music. Tomorrow I will go to school. There is always time for school,” Pinocchio decided.
Pinocchio ran down the street very fast. The music became louder. Soon, he was in a large square. Many people stood in front of a wooden building. The building had bright colors.
“What is that house?” Pinocchio asked a boy.
“Read the sign,” the boy said.
“I cannot read today,” Pinocchio said.
“I will read it for you,” the boy said. “The sign says: MARIONETTE THEATER (a place where people watch wooden dolls move and talk).”
“Is the show starting now?” Pinocchio asked.
“Yes, it is starting now,” the boy said.
“How much is the ticket?” Pinocchio asked.
“It costs four pennies,” the boy said.
Pinocchio wanted to see the show. He was very curious.
“Will you give me four pennies? I will pay you tomorrow,” Pinocchio asked.
“No,” the boy laughed. “I cannot give you money.”
“I will sell you my paper coat for four pennies,” Pinocchio said.
“A paper coat is no good in the rain,” the boy said.
“Do you want my shoes?” Pinocchio asked.
“They are made of wood. They are only good for a fire,” the boy said.
“Do you want my hat?” Pinocchio asked.
“A hat made of bread? The mice will eat it!” the boy said.
Pinocchio wanted to cry. He had one more thing to sell. He was nervous. Finally, he spoke.
“Will you give me four pennies for this book?” Pinocchio asked.
“I am a boy. I do not buy things from other boys,” the boy said.
A ragpicker (a person who collects old things to sell) was standing nearby.
“I will give you four pennies for the book,” the ragpicker said.
Pinocchio took the money and gave the book to the man. Poor Geppetto was at home. He was cold because he had no coat. And now, Pinocchio had no book.