Pinocchio by C. Collodi, Allan Chafee (adaptation) (First Edition) (1946)

This vintage edition of Pinocchio, adapted by Allen Chaffee and illustrated by the celebrated American artist Lois Lenski, is one of the most recognizable mid-century retellings of Collodi's classic tale. Published by Random House, this version was designed specifically for younger readers, preserving the core adventures while presenting them in a more accessible picture-story format. Lenski's illustrations are the defining feature: bold, expressive, and full of movement, they capture both the whimsy and the darker moral undertones of Pinocchio's journey. Her style-clean lines, simplified forms, and bright, engaging colors-became iconic in American children's literature, and this adaptation remains one of her most sought-after illustrated works. The book includes memorable scenes such as the journey "To the Land of Boobies," the confrontation with the Fox and the Cat, and Geppetto carving the wooden puppet. Lenski's artwork brings emotional clarity to each moment, balancing humor, tension, and warmth. The interior black-and-white drawings complement the full-color plates, creating a cohesive visual narrative that guides young readers through Pinocchio's trials, temptations, and eventual redemption. Random House editions from this era were printed on moderately fragile paper and often saw heavy use, making surviving copies with intact color plates increasingly scarce. Its charm lies not only in the story it tells but in the way it reflects the visual and literary sensibilities of mid-20th-century American publishing. The book has been through much better days, the spine is completely missing and the last page is taped together. The rest of the pages are undamaged. Hard cover edition. Dimensions: 8" by 11". Published by Random House, New York. 1st printing, 1946. B&W and color illustrations. Multi-Color binding. Cover defect(s): Some tears. Some scratches/scuffing. Some chipping. Moderate corner/edge damage. Spine cover missing. Page defect(s): Some tears. 1.5 Pound Media Shipping Rate. Combine items and SAVE! Genre(s): Education-Early / Classics / Childrens Books / English. (B009). …