The Golden Key, or the Adventures of Buratino

Interesting Facts

• The book is an adaptation of the Italian fairy tale by Carlo Collodi «The Adventures of Pinocchio», but with significant changes and additions.
• The main character, Buratino, differs from Pinocchio in that his long nose is not due to lying but is there from the start.
• The book features a unique character — the turtle Tortilla, who gives Buratino the golden key.
• One of the main antagonists is Karabas Barabas's puppet theater, which has no equivalent in the original Italian tale.
• The book was written in 1936 and quickly became popular among children in the Soviet Union.
• Unlike Pinocchio, Buratino does not turn into a real boy but remains a wooden puppet.
• The book includes a scene where Buratino finds a secret door, which he opens with the golden key, one of the most memorable scenes.