"The Baron in the Trees" is an inspirational yet whimsical novel by Italo Calvino. Despite being only 152 pages long, the novel packs a lot within its small frames, telling a charming story of fantasy, adventure, and morality. This classic children's tale has entertained readers since it was first published in 1957 and continues to inspire kids today.
The plot follows a young man, Cosimo Piovasco di Rondò, who, at the age of 12, is fed up with his family's old-fashioned traditions and decides to climb up into a tree to never come down again. Cosimo's decision marks the beginning of his new life - as the Baron in the Trees. While living in the air, Cosimo discovers a whole new world and leads a life of exploration and travel. He establishes an intricate tree-based society and continuously finds new ways of living, exploring further and further away from his original home.
Throughout his time in the trees, Cosimo confronts various moral quandaries and is forced to confront both himself and the world around him. In some cases, Cosimo is presented with the traditionally accepted moral course of action, such as when he is asked by a neighboring family to steal for them. Cosimo refuses and instead advocates for more ethical solutions, often finding his own alternative paths. These moments provide readers with valuable lessons about the importance of honor and morality.
The novel itself is full of beauty and awe-inspiring descriptions of nature and life in the trees. It is a story of exploration and discovery, of learning to find the right balance between freedom and responsibility and of living in harmony with the world around us. By using the updated and refined vocabulary of the early 20th century, Calvino lends an air of sophistication and charm to the text.
"The Baron in the Trees" is an enchanting book that will captivate readers both young and old. It is an excellent read for children and adults alike, as it highlights the importance of morality, discovery, and exploration. The novel explores the idea of freedom and responsibility, and how a young man's journey can have both serious consequences, as well as some surprisingly delightful moments. Fans of Calvino will undoubtedly enjoy the dazzling use of the Italian language, as well as the thoughtful, never-ending questions the novel presents.
