In the Soviet Union, there was no person who did not know about Cipollino, Signor Tomato, Countess Cherry, Prince Lemon, godfather Pumpkin - the heroes of the fairy tale of the Italian children's writer Gianni Rodari. This wonderful man was a teacher and poet, member of the Communist Party. He became a laureate of the most prestigious Andersen Prize in the field of children's literature, and he even visited the USSR more than once. The world famous children's writer turned 100 on October 23, 2020.After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Cipollino, this wonderful onion character, who can bring anyone to tears and make them laugh, always speaks the truth and is not afraid of anyone, speaking out against injustice and lies, became, as they say, “out of the way”.
Why? Is he a dissident? Is he promoting a "social revolution"? Fortunately, we didn’t burn The Adventures of Cipollino, as in Italy in the 1950s. But according to the Federal Law of December 29, 2010, No. 436-FZ "On the Protection of Children from Information Harmful to Their Health and Development," Gianni Rodari's publications in the Russian Federation are classified as information for children who have only reached the age of twelve. Therefore, it “Contain episodic scenes of violence”, and must be marked only for a “12+”. There have been other attempts to censor the Cipollino tale. True, so far only in theatrical performances.
It's a shame to say, but today Gianni Rodari's tale begins to look not even like an evil satire, but a gloomy prophet. No, we have not yet reached, as in Rodari's tales, taxes on air and other atmospheric phenomena, like the inhabitants of the magical land he described, where some vegetables rule over others.
Moreover, I advise: reread The Adventures of Cipollino! Read this kind fairy tale with a happy end to your children and grandchildren. Our real world will become much better when we believe that good is capable of defeating evil. "
