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The Golden Key, or The Adventures of Buratino is a children's novel by the Russian writer Aleksey Nikolayevich Tolstoy, first published in 1936. The work was inspired by motifs from Collodi's Pinocchio, but Tolstoy significantly alters the story, creating his own characters, events, and ending.

The protagonist, Buratino, is a wooden boy carved from a piece of wood by the poor Carlo. Buratino is mischievous, curious, gullible, and eager for adventure. Instead of quietly going to school, he soon finds himself in the world of puppets, where he meets Pierrot, Malvina, and other unusual characters. Their adversary is the cruel Karabas Barabas, a puppet theater owner who seeks to maintain control over them.

A mysterious golden key, which Buratino receives from the turtle Tortila, plays a crucial role in the story. The key opens a hidden door, but Buratino must first discover its location. Along the way, he encounters the cunning fox Alice and the cat Basilio, who try to trick him and steal his money. Buratino gets into trouble due to his gullibility, but with the help of his friends, he manages to outwit his adversaries.

The novel is filled with humor, fantastical events, and adventures. Buratino's escapades highlight values ​​such as friendship, courage, resourcefulness, and freedom, while greed, deceit, and cruelty lead the characters into conflict and trouble.