Staff Pick
When I was a child, I checked this book out from the library endlessly. With an adorable art design, a nice little message, a hilarious plot, and more spaghetti than you can eat, this tale is sure to become a family favorite. The perfect bedtime story for all kids and pasta lovers alike. Recommended By Nickolas J., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
When Strega Nona leaves him alone with her magic pasta pot, Big Anthony is determined to show the townspeople how it works in this classic Caldecott Honor book from Tomie dePaola.
Strega Nona—"Grandma Witch"—is the source for potions, cures, magic, and comfort in her Calabrian town. Her magical everfull pasta pot is especially intriguing to hungry Big Anthony. He is supposed to look after her house and tend her garden but one day, when she goes over the mountain to visit Strega Amelia, Big Anthony recites the magic verse over the pasta pot, with disastrous results.
In this retelling of an old tale, author-illustrator Tomie dePaola combines humor in the writing and warmth in the paintings as he builds the story to its hilarious climax.
Review
The New York Times Book Review "De Paola's illustrations aptly capture the whimsy of this ancient tale... simple line drawings clearly reveal the agony and ecstasy of pasta power, the muted colors create just the right ambiance for a Medieval village."
Synopsis
Strega Nona -- "Grandma Witch" -- is the source for potions, cures, magic, and comfort in her Calabrian town. Her magical everfull pasta pot is especially intriguing to hungry Big Anthony. He is supposed to look after her house and tend her garden but one day, when she goes over the mountain to visit Strega Amelia, Big Anthony recites the magic verse over the pasta pot, with disastrous results.
In this retelling of an old tale, author-illustrator Tomie dePaola (whose middle names is Anthony) combines humor in the writing and warmth in the paintings as he builds the story to its hilarious climax.
About the Author
Tomie dePaola is one of the most popular children’s book authors and illustrators of our time. His humor, insight, and gentle art delight all readers. A Newbery Honoree, he has written and illustrated a number of books for Simon & Schuster, including Caldecott Honor Book Strega Nona as well as Andy, That’s My Name; Watch Out for the Chicken Feet in Your Soup; and Charlie Needs a Cloak. A native of Connecticut, Mr. dePaola studied at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and lives in New London, New Hampshire.