Synopses & Reviews
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.
Review
"The layout and artwork look great, but the story is complex and long for the board book crowd. It will work with those who have a longer attention span but they may not get the humor." Children's Literature
Review
"The familiar artwork is tinted in sophisticated watercolor hues and infused with warmth; the back jacket shows Strega Nona on an Italian hilltop gaily autographing books. Clearly, she and dePaola know plenty about labors of love." Kirkus Reviews
Synopsis
Tomie dePaola serves as "biographer" to his delightful Italian sorceress, Strega Nona, in this beautifully drawn prequel. The tale begins with little Nona's birth on a dark and stormy night, and ends where the original Strega Nona picks up-with Strega Nona taking on the bumbling, knock-kneed Big Anthony as an apprentice. This winsome story is illustrated throughout with Tomie dePaola's warm and sunny watercolors!
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.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.