Strega Nona: An Original Tale by dePaola, Tomie

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.

Author: Tomie dePaola
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Published: 08/01/1975
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 11.20h x 8.80w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9780671662837
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.9
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 6093 / Strega Nona: An Old Tale Retold and Illustrated (English)

Award: E.B. White Read Aloud Award - Finalist
Award: E.B. White Read Aloud Award - Finalist
Award: E.B. White Read Aloud Award - Finalist
Award: E.B. White Read Aloud Award - Finalist

Review Citation(s):
Entertainment Weekly 11/14/2014 pg. 110

About the Author
Tomie dePaola (1934-2020) was the beloved author and/or illustrator of more than 270 books for young readers, including the children's classic Strega Nona. He was the recipient of the Newbery Honor, Caldecott Honor, and the 2011 Children's Literature Legacy Award for "significant and lasting contribution to children's literature." A native of Connecticut, Mr. dePaola studied at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and spent much of his life in New London, New Hampshire. Visit his work online at Tomie.com.