Strega Nona

dePaola, T. (1988). Strega Nona. Simon & Schuster.New York, NY: Putnam

When Strega Nona leaves town to visit her friend Strega Amelia, Big Anthony sees the opportunity to show the people from the town how the magic pasta pot works. Big Anthony memorized a magic verse that makes the pasta pot work. Unfortunately, he did not know that at the end of the verse, he must blow three kisses to stop the magic. Oodles and oodles of pasta flew out of the bowl nonstop. Luckily, Strega Nona returns to town just in time to save the day and teach Big Anthony a lesson he will never forget.

Tomie de Paola created a charming story that incorporated beautiful illustrations that lead to a better understanding of the story. This book can be used for reader’s theater/roleplay. The use of repetition of the pot verse creates a magical tone. Additionally, this book can be used to teach the themes of magic, consequences, and responsibility. The targeted audience for this book is K-3.

Similar books:

• Something From Nothing by Phoebe Gilman

• The Orphan: A Cinderella Story from Greece by Anthony Manna

• Priceless Gifts: A Tale from Italy (LittleFolk) by Martha Hamilton

From the same author:

• Andy & Sandy's Anything Adventure

• 26 Fairmount Avenue

• Adelita

Book trailer:

• https://youtu.be/fNGnpvO818Q