Title of Book: Strega Nona; Author Tommie dePaola; ISBN978-0671666064; Published by Aladdin. Also available in Spanish. Title Strega Nonna; ISBN 978-8424133498; Published by Everest Publishing
Summary: Strega Nona needs some help around the house so she hires well meaning but bumbling Big Anthony. One day Big Anthony overhears her saying a spell that makes pasta out of thin air. When Strega Nona leaves town for a few days, Big Anthony uses his newfound knowledge of the spell to impress and feed the entire village pasta. Poor Big Anthony however doesn’t know about the three kisses that will stop the pasta pot from continually making pasta. The village is just about to be overrun with pasta when Strega Nona shows up and saves the town. Strega Nona wisely gives Big Anthony a punishment that fits the crime…he must eat all the pasta so Strega Nona can return to her house.
My Impressions: This is very similar to the Sorcerer’s Apprentice in the original movie Fantasia. This book was destined to be a classic! Who among us has not dreamed of being the hero, and who among us hasn’t fallen flat on our face in some escapade? The illustrations are delightful and my personal favorite is poor Big Anthony looking miserable and pregnant at the end of the story after having eaten miles of pasta. FYI- The book does feature people praying and one of the men in the story suggests “stringing up” Big Anthony for his crime.
Flashlight Reading Under the Covers Rating: 5 out of 5
Reviews:
Won the silver Caldecott medal in 1976
School Library Journal February 01, 2001 (retrieved from Bowker’s Books in Print) This review is of the Spanish video recording.PreS-Gr 3-Gr 3Tomie dePaola's Strega Nona (S&S, 1975) is as much fun in Spanish as it is in English. This is the tale of a charming Italian village where a friendly witch, Strega Nona, lives. She helps the villagers solve their problems with simple magic. When Strega Nona goes out of town one day her helper, Big Anthony, borrows one of her tricks to start her magic pasta pot going. He becomes a hero in the village until everyone realizes that he does not know how to make the magic stop. Soon the town is overrun with pasta, and only Strega Nona can save the day. This gentle story will bring a chorus of giggles from any audience. Tomi dePaola's classic illustrations have been animated for this production, and the male narrator creates different voices for each character. Operatic background music adds the final touch. This beautifully produced video will delight Spanish-speaking audiences.-Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Suggestions for Use in a Library:
This book is best shared with younger children ages 5-8. Hit the post-Halloween sales and get a big black cauldron. After reading the story, give each child a paper cut out of a cauldron and allow them to draw or write what they would want to come out of a magic pot. To foster creativity, brainstorm aloud before the activity and don’t allow children to choose money. Display other books featuring Strega Nona and the children’s paper cut outs near the cauldron.
If you are looking for a fabulous way to teach the concept of prequel to younger children, look no further! After you’ve read Strega Nona, read Strega Nona Her Story and Big Anthony His Story.
Summary: Strega Nona needs some help around the house so she hires well meaning but bumbling Big Anthony. One day Big Anthony overhears her saying a spell that makes pasta out of thin air. When Strega Nona leaves town for a few days, Big Anthony uses his newfound knowledge of the spell to impress and feed the entire village pasta. Poor Big Anthony however doesn’t know about the three kisses that will stop the pasta pot from continually making pasta. The village is just about to be overrun with pasta when Strega Nona shows up and saves the town. Strega Nona wisely gives Big Anthony a punishment that fits the crime…he must eat all the pasta so Strega Nona can return to her house.
My Impressions: This is very similar to the Sorcerer’s Apprentice in the original movie Fantasia. This book was destined to be a classic! Who among us has not dreamed of being the hero, and who among us hasn’t fallen flat on our face in some escapade? The illustrations are delightful and my personal favorite is poor Big Anthony looking miserable and pregnant at the end of the story after having eaten miles of pasta. FYI- The book does feature people praying and one of the men in the story suggests “stringing up” Big Anthony for his crime.
Flashlight Reading Under the Covers Rating: 5 out of 5
Reviews:
Won the silver Caldecott medal in 1976
School Library Journal February 01, 2001 (retrieved from Bowker’s Books in Print) This review is of the Spanish video recording.PreS-Gr 3-Gr 3Tomie dePaola's Strega Nona (S&S, 1975) is as much fun in Spanish as it is in English. This is the tale of a charming Italian village where a friendly witch, Strega Nona, lives. She helps the villagers solve their problems with simple magic. When Strega Nona goes out of town one day her helper, Big Anthony, borrows one of her tricks to start her magic pasta pot going. He becomes a hero in the village until everyone realizes that he does not know how to make the magic stop. Soon the town is overrun with pasta, and only Strega Nona can save the day. This gentle story will bring a chorus of giggles from any audience. Tomi dePaola's classic illustrations have been animated for this production, and the male narrator creates different voices for each character. Operatic background music adds the final touch. This beautifully produced video will delight Spanish-speaking audiences.-Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Suggestions for Use in a Library:
This book is best shared with younger children ages 5-8. Hit the post-Halloween sales and get a big black cauldron. After reading the story, give each child a paper cut out of a cauldron and allow them to draw or write what they would want to come out of a magic pot. To foster creativity, brainstorm aloud before the activity and don’t allow children to choose money. Display other books featuring Strega Nona and the children’s paper cut outs near the cauldron.
If you are looking for a fabulous way to teach the concept of prequel to younger children, look no further! After you’ve read Strega Nona, read Strega Nona Her Story and Big Anthony His Story.
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