Strega Nona Takes a Vacation

Strega Nona #8

by Tomie dePaola

Lately Strega Nona has been distracted-she even gave Signore Mayor the wrong remedy for his headache. One night Nona has a dream about her Grandma Concetta, who has been in heaven for many years, and her little house at the seashore. Nona decides that she will take a vacation there. While Strega Nona is away, Bambolona will do the daily remedies and Big Anthony will do the chores. With these two left in charge, what could possibly go wrong?

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Fantasy, Summer, Magic, Humor

32 pages, Paperback

First published September 11, 2000

About the author

Tomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POW-la) was best known for his books for children.

He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.

Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.

Reviews

[Karen Witzler]

I have a soft spot for Strega Nona and know what it is to dream of long-gone grandmothers and the sea.

Big Anthony and Bambolona are as they ever were; in need of Strega's guiding hand.

[Abigail]

When Strega Nona begins to dream that her Grandma Concetta is summoning her to the old house by the seashore, where they used to holiday together, the kindly witch decides that it is time for a vacation. She enjoys her time away from the little town in Calabria, but when she sends gifts for Bambolona and Big Anthony, and Bambolona (wanting sweets rather than bubblebath) switches the gift tags, chaos ensues. Soon the town is engulfed in bubblebath, and Strega Nona must be summoned to set things to rights...

The eighth picture-book devoted to the adventures of the 'grandmother witch' and her assistants, Big Anthony and Bambolona, Strega Nona Takes a Vacation has the same good sense of humor to be found in the earlier titles, although there are no magical contretemps this time around. I had to giggle when the town mayor, seeing Big Anthony being borne along by a tide of bubbles, declared "not again," as this harkened back to the original story, in which Strega Nona's bumbling assistant let an unending stream of pasta loose on the town. Recommended to fans of this grandmotherly witch, and to picture-book readers who enjoy humorous stories.

[Amanda]

This was quite enjoyable considering I'd not read any of the other Strega Nona books. I liked how the illustrations told much of the story without text. The illustrations were lovely and relaxing.

[Ronyell]

have read many Strega Nona books in my day and I have never once seen Strega Nona actually take a vacation from her hard work. Well, I picked up this book and realize that Stega Nona takes a vacation like every other hardworking person, except with more hazards sure to come. “Strega Nona Takes a Vacation” is the newest book from Tomie de Paola’s “Strega Nona” series and relates the story of how Strega Nona tries to have a vacation, but sometimes trouble comes when you least expect it. Tomie de Paola’s humorous illustrations and even more humorous story make this book an instant classic!

Tomie dePaola has done it again with his beautiful illustrations and funnier story of the famous “Grandma Witch,” Strega Nona. Tomie dePaola’s illustrations come to life as he fills each page with dazzling colors, especially of the image of Strega Nona gazing at the sunset at the seashore and the sky is colored in red, orange, blue and yellow linings. Also, the image of Big Anthony being carried into town by white foams of the bubble bath is a hilarious scene. Tomie dePaola also does an excellent job at making the story extremely creative since this book actually details Strega Nona’s first vacation and how Big Anthony still manages to get in trouble every time Strega Nona is not around to supervise him.

“Strega Nona Takes a Vacation” is definitely an excellent treat to read as it is as funny as the first book of Stega Nona and actually shows that Strega Nona cares for her two employees as if they were her own children when she eventually decides to take them with her on her next vacation. Parents who want children ages five and older to learn more about Italian folktales would especially be interested in this book.

From my Epinions Review:
http://www1.epinions.com/review/Streg...

[Mary]

Read-Aloud Revival Recommendation for July Picture Books. Not sure I totally understand what's going on with this book (didn't even realize it was a series until entering this review). But, I love the Italian setting, the colorful illustrations and the humor. I'll definitely be looking to read the others in the series.

[Diane]

Myself and all of my children are always drawn to the Strega Nona books for many reasons - their humor, the peppering of Italian words and phrases, and the less overt but consistent presence of faith in her stories. This one may seem more simple with less to offer than other Strega Nona stories, but it's story is grounded in the warmth of family bonds.

[Kimberly]

Strega Nona has been working very hard. She is having dreams about her grandmother’s seaside cottage. She is also distracted at work. She leaves Bambolona and Big Anthony in charge and goes on vacation. She reminds them to leave the Pasta pot alone. This time it is Bambolona that makes a mistake. Will Strega Nona ever get to have a peaceful vacation?+

Tags: Witches -- Vacations -- Bubbles -- Strega Nona (Fictitious character) -- Picture books -- Selfcare --

[Jessica]

That was a hoot! Strega Nona goes on a vacation to the cottage she used to stay in with her grandmother. When she sends Bambolona and Big Anthony presents, Bambolona switches the presents because she wants candy instead of bubble bath. When Big Anthony dumps all the bubbles in the bath, it's like the pasta all over again. "Non ancora! Not again!" I laughed out loud at that part 😂

[Anthony]

Strega Nona after having several dreams, and mental lapse she decides to take a vacation that's long overdue. She leaves Big Anthony and Bambolona behind to take care of the chores, and medical issues for the villagers. What could possible go wrong in a week?

[Laura]

I was nonplussed with this series at first but we quickly have become die hard Strega Nona fans. This isn’t the very best of the lot but very charming. I want to vacation at Grandma Concetta’s seaside cottage too!

[Calista]

Strega Nona is having dreams from a dead relative. They are telling her to take a vacation. Strega works very hard. So she does, out by the sea in her grandmothers cottage.

Bambolina and Big Anthony are left to manage things on their own. Chaos ensues of course.

I thought the artwork was better her for Tomie on these books. Stega looks so happy in her dreams. He did some great dream sequences. Fun book.

The back cover is funny. Stega is on a seashell in the sea like Aphrodite coming ashore. That's not in the story. Just funny.

[Karen GoatKeeper]

Strega Nona is an important person in her town. She has been helping people for years. But, she is tired and dreaming of a vacation. Perhaps her children can take over for her for a time? What could possibly go wrong?
The illustrations are bold with black outlines and lots of color. They help make this a very fun book to read. The humor made me laugh.

[Joy Schmidt]

When Strega Nona takes a vacation, she sends some gifts back to Bambolona and Big Anthony. The ensuing story is reminiscent of Big Anthony's experience with the magic pot of pasta in another of dePaolo's books!

[Rubi]

This time it wasn't Anthony being selfish and naughty, poor guy lol
Strega Nona took a much needed vacation. Everyone should when they work too hard and too long. But life can't always be vacations because people back home will always need you lol

[Jill]

Strega Nona. What a patient and forbearing woman! Big Anthony and Bambolona are flawed but she still loves and encourages them.

After reading this book I’m dreaming of a visit to Strega Nona’s grandmother’s seaside cottage too.

[Molly]

This installment of Strega Nona, Strega Nona is worn out and decides to take a vacation. While away, she sends gifts to Big Anthony and Bambolona who don't use them wisely. Another fun Strega Nona tale.

[Kristin]

Strega Nona leaves Big Anthony and Bambalona in charge and bubble bath shenanigans ensue! I loooove the Italian language sprinkled throughout. 1/4 of my family is from Calabria (my maiden name is Calabro) and I’ve visited so I’m partial to Strega Nona.

[Judy]

First Strega Nona book with the pasta pot will always be my favorite!

[Mary]

Amazon 4-8 years old

Some pages are very picture based (smaller pictures, multiple panels) so it wouldn't be a great story time book.

[Lisa Marie]

Another classic from Tomie DePaola

I think this book is wonderful! I love the Italian words and the change of scenery in this classic tale. Che bella questo libro!

[Mellanie C]

It's always fun to see what BIG aNTHONY GETS UP TO!

[Sasha]

Another fun Strega Nona book.

[Megan]

It's a very funny story, I think. Bubble bubble pasta pot, make me bubbles nice and hot. :)

[Villain E]

Strega Nona debates going on vacation, finally does, and then, of course Bambolona and Big Anthony make mistakes in her absence. Wordy.

[bibliophagy]

2.5-3 fine story. a little boring. basically a less dramatic repeat of the original.

[Scarlett]

Loved it. Like every fun/cheesy sequel, it brings in nostalgia and follows the same basic plot line.
One slightly bizarre element is Strega Nona’s grandmother speaking to her through her dreams.

[Adrianne Rosal]

I want to go on vacation also!!

[Child960801]

Stregna Nona goes on vacation to the sea shore and leaves Big Anthony and Bambalona with strict instructions so they won't get into trouble. It doesn't work.

[Tessa Herlofson]

After having a dream about her grandmother, Strega Nona has been a little out of sorts. So she decides it is best to take a vacation for a little while. While Steaga Nona is on vacation she sends gifts to her family. One of the gifts was a bubble bath. Big Anthony thought it was his gift so he made himself a bubble bath. Having never made a bubble bath before, Big Anthony causes quite the ruckus.
Strega Nona Takes a vacation is a wonderful multicultural children's book. It includes quotes in Italian and presents pieces of Italian culture. The picture books design reminded me of a graphic novel. In the first few pages there were multiple pictures per page and they were separated by gutters. The rest of the pages vary between one page spreads, two page spreads, and pages with a few pictures per page. The text is placed in the white space on the page. Each page has a thick white border. I have always found the Strega Nona series to be wonderful, this book is just another wonderful example.

[Josiah]

Tomie dePaola never fails to serve up laughs when he delves into a new story about Strega Nona and her two well-meaning but often bumbling assistants, Big Anthony and Bambolina.

When Strega Nona dreams about her vacations as a young girl to visit her grandmother, she realizes that she is in need of a real vacation, during which time she can relax and not worry about treating the problems of the villagers. With Strega Nona away Big Anthony is sure to get in trouble, however, and the result makes for a humorous story told well through the strength of Tomie dePaola's wonderful illustrations.

I would give one and a half stars to Strega Nona Takes a Vacation.