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Strega Nona #4
Merry Christmas, Strega Nona
Strega Nona returns with her bumbling assistant, Big Anthony, and Bambolona, the baker’s daughter, in time for the big Christmas Eve feast.
32 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 1986
3 people are currently reading
773 people want to read
About the author
Tomie dePaola
439 books896 followersTomie 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
December 24, 2019
Everyone is busy for the Christmas season. Big Anthony is complaining of all the work needed to be done for the feast Strega Nona throws each year. He then hatches a plan. Strega Nona has a strict policy of no magic at Christmas as Christmas has its own magic. Big Anthony surprises Strega Nona with throwing the feast himself so she doesn’t have to do all the work.
It’s a nice story, but I didn’t think it was all that great. The best part was the thought that Christmas has its own magic. I do like how the characters are drawn - they look like a village in Italy.
The nephew was not crazy about this story. There wasn’t magic and nothing much else was going on. I think it’s fair to say that my nephew does not care for stories about relationships at this point in his life. He likes action. He gave this 2 stars. He also didn’t think it was very Christmasy.
It’s a nice story, but I didn’t think it was all that great. The best part was the thought that Christmas has its own magic. I do like how the characters are drawn - they look like a village in Italy.
The nephew was not crazy about this story. There wasn’t magic and nothing much else was going on. I think it’s fair to say that my nephew does not care for stories about relationships at this point in his life. He likes action. He gave this 2 stars. He also didn’t think it was very Christmasy.
December 29, 2021
It was the first Sunday of Advent,
and everyone in the little town in Calabria
was busy getting ready for Christmas.
In the first sentence dePaola's introduced a traditional Christmas event and a specific location in Italy. And the story goes on from there -- introducing a little more about Italian culture and Italian traditions. But that wouldn't be enough to earn four stars. The fourth star means that the tale is also heart-warming and the three familiar characters -- Strega Nona, Big Anthony, and Bambolona -- make an appearance and do their parts to make for a memorable holiday. We all like it.
and everyone in the little town in Calabria
was busy getting ready for Christmas.
In the first sentence dePaola's introduced a traditional Christmas event and a specific location in Italy. And the story goes on from there -- introducing a little more about Italian culture and Italian traditions. But that wouldn't be enough to earn four stars. The fourth star means that the tale is also heart-warming and the three familiar characters -- Strega Nona, Big Anthony, and Bambolona -- make an appearance and do their parts to make for a memorable holiday. We all like it.
April 7, 2010
“Merry Christmas, Strega Nona” is another classic from Tomie dePaola’s “Strega Nona” series and is probably the most heartwarming of all the Strega Nona stories. Join Strega Nona in her quest to learn about the true spirit of Christmas when a special someone gives her a gift that she will never forget.
Tomie dePaola’s writing is extremely warm-hearted as Strega Nona learns the true meaning of Christmas spirit when the townspeople gave Strega Nona a Christmas feast instead of her giving them a feast. Even though Big Anthony was always known as the troublemaker in most of the Strega Nona books, he proves to be the actual hero of the story when at first, he did not understand why Strega Nona is always working him hard during Christmas; but when he finally understands the reason, he goes out of his way to give Strega Nona the best Christmas of her life. Another advantage of this book is Tomie dePaola’s colorful and warm-hearted illustrations as each character are drawn simplistically and are most rounded around their bodies, which is a common trait in Tomie dePaola’s illustrations.
“Merry Christmas, Strega Nona” is a wonderful and heartwarming story about how true Christmas spirit exists in the love from your family and friends. For parents whose four year old or five year old child enjoys the magic of Christmas stories, then “Merry Christmas, Strega Nona” is certainly to be a true classic to them.
From my Epinions Review:
http://www99.epinions.com/review/_200...
Tomie dePaola’s writing is extremely warm-hearted as Strega Nona learns the true meaning of Christmas spirit when the townspeople gave Strega Nona a Christmas feast instead of her giving them a feast. Even though Big Anthony was always known as the troublemaker in most of the Strega Nona books, he proves to be the actual hero of the story when at first, he did not understand why Strega Nona is always working him hard during Christmas; but when he finally understands the reason, he goes out of his way to give Strega Nona the best Christmas of her life. Another advantage of this book is Tomie dePaola’s colorful and warm-hearted illustrations as each character are drawn simplistically and are most rounded around their bodies, which is a common trait in Tomie dePaola’s illustrations.
“Merry Christmas, Strega Nona” is a wonderful and heartwarming story about how true Christmas spirit exists in the love from your family and friends. For parents whose four year old or five year old child enjoys the magic of Christmas stories, then “Merry Christmas, Strega Nona” is certainly to be a true classic to them.
From my Epinions Review:
http://www99.epinions.com/review/_200...
December 25, 2017
With the whole town's help, Big Anthony plans a magical Christmas surprise for Strega Nona.
Buon Natale!
Buon Natale!
August 1, 2020
That grandmotherly witch Strega Nona, who lives in a small town in Calabria with her bumbling assistant, Big Anthony, returns in this fourth picture-book devoted to her adventures. As Christmas approaches, Strega Nona works hard to get her house in order, and to prepare for the big Christmas Eve feast that she throws for the entire town each year. She keeps Big Anthony busy as usual, and must constantly tell him that Christmas has a magic of its own. When he once again fails in his tasks, it seems as if Strega Nona's Christmas has been ruined. Or has it...?
I read and enjoyed the original Strega Nona , which won author/illustrator Tomie dePaola a Caldecott Honor in 1976, countless times as a girl, but somehow never discovered until I was an adult that there were multiple sequels. Now in the process of tracking down and reading those sequels, I have discovered them to be as magical and as entertaining as the first story. Having said that, Merry Christmas, Strega Nona is the first of them that really pulled at my heartstrings. I loved the idea of Christmas having a magic of its own, and I loved the fact that, for once, Big Anthony . I felt myself tearing up at the conclusion of the story here, as
I read and enjoyed the original Strega Nona , which won author/illustrator Tomie dePaola a Caldecott Honor in 1976, countless times as a girl, but somehow never discovered until I was an adult that there were multiple sequels. Now in the process of tracking down and reading those sequels, I have discovered them to be as magical and as entertaining as the first story. Having said that, Merry Christmas, Strega Nona is the first of them that really pulled at my heartstrings. I loved the idea of Christmas having a magic of its own, and I loved the fact that, for once, Big Anthony . I felt myself tearing up at the conclusion of the story here, as
January 21, 2018
What's not to like about Strega Nona?
The fact that Strega Nona doesn't want to use magic to prepare for this holiday tells such a deep and meaningful story right there. I love her attitude of reverence for the holiday, and her desire to prepare things the old way in her celebration for the town.
The surprise prepared for her is beautiful and allows so many to give back, as a reflection of everything she's given them.
This was a somewhat unusual tale, but one so enjoyable to read. I liked this one a lot, out of all the Christmas books we read this holiday season. This is one I would go back and re-read again with the kids next year.
The fact that Strega Nona doesn't want to use magic to prepare for this holiday tells such a deep and meaningful story right there. I love her attitude of reverence for the holiday, and her desire to prepare things the old way in her celebration for the town.
The surprise prepared for her is beautiful and allows so many to give back, as a reflection of everything she's given them.
This was a somewhat unusual tale, but one so enjoyable to read. I liked this one a lot, out of all the Christmas books we read this holiday season. This is one I would go back and re-read again with the kids next year.
Read
September 22, 2019Throughout the book, we see "Big Anthony" repeatedly ask Strega Nona why she doesn't just use magic to make everything go quicker, in other words, he repeatedly tries to take the easy route. The refusal to use magic during Christmastime helps the children to understand that she considers the holiday to be special. The last line of the book says, "Christmas has a magic of its own." which helps to both answer why she refused to use magic, and solidify the feeling that Christmas is special.
I found that the inclusion of Italian terms to be very enjoyable, it's a fun way to help expand children's language and help them to learn about other cultures. I found that children are actually very good with learning other languages and accepting other cultures, they just need a little bit of encouragement. I think this book would be a wonderful way to do it.
The imagery is very helpful in showing how the people feel and to demonstrate the surroundings. I particularly like how the author uses simplicity, the eyes are very simple, yet the do an amazing job portraying how the characters feel. The same can be said for the mouths, a simple line, yet it can express so much.
I found that the inclusion of Italian terms to be very enjoyable, it's a fun way to help expand children's language and help them to learn about other cultures. I found that children are actually very good with learning other languages and accepting other cultures, they just need a little bit of encouragement. I think this book would be a wonderful way to do it.
The imagery is very helpful in showing how the people feel and to demonstrate the surroundings. I particularly like how the author uses simplicity, the eyes are very simple, yet the do an amazing job portraying how the characters feel. The same can be said for the mouths, a simple line, yet it can express so much.
November 8, 2009
K-4th grade
Merry Christmas, Strega Nona
The illustrations that Tomie dePaola is so noted for are no exception in this Christmas tale. The characters are colorful and cartoonish. The pictures are simple but show emotion. The text uses English and Italian words to tell the tale. Kids will be drawn to the character Anthony because he complains about all of chores he has to do but in the end realizes what all the hard work really is for.
Social Studies/Language Arts
Language Arts Example: This would be a good multi-cultural read along for primary grades.
Merry Christmas, Strega Nona
The illustrations that Tomie dePaola is so noted for are no exception in this Christmas tale. The characters are colorful and cartoonish. The pictures are simple but show emotion. The text uses English and Italian words to tell the tale. Kids will be drawn to the character Anthony because he complains about all of chores he has to do but in the end realizes what all the hard work really is for.
Social Studies/Language Arts
Language Arts Example: This would be a good multi-cultural read along for primary grades.
October 14, 2013
Tomie dePaola is quickly becoming a household favorite. He's a little lengthy for my preschoolers, however, my 5 yr old loves him. dePaola is educational and enjoyable to read. The illustrations have a unique style all their own that even I enjoy while reading. A great educational read for any child.
December 5, 2014
no magic on christmas strega nona tales big anthony. i love how she know that christmas had its own magic.
December 18, 2018
This was always one of my kids favorite Christmas books. Love it!
November 11, 2022
My favorite of the Strega Nona books. The magic of Christmas, indeed. ❤️
Read
October 1, 2025St. Nicholas Day 1986
December 1, 2021
A classic in the “Christmas is for lies and manipulation” genre.
December 19, 2019
I’m such a mess: this one too made me cry. Only 4 stars because the main character is supposed to be a witch though she uses no magic in this book.
December 17, 2019
Good story that depicts the meaning of Christmas
November 25, 2019
Not my favorite Strega Nona, but good :-)
December 2, 2019
This installment of Strega Nona has her community coming together to help her celebrate Christmas. It is a lovely Christmas story to share during the holiday season.
December 17, 2019
With colorful illustrations and a feel-good message, Merry Christmas, Strega Nona is one of Tomie de Paola's most celebrated books. A delightful, warm-hearted story that teaches the true spirit of Christmas.
A Christmas classic, the book has special meaning for my family because my husband's grandfather is from Calabria, Italy. The story begins: "It was the first Sunday of Advent, and everyone in the little town in Calabria was busy getting ready for Christmas." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#merrychristmasstreganona #tomidepaolo #streganonabooks #harcourtbraceandco #caldecotthonorbook #picturebooks #christmasbooks #childrensbook #childrenspicturebook #bookstagramalabama #bookstagrammichigan#bookstagrammer #booksofinstagram #bookreviews #bookreviewer #bookrecommendations #books📚#ebooks #booklove #bookcommunity #kindle #librarybooks #audiobooks #audiblebookclub #booksbooksbooks #readingbringsjoy #bookaddicts #whatimreading
A Christmas classic, the book has special meaning for my family because my husband's grandfather is from Calabria, Italy. The story begins: "It was the first Sunday of Advent, and everyone in the little town in Calabria was busy getting ready for Christmas." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#merrychristmasstreganona #tomidepaolo #streganonabooks #harcourtbraceandco #caldecotthonorbook #picturebooks #christmasbooks #childrensbook #childrenspicturebook #bookstagramalabama #bookstagrammichigan#bookstagrammer #booksofinstagram #bookreviews #bookreviewer #bookrecommendations #books📚#ebooks #booklove #bookcommunity #kindle #librarybooks #audiobooks #audiblebookclub #booksbooksbooks #readingbringsjoy #bookaddicts #whatimreading
November 15, 2022
Big Anthony finally does something haha!
Ages: 4 - 8
Cleanliness: Strega Nona is a witch who uses magic for mostly housekeeping.
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Ages: 4 - 8
Cleanliness: Strega Nona is a witch who uses magic for mostly housekeeping.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
December 13, 2018
I loved this! It encapsulates the real spirit of Christmas and the things that I hate the most about Christmas. Strega Nona doesn't want to use magic for Christmas and has such high expectations. I love that Anthony is kind of like a dumb apprentice (think Jack and the Beanstalk dumb). But he proves himself very bright and thoughtful.
December 23, 2018
We added this book to our Christmas book collection last year, but this year was my first time reading it. I don't think 4-year-old L fully understood the plot, but 6-year-old S definitely did and we all enjoyed this story of Christmas having its own magic. I liked learning about some Italian Christmas traditions as well.
December 15, 2018
Big Anthony prepares a surprise Christmas feast for Strega Nona, and Strega Nona insists on NO MAGIC during the holiday season. I love when she's feeling down because she thinks the party has fallen through, and pauses at the nativity scene. So charming!
December 3, 2014
perfect
February 21, 2017
My first grader says he rates this 2 stars.
July 28, 2017
I will not lie, we did not make it past the second page on this short-story. The main character was a literal witch and we don't read such things in our household.
June 21, 2023
A heartwarming tale of Christmas charity and the season of giving.
December 6, 2017
A cute Christmas book with a thoughtful and kind surprise.
January 3, 2018
January 2018 - Ben seems really into it, and always asks about the angels at the end. Tomie dePaola does Christmas right.
December 18, 2018
A warm Christmas tale with a touch of magic, Italian warmth plus...Christmas is its own magic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews