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Strega Nona #1
Strega Nona: An Original Tale
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 (whose middle names is Anthony) combines humor in the writing and warmth in the paintings as he builds the story to its hilarious climax.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 1975
226 people are currently reading
17032 people want to read
About the author
Tomie dePaola
441 books901 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 1,596 reviews
April 18, 2018
Review
Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola is the first book in a classic children's literature series from the 1970s and 1980s. It was eventually made into a cartoon and several other children's merchandise, all fun and educational toys as kids grew up. I enjoyed the premise of the books but only read the first one, and maybe the second or third (can't remember!).
Strega Nona means "Grandma Witch," and she helps the townspeople with all their problems through her magical pasta pot. One day, she has to go away and leaves Big Anthony in charge. And even though he was told not to use the pot, he doesn't listen and causes all sorts of wacky situations.
These books were meant as little lessons for children. It all comes down to teaching the 4 to 8 range why it's important to listen, what harm can happen if you don't and how to always be honest and truthful. Valuable stuff... and when it's in a picture book format, it's quite strong.
Of all the picture books, these weren't my super-high favorite ones, but they were still very good. I liked the idea of a witch teaching children, but at the same time... if you want this to be a listen, did she have to be a witch? Couldn't she just have been a grandma with some magical powers? I suppose it's a good way to show that not all "witches" can be bad. But I bet kids learned to eat a lot of pasta from them!!!
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola is the first book in a classic children's literature series from the 1970s and 1980s. It was eventually made into a cartoon and several other children's merchandise, all fun and educational toys as kids grew up. I enjoyed the premise of the books but only read the first one, and maybe the second or third (can't remember!).
Strega Nona means "Grandma Witch," and she helps the townspeople with all their problems through her magical pasta pot. One day, she has to go away and leaves Big Anthony in charge. And even though he was told not to use the pot, he doesn't listen and causes all sorts of wacky situations.
These books were meant as little lessons for children. It all comes down to teaching the 4 to 8 range why it's important to listen, what harm can happen if you don't and how to always be honest and truthful. Valuable stuff... and when it's in a picture book format, it's quite strong.
Of all the picture books, these weren't my super-high favorite ones, but they were still very good. I liked the idea of a witch teaching children, but at the same time... if you want this to be a listen, did she have to be a witch? Couldn't she just have been a grandma with some magical powers? I suppose it's a good way to show that not all "witches" can be bad. But I bet kids learned to eat a lot of pasta from them!!!
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
December 6, 2021
My favourite picture book of all time!
Winner of the Caldecott Honor, Strega Nona is a lively retelling of an Italian tale by one of the best authors and illustrators of children's books (at least in my opinion), Tomie dePaola!
Strega Nona hires Big Anthony to help her, but since he often doesn't pay attention, humorous problems occur, especially to the detriment of the little village. I love the amusing way that Strega Nona metes out fair justice towards Big Anthony in that "the punishment must fit the crime".
This is a MUST READ whenever I substitute teach a new class of students! Highly recommend for all ages!
Winner of the Caldecott Honor, Strega Nona is a lively retelling of an Italian tale by one of the best authors and illustrators of children's books (at least in my opinion), Tomie dePaola!
Strega Nona hires Big Anthony to help her, but since he often doesn't pay attention, humorous problems occur, especially to the detriment of the little village. I love the amusing way that Strega Nona metes out fair justice towards Big Anthony in that "the punishment must fit the crime".
This is a MUST READ whenever I substitute teach a new class of students! Highly recommend for all ages!
April 21, 2019
I think I have read this book before as a young child. My memory is tickled. I loved this book.
Strega Nona is the town witch or healing woman. People come to see her for any ails they have. She is getting older, so she hires Big Anthony to help her out with chores. Big Anthony sees her using her magic pasta pot and he is so excited he has to tell everyone and they laugh at him. So, when Strega goes to visit a friend Big Anthony fires up the pot. The town is so impressed with him, but he didn’t see the full details to turn it off. A blob of pasta begins to threaten the city and Strega Nona has to save the town.
A wonderful tale about magic and playing with things you don’t really understand. It’s also a fun story that gets the imagination going.
The kids really enjoyed this story. They laughed along with it. The nephew kept asking if a magic pasta pot could really do that? Could that really happen? He laughed at Big Anthony. He thought this was a funny story and so he gave this 4 stars. The niece enjoyed this story too. She laughed along with her brother. She wondered why Big Anthony didn’t listen to Strega Nona. She was entertained by this and she gave it 4 stars too.
Strega Nona is the town witch or healing woman. People come to see her for any ails they have. She is getting older, so she hires Big Anthony to help her out with chores. Big Anthony sees her using her magic pasta pot and he is so excited he has to tell everyone and they laugh at him. So, when Strega goes to visit a friend Big Anthony fires up the pot. The town is so impressed with him, but he didn’t see the full details to turn it off. A blob of pasta begins to threaten the city and Strega Nona has to save the town.
A wonderful tale about magic and playing with things you don’t really understand. It’s also a fun story that gets the imagination going.
The kids really enjoyed this story. They laughed along with it. The nephew kept asking if a magic pasta pot could really do that? Could that really happen? He laughed at Big Anthony. He thought this was a funny story and so he gave this 4 stars. The niece enjoyed this story too. She laughed along with her brother. She wondered why Big Anthony didn’t listen to Strega Nona. She was entertained by this and she gave it 4 stars too.
May 11, 2010
Listen, pay attention, and follow instructions, or there may be negative consequences; in this case, pasta might take over the world. I have enjoyed this author/illustrator’s other books and his illustrations work so well in this story.
I love that this tale isn’t scary, doesn’t have any villains, and that there is a positive message. The story really is very amusing, and it’s fun to read aloud.
I never knew a book that makes pasta look both so appealing and unappealing.
I love the magic pot! My kind of cooking!
I love that this tale isn’t scary, doesn’t have any villains, and that there is a positive message. The story really is very amusing, and it’s fun to read aloud.
I never knew a book that makes pasta look both so appealing and unappealing.
I love the magic pot! My kind of cooking!
May 18, 2012
“Strega Nona” created in 1975 by Tomie dePaola, was the author’s first book about the kind and elderly “grandma witch.” This book has since been a popular favorite among children and has won the Caldecott Honor Book Award for its excellence in writing and in its drawing. Strega Nona is sure to be a hit with both children and adults.
Tomie dePaola does an awesome job at creating a story that is humorous and exciting at the same time. Big Anthony humorously plays the role of a tragic hero as he at first was able to feed the townspeople all the pasta they desired, but then ends up nearly destroying the town when he did not listen to Strega Nona’s warnings about the pasta pot. Strega Nona also acted as a savior to the people when she saved the town from the pasta and therefore saving their lives. Tomie dePaola’s illustrations are simply delightful as he illustrates Strega Nona as a helpful and intelligent old woman with an old-fashioned apron around her and Big Anthony as a big and klutzy man who seems to have wild blond hair.
“Strega Nona” is a wonderful story about the consequences of not listening to certain warnings that could endanger people’s lives. Also, this book shows the importance of respecting one’s elders as the villagers respect Strega Nona’s wisdom on cures and life. “Strega Nona” is surely an excellent book for learning about folktales around the world, since the story is supposedly from Italy and will enchant adults and children five years or older for many generations.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
Tomie dePaola does an awesome job at creating a story that is humorous and exciting at the same time. Big Anthony humorously plays the role of a tragic hero as he at first was able to feed the townspeople all the pasta they desired, but then ends up nearly destroying the town when he did not listen to Strega Nona’s warnings about the pasta pot. Strega Nona also acted as a savior to the people when she saved the town from the pasta and therefore saving their lives. Tomie dePaola’s illustrations are simply delightful as he illustrates Strega Nona as a helpful and intelligent old woman with an old-fashioned apron around her and Big Anthony as a big and klutzy man who seems to have wild blond hair.
“Strega Nona” is a wonderful story about the consequences of not listening to certain warnings that could endanger people’s lives. Also, this book shows the importance of respecting one’s elders as the villagers respect Strega Nona’s wisdom on cures and life. “Strega Nona” is surely an excellent book for learning about folktales around the world, since the story is supposedly from Italy and will enchant adults and children five years or older for many generations.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
April 26, 2022
Tomie dePaola passed away during the pandemic. I remember hearing the news and feeling deeply sad. His picture books were—are—favorites of mine. My grandmother had them all. We read them together with my niece, and once she learned how to read, she read them many times to me. And full confession, I also read them many times by myself.
Strega Nona is a proper classic, and there is a reason for that. The story, similar to that of the Magician Assistant, where a young boy working as a helper to a witch—Strega Nona herself—discovers she has a magic pot that produces endless pasta if you sing an incantation.
Tired of feeling invisible, the young boy decides to invite the town to eat pasta, only waiting for Strega Nona to go out of town.
But things are never that easy, not for impatient witch’s helpers at least, and the young boy soon learns that magic is all in the details.
A fun book, filled with lovely illustrations, and with a catchy tune (I mean, I read it on the weekend and I’m still singing to the magic pasta pot).
Highly recommended as a read for young children, and even for adults if you have ten minutes to spare and want a bit of magic in your life.
Strega Nona is a proper classic, and there is a reason for that. The story, similar to that of the Magician Assistant, where a young boy working as a helper to a witch—Strega Nona herself—discovers she has a magic pot that produces endless pasta if you sing an incantation.
Tired of feeling invisible, the young boy decides to invite the town to eat pasta, only waiting for Strega Nona to go out of town.
But things are never that easy, not for impatient witch’s helpers at least, and the young boy soon learns that magic is all in the details.
A fun book, filled with lovely illustrations, and with a catchy tune (I mean, I read it on the weekend and I’m still singing to the magic pasta pot).
Highly recommended as a read for young children, and even for adults if you have ten minutes to spare and want a bit of magic in your life.
April 23, 2019
🍝 I had postponed reading this one as I'm not a fan of dePaolo's illustrations. I was pleasantly surprised as I really enjoyed the story of the "grandma witch" with the "neverending pasta" bowl. Plus I learned that strega means witch in Italian! Had I known that sooner I might have been more keen to check this one out as I do love a good witch story.
November 11, 2009
What's not to love about this book? It's a great story.
My acquitance with this book occured, not when I was at the targeted age, but when my brother was. My brother loved spagetti as a young child (he still loves it). He had so many books that dealt with spagetti, including a real annoying one More Spaghetti, I Say!. He had to be read these books constantly. Honestly, I can still recite parts of them by heart. The words are burnt into what passes for my brain.
There was one huge but.
When you read a story to my brother, you couldn't say spagetti. Nope, you couldn't say it at all.
You had to say "getti getti".
If you didn't say getti getti bad things happened. The sky darkened. The sun and moon traded places. The rivers ran backward. The fish ate oranges. Thespagetti getti getti would be undercooked.
Bad things.
Real bad things.
The one really, really, really good thing about Strega Nona was that it is a charming story that doesn't get old. A charming story that is still charming even with the use of the word getti getti. I still like this book despite having to read one too many times.
My acquitance with this book occured, not when I was at the targeted age, but when my brother was. My brother loved spagetti as a young child (he still loves it). He had so many books that dealt with spagetti, including a real annoying one More Spaghetti, I Say!. He had to be read these books constantly. Honestly, I can still recite parts of them by heart. The words are burnt into what passes for my brain.
There was one huge but.
When you read a story to my brother, you couldn't say spagetti. Nope, you couldn't say it at all.
You had to say "getti getti".
If you didn't say getti getti bad things happened. The sky darkened. The sun and moon traded places. The rivers ran backward. The fish ate oranges. The
Bad things.
Real bad things.
The one really, really, really good thing about Strega Nona was that it is a charming story that doesn't get old. A charming story that is still charming even with the use of the word getti getti. I still like this book despite having to read one too many times.
September 15, 2022
September 2022 reread
I'm bumping this up to 5 stars. It is a perfect read and it made me laugh. Every kid should read this at least once.
February 2015 read
How have I never read this book before today? It's so cute and funny and everything a children's book should be. It teaches a lesson without the kid knowing they're learning a lesson. "Don't touch stuff that I specifically said not to touch. I will find out and you will be punished." And I hope I wasn't the only one that thought the ending was going to be dark. I just had a feeling that I was going to see Big Anthony explode from eating all that pasta on the last page.
I'm bumping this up to 5 stars. It is a perfect read and it made me laugh. Every kid should read this at least once.
February 2015 read
How have I never read this book before today? It's so cute and funny and everything a children's book should be. It teaches a lesson without the kid knowing they're learning a lesson. "Don't touch stuff that I specifically said not to touch. I will find out and you will be punished." And I hope I wasn't the only one that thought the ending was going to be dark. I just had a feeling that I was going to see Big Anthony explode from eating all that pasta on the last page.
June 4, 2017
I found this book in my house this weekend and decided to read it. It isn't a super short book, but it isn't very long either. The story line seems like it is for little kids, but not awful overall. I don't recommend it to older kids because it wasn't very challenging.
Overall, not a bad book, but not challenging enough for my lexile or reading level.
Overall, not a bad book, but not challenging enough for my lexile or reading level.
September 11, 2018
I waited so long to read this book and now I'm hungry and fellas, you've gotta read it.
December 28, 2013
This story has the feel of an old fable - the kind of story brought over by your grandparents when they immigrated - but it is in fact made up by the author, Tomie dePaola, and first published in 1975. It reads like a fairy-tale, of the classical kind, and has strong moral messages - ones about how you reap what you sow, and going behind someone's back, and meddling in what you don't understand, and being greedy, and so on.
Part of what gives it that old-world (read: old-Europe) feel are the wonderful illustrations, also by dePaola, which somehow remind me of stained-glass windows.
Strega Nona is an old lady who lives in the town of Calabria, a long time ago. The name, "strega nona", means "Grandma Witch", and Strega Nona helps the local townspeople with their troubles - even the priests and nuns of the nearby convent, because she has such a magical touch.
She advertises for someone to help her around the house and garden, and soon employs Big Anthony, a strong young man who doesn't pay attention. He's very helpful, but when he hears Strega Nona saying a magic spell over her pasta pot, he gets greedy. Strega Nona has a magic pasta pot, and when she says the right words, it produces a potful of pasta ready to eat. She must say certain words to make it stop, too, and bow three kisses, but Big Anthony doesn't pay attention and doesn't hear that part.
When Strega Nona goes away to see her friend, Strega Amelia, she leaves Big Anthony in charge, with the stringent warning not to touch the pasta pot. But of course, as soon as she's gone, Big Anthony goes and tells everyone in the town about the pasta pot. They don't believe him, so he decides to show them. Only, once the pasta pot has started producing pasta and everyone has had a bowlful, he can't get it to stop. Soon, pasta is overflowing and rushing out the door and flooding the town. It's a disaster, and only the arrival of Strega Nona can fix it - and she has the perfect punishment for Big Anthony.
I have vague memories of reading this as a kid, and it really holds its own well. I love the illustrations, and the story too, which is both fun and meaningful. It's one for older children, around five or six, but certainly any child would enjoy this tale.
Part of what gives it that old-world (read: old-Europe) feel are the wonderful illustrations, also by dePaola, which somehow remind me of stained-glass windows.
Strega Nona is an old lady who lives in the town of Calabria, a long time ago. The name, "strega nona", means "Grandma Witch", and Strega Nona helps the local townspeople with their troubles - even the priests and nuns of the nearby convent, because she has such a magical touch.
She advertises for someone to help her around the house and garden, and soon employs Big Anthony, a strong young man who doesn't pay attention. He's very helpful, but when he hears Strega Nona saying a magic spell over her pasta pot, he gets greedy. Strega Nona has a magic pasta pot, and when she says the right words, it produces a potful of pasta ready to eat. She must say certain words to make it stop, too, and bow three kisses, but Big Anthony doesn't pay attention and doesn't hear that part.
When Strega Nona goes away to see her friend, Strega Amelia, she leaves Big Anthony in charge, with the stringent warning not to touch the pasta pot. But of course, as soon as she's gone, Big Anthony goes and tells everyone in the town about the pasta pot. They don't believe him, so he decides to show them. Only, once the pasta pot has started producing pasta and everyone has had a bowlful, he can't get it to stop. Soon, pasta is overflowing and rushing out the door and flooding the town. It's a disaster, and only the arrival of Strega Nona can fix it - and she has the perfect punishment for Big Anthony.
I have vague memories of reading this as a kid, and it really holds its own well. I love the illustrations, and the story too, which is both fun and meaningful. It's one for older children, around five or six, but certainly any child would enjoy this tale.
January 26, 2019
Caldecott Honor: 1976
Strega Nona is a really fun book to read to kids. I loved reading this fairy tale to my three and seven year old. It’s funny, and has a solid life lesson about obeying and listening to instructions for good reasons! I’m curious. How does everyone else sing Strega Nona’s song to the magic pot? 😋
Strega Nona is a really fun book to read to kids. I loved reading this fairy tale to my three and seven year old. It’s funny, and has a solid life lesson about obeying and listening to instructions for good reasons! I’m curious. How does everyone else sing Strega Nona’s song to the magic pot? 😋
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October 28, 2024Delightful!
July 24, 2020
Long before I knew about Goethe's classic poem, The Sorcerer's Apprentice (Der Zauberlehrling in the original); long before I had ever seen the Disney film Fantasia, which is based upon the poem; long before I ever had an inkling that this tale type is widespread, and that the Brothers Grimm had collected a variant known in English as The Magic Porridge Pot; I knew about Strega Nona. I grew up listening to and reading this wonderful story concerning a "Grandma Witch" from Calabria who had a magic pot that would cook as much pasta as she wanted. When Strega Nona leaves to visit another witch (Strega Amelia), her assistant, Big Anthony, attempts to use her pot to feed the entire town, only to discover that he lacks the knowledge necessary to end the pot's pasta production. Soon the town is in danger of being overrun by pasta, and no one knows what to do...
Exciting and amusing in equal measure, Strega Nona is a modern classic of American children's literature, awarded a Caldecott Honor in 1976 for the artwork. I read and reread it countless times as a girl, eventually destroying my childhood copy. Tomie dePaola's telling has a distinctly Italian flavor, in keeping with his own heritage, although the description of the book as an "original tale" makes it plain that it is not taken from any particular Italian tradition. Despite not having a specific source, it is clearly a remake of a classic and widespread story - a remake which adds something unique to its own creator, in the form of appealing artwork and gently humorous text. I have had the great honor and pleasure of meeting Mr. dePaola through work, and now possess an autographed copy of his book, which I treasure. Although not aware of it as a girl, there are a number of sequels to this story, that I now intend to track down. Highly recommended to all picture-book readers who enjoy folk and fairy-tales, and/or stories of magic makers.
Exciting and amusing in equal measure, Strega Nona is a modern classic of American children's literature, awarded a Caldecott Honor in 1976 for the artwork. I read and reread it countless times as a girl, eventually destroying my childhood copy. Tomie dePaola's telling has a distinctly Italian flavor, in keeping with his own heritage, although the description of the book as an "original tale" makes it plain that it is not taken from any particular Italian tradition. Despite not having a specific source, it is clearly a remake of a classic and widespread story - a remake which adds something unique to its own creator, in the form of appealing artwork and gently humorous text. I have had the great honor and pleasure of meeting Mr. dePaola through work, and now possess an autographed copy of his book, which I treasure. Although not aware of it as a girl, there are a number of sequels to this story, that I now intend to track down. Highly recommended to all picture-book readers who enjoy folk and fairy-tales, and/or stories of magic makers.
July 16, 2013
A book that didn't hold my children's attention as well as I would have liked. It's a Caldecott award winner and deserving of it, the pictures detailed and fun, but for the most part, I think maybe it used too many of the same color scheme, because many of the pages looked similar. My kids became bored and I had to draw them back into the story. I thought it was cute and enjoyed it, but I might have to wait until my kids are a little older.
June 20, 2025
This book is such a classic. We've read this one several times and it never gets old. It has a fun story and cartoonish illustrations that depict an older time - we just love Tomie dePaola's books!
December 9, 2012
Long ago in Calabria in a small town lived a woman everyone called Strega Nona, “Grandma Witch.” Although the townspeople were wary of her, they still came to see her for potions and cures because they worked every time. But Strega Nona was growing old and she needed some help around the house, so she hired Big Anthony, who didn’t pay attention. She gave him a list of chores and finished with the warning to never touch the pasta pot. One evening when Big Anthony was milking the goats he heard Strega Nona singing to the pasta pot. “Bubble, bubble, pasta pot / Boil me up some pasta, nice and hot.” And when the pot was full of steaming hot pasta, Strega Nona sang to it again and it stopped. Big Anthony heard all the singing, but he didn’t see Strega Nona blow three kisses to the pot to make it stop. What happened when Strega Nona went away to visit a friend and left Big Anthony alone with the pasta pot? Was Big Anthony able to stop the pasta before the entire town was covered in pasta? And most importantly, what did Strega Nona say when she returned?
The illustrations, in de Paola's signature style, are divided into panels that move the story forward quickly. The color palate is soft and blended and the houses and clothing bring to mind old world Italy. Night is differentiated from day with large stars and a moon in the sky. Plants and animals are an integral part of Strega Nona's world and can be seen in nearly every illustration. The length of the humorous text makes this a good book for upper elementary and above. The text is deftly balanced between narrative and dialogue and de Paola is careful to emphasize important information, but doesn't talk down to his readers.
Full Review at Picture-Book-Day: http://picturebookaday.blogspot.com/2...
The illustrations, in de Paola's signature style, are divided into panels that move the story forward quickly. The color palate is soft and blended and the houses and clothing bring to mind old world Italy. Night is differentiated from day with large stars and a moon in the sky. Plants and animals are an integral part of Strega Nona's world and can be seen in nearly every illustration. The length of the humorous text makes this a good book for upper elementary and above. The text is deftly balanced between narrative and dialogue and de Paola is careful to emphasize important information, but doesn't talk down to his readers.
Full Review at Picture-Book-Day: http://picturebookaday.blogspot.com/2...
September 15, 2017
What makes a children's book great? I believe it teaches eternal lessons. And there are at least a couple of lessons to be learned in Strega Nona. Set in an old Italian village with its own Grandma Witch, a young boy learns a lesson not only about obedience, but about feeling he has to impress others. In disobeying is employer, Strega Nona, he creates a crisis for her home, for himself, and for the village. What he thought would be praise and awe from the villagers who had only made fun of him, soon turns to worry and blaming. Strega Nona is the one to show true forgiveness, even in exacting the right punishment for the young man. So many good lessons. A great book.
June 2, 2018
Strega Nona has some funny moments (such as when the distraught mayor cries out, "We must protect our town from the pasta"). The illustrations by the very capable Tomie dePaola are gorgeous. I have had fun with this book for years, and it always brings back good memories.
April 24, 2020
Every. Single. Time. we have pasta for dinner my children request this as their bedtime story. It’s a classic that was read over and over during my own childhood—so I don’t mind.
December 9, 2024
the icon, the legend, the forever moment: strega nona <3
and remember, don’t touch her pot
(also she’s so brat actually)
and remember, don’t touch her pot
(also she’s so brat actually)
August 28, 2020
How did I never know about this book until now? I loved it!
October 20, 2023
I randomly came across this seemingly charming, pictures book and immediately had to give it a try, due to its title alone.
And oh - charming it was! Strega Nona is the tale of an elderly kind hearted witch who hires a young ( and curious) man to help her with house chores that have gotten difficult for her due to aging. However that young man soon starts gaining interest in the witch's magic - and discovering she has a magic pasta making pot along with the spell needed to activate it he rushes to inform the village of the fact.
However noone believes him for a magic making pot sounds too absurd! The young man decides the best course of action is to *show* everyone that pot and it's abilities as soon as Strega Nona leaves the house. Now the young man knows the spell that activates the pot but actually didn't pay close enough attention to DE-activating it which leads to some hilarious chaos.
Absolutely adored this.
And oh - charming it was! Strega Nona is the tale of an elderly kind hearted witch who hires a young ( and curious) man to help her with house chores that have gotten difficult for her due to aging. However that young man soon starts gaining interest in the witch's magic - and discovering she has a magic pasta making pot along with the spell needed to activate it he rushes to inform the village of the fact.
However noone believes him for a magic making pot sounds too absurd! The young man decides the best course of action is to *show* everyone that pot and it's abilities as soon as Strega Nona leaves the house. Now the young man knows the spell that activates the pot but actually didn't pay close enough attention to DE-activating it which leads to some hilarious chaos.
Absolutely adored this.
April 3, 2024
The first in a series of Italian folklore tales involving a helpful grandmotherly figure that heals the town. I grew up with the same tales and that it was good luck to have a witch in your kitchen. A kitchen witch. It was a good luck charm I think. I took ours down and played with her every so often if my grandmother said it was okay.
In this one she looks for a bit of help around the house and ends up with a man that helps himself but doesn’t know what he is doing. Cute story. Love the illustrations.
In this one she looks for a bit of help around the house and ends up with a man that helps himself but doesn’t know what he is doing. Cute story. Love the illustrations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2025
I want a magical unlimited pasta pot🥲
January 19, 2022
I’m not sure how I went my entire childhood without reading this book, but I did. So Matt introduced it to me this week and I’m pretty sure I laughed the entire time.
It’s delightful, of course, as are the illustrations. That I got to hear it read aloud by Mary Steenburgen feels like bonus sprinkles on the endless pasta.*
[Five stars for an abruptly absurd ending that somehow fits the magic pasta pot premise perfectly.]
*Yes, that was an ELF reference because that movie and Mary Steenburgen in it are two of my favorite forms of holiday magic.
It’s delightful, of course, as are the illustrations. That I got to hear it read aloud by Mary Steenburgen feels like bonus sprinkles on the endless pasta.*
[Five stars for an abruptly absurd ending that somehow fits the magic pasta pot premise perfectly.]
*Yes, that was an ELF reference because that movie and Mary Steenburgen in it are two of my favorite forms of holiday magic.
May 18, 2025
best book ever
October 19, 2017
This book is considered banned because the main character was a "spell-casting witchcraft-loving devil woman". This book was both challenged and banned from libraries because of the belief that it displayed witchcraft and supernatural content. The problem wasn't having magic in the book, but how the magic was presented. This is not the only story that has been banned for this reason, books like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings as well. I don't see this book as being controversial because she is not a devil-worshiper or mentions God or the devil. All in all, she is not immoral and is seen as a grandmother figure, she could teach children to not meddle with magic.
I was surprised after reading this book to find it on the "banned" list. I would have no problem with reading this book in my classroom as the main character is a kind, old lady who cures warts, makes love potions and everything she does is out of kindness and love. The book was filled with wonderment and imagination. She was not an evil witch in any way, she only wanted to help the people in her village and anyone who had any troubles. This book also had a cute folk quality and included rich cultural heritage.
After reviewing why this book deserved to be on the "banned" list, I have read that some teachers have picked this book as a read aloud and assigned tasks to go with the book. Teachers have contemplated about reading this book during the fall, when the season changes and the weather gets colder. Teachers could focus on how the book states that following the rules is critical or bringing up Thanksgiving time and talking to students about not wasting food. This book could be turned into an art project, letting kids use their full imagination. For example, if they could have a pot that would make anything on command, what would it make? They could easily come up with a song or poem to make their pot start to work! This book has the ability to come up with great lesson plans. Strega Nona even ends in a cheerful way with her saving the day with her three kisses and saving the whole village. I consider this book a prodigious book to read and in the end, you realize love is the magic ingredient.
I was surprised after reading this book to find it on the "banned" list. I would have no problem with reading this book in my classroom as the main character is a kind, old lady who cures warts, makes love potions and everything she does is out of kindness and love. The book was filled with wonderment and imagination. She was not an evil witch in any way, she only wanted to help the people in her village and anyone who had any troubles. This book also had a cute folk quality and included rich cultural heritage.
After reviewing why this book deserved to be on the "banned" list, I have read that some teachers have picked this book as a read aloud and assigned tasks to go with the book. Teachers have contemplated about reading this book during the fall, when the season changes and the weather gets colder. Teachers could focus on how the book states that following the rules is critical or bringing up Thanksgiving time and talking to students about not wasting food. This book could be turned into an art project, letting kids use their full imagination. For example, if they could have a pot that would make anything on command, what would it make? They could easily come up with a song or poem to make their pot start to work! This book has the ability to come up with great lesson plans. Strega Nona even ends in a cheerful way with her saving the day with her three kisses and saving the whole village. I consider this book a prodigious book to read and in the end, you realize love is the magic ingredient.
September 28, 2017
It is Banned Books Week, and I am reading Challenged/Banned books. This is the sixth book for this week.
This book was banned/challenged due it having a witch, magic, supernatural elements.
Strega Nona is a witch in a tiny town, she helps out everyone with all sorts of problems. Warts? She can fix it. Illness? Sure.
She needs help, and so she hires a help. Of course there is always a catch, just like in many other magical/witch books, he must do all sorts of things, BUT he can't touch the pasta pot!
I didn't like the help. As soon as he found out about the pasta pot and how magical it is, he immediately betrays the kind witch. It is just so typical, I have seen it happen so many times in books. I wouldn't have minded something else instead. :|
But at least, just like all the other stories, there is a fine heap of karma coming his way. I was just laughing so hard when poop hit the fan. And sorry, I didn't feel sorry for anyone. I know this is mean, but really, the way everyone treats Strega Nona is horrible.
I loved Strega Nona. She was really sweet, and I loved that she did all those things for those people. Even when she comes back to chaos she stays sweet, kind, and lovely. Though I had a laugh at her punishment for the help. That one was absolutely amazing.
I like that there were Italian words sprinkled throughout the book, this way you can use the book in more than one way. For instance for Banned Books Week, but also for an Italian themed week.
The art was OK-ish. It did fit the story, but yeah it is not really my favourite style.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
This book was banned/challenged due it having a witch, magic, supernatural elements.
Strega Nona is a witch in a tiny town, she helps out everyone with all sorts of problems. Warts? She can fix it. Illness? Sure.
She needs help, and so she hires a help. Of course there is always a catch, just like in many other magical/witch books, he must do all sorts of things, BUT he can't touch the pasta pot!
I didn't like the help. As soon as he found out about the pasta pot and how magical it is, he immediately betrays the kind witch. It is just so typical, I have seen it happen so many times in books. I wouldn't have minded something else instead. :|
But at least, just like all the other stories, there is a fine heap of karma coming his way. I was just laughing so hard when poop hit the fan. And sorry, I didn't feel sorry for anyone. I know this is mean, but really, the way everyone treats Strega Nona is horrible.
I loved Strega Nona. She was really sweet, and I loved that she did all those things for those people. Even when she comes back to chaos she stays sweet, kind, and lovely. Though I had a laugh at her punishment for the help. That one was absolutely amazing.
I like that there were Italian words sprinkled throughout the book, this way you can use the book in more than one way. For instance for Banned Books Week, but also for an Italian themed week.
The art was OK-ish. It did fit the story, but yeah it is not really my favourite style.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
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