School Library Journal “Top 100 Picture Books”įollow Storytime Standouts’s board Strega Nona an old tale retold and illustrated by Tomie de Paola on Pinterest. When Strega Nona leaves him alone with her magic pasta pot, Big Anthony is determined to show the townspeople how it works in this classic Caldecott Honor book from Tomie dePaola. de Paola’s websiteīright Hub Education Lesson Plan Suggestions for First Grade The story of how Strega Nona came to be – on Mr. Highly recommended for children aged four years and up. It is very valuable and I don’t let anyone touch it!”Īdapted from Sweet Porridge (also known as The Magic Porridge Pot), children who are familiar with foreshadowing will correctly predict Big Anthony’s ‘mistake’ and will relish the problem he creates and Strega Nona’s fitting solution to it. The one thing you must never do… is touch the pasta pot.

You must weed the garden and pick the vegetables. “Anthony,” said Strega Nona, “you must sweep the house and wash the dishes. Strega Nona was getting old, and she needed someone to help her keep her little house and garden, so she put up a sign in the town square.Īnd Big Anthony, who didn’t pay attention, went to see her. Preschoolers who are accustomed to hearing stories read aloud will enjoy the humor, kindergarten-age and primary grade students will also be engaged by the matronly and generous “Grandma Witch” and her well-meaning but accident-prone assistant. It is a story that can be enjoyed by a wide range of children (and their adult caregivers). When I reflect on the picture books we shared with our young sons, Strega Nona is one that I recall with special affection. Strega Nona written and illustrated by Tomie de PaolaĬlassic Picture Book originally published by Prentice-Hall, now Simon and SchusterĮverybody, soon or late, sits down to a banquet of consequences.

Strega Nona by Paola Tomie de