Title: Strega Nona’s Gift
Author: Tomie dePaola
Genre: Children’s Holiday Picture Books
Rating: 4 out of 5 fairies
Where to buy: Amazon
Synopsis: In Strega Nona’s village, the holiday season is a time of celebrations – and nothing says celebration like a feast! All the kitchens are bustling from the Feast of San Nicola, when the children choose the food, to the Feast of Epiphany, when someone gets to be king or queen for the day. Even the animals share in the holiday spirit, and when Big Anthony smells the delicious treats Strega Nona is cooking for them, he decides that just a taste couldn’t hurt, right? Wrong! Big Anthony gets his just desserts, while Strega Nona surprises everyone with a special gift.
Starring two of Tomie dePaola’s best-loved characters, this funny story features beautiful art, introduces young readers to Italian holiday traditions, and lands Big Anthony in yet another silly predicament that will delight fans young and old
About the Author: Tomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POW-la) is best known for his books for children.
He’s been published for 40 years and has written and/or illustrated over 200 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 and the New Hampshire Governor’s Arts Award of Living Treasure.
He lives in New London, New Hampshire with his new Airedale dog, Brontë.
Review: I remember reading Strega Nona as a kid. I loved the story, and the pictures. I’d never read Strega Nona’s Gift until now, but I can’t say I was disappointed. The story is a great introduction to the holiday season from a traditional Italian viewpoint. Big Anthony just can’t stay out of trouble, no matter the time of year.
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