Strega Nona

Author & Illustrator:   Tomie de Paola
Publisher:  Prentice-Hall
Publication Year:   1975
Location: Knox County Public Library- Powell

Awards:     Caldecott Honor Award, ALA Notable Children's Book, Kirkus Choice, Horn Book Honor List, Nakamori Prize, Brooklyn Museum & Public Library Art Books for Children Citation

Summary:  This is a story about Strega Nona, or "Grandma Witch." Big Anthony goes to work for her and she warns him not to touch the pasta pot. When Strega Nona uses the magical pot, Anthony sees part of the spell but not all of it. So, when Anthony tries to use the pot himself to prove to the villagers that it exists, the pot starts to overflow. Pasta begins flowing out of the pot and taking over the village. Finally, Strega Nona returns and ends the spell correctly. For Anthony's punishment, he must eat up all of the pasta and clean up the village! He learns to pay attention to details and that perhaps there's a reason when you're asked not to do something.

Classroom Ideas: Students could tell stories about times that they disobeyed or didn't listen to details and got in trouble. Big Anthony is a rich character-- what kind of person is he and how would you describe him?