Strega Nona written by Tomie dePaola

Ahhh… Strega Nona! Such a classic! I just had to include this wonderful story in my blog. I remember listening to this book on tape in my first grade classroom back when I was in elementary school. I was hooked! It has pasta, magic, and a mysterious old Italian woman. There's not many people who have not heard of this story... whether they read it or have just heard of it. There are many Strega Nona books, but I thought that I would start with the original. You may see another Strega Nona story pop up on my blog!

Strega Nona written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola is about a young boy named Big Anthony who starts to work for Strega Nona, a witch who heals the people of Calabria. Strega Nona tells Big Anthony NOT to touch her magic pasta pot. Of course Big Anthony is intrigued by the pasta pot. He sees Strega Nona sing her magic spell and pasta magically appears in the pot. Unfortunately, Big Anthony leaves before he sees her blow three kisses to the pasta pot to make the pasta stop.

He told the people of Calabria about the magic pasta pot, but they did not believe him. Strega Nona has to leave to visit a friend in a different town, so she leaves him to do his work at the house. He uses this opportunity to show the people of Calabria that the magic pasta pot does exist. At first the townspeople are happy about the pasta that the pot magically makes. Big Anthony shares it with the people. Then, the pasta does not stop! It starts to take over the village, but Big Anthony does not know how to stop it! Luckily, Strega Nona comes back just in time, and sings the magic song and blows the three kisses. She reprimands Big Anthony by making him eat all of the pasta.

Children typically really enjoy this story. They love how it has magic, and they think it's funny how the pasta just keeps coming out of the pot! This story also teaches children that they need to obey the rules. There are rules for a reason. Strega Nona knew that it could be dangerous if someone played with her pasta pot. Big Anthony should have obeyed Strega Nona's wish. If Strega Nona didn't come back in time, the town would have been destroyed by the overflowing pasta.

I had the chance to meet the author and illustrator of Strega Nona: Tomie dePaola!

I was lucky enough a few years ago to actually meet Tomie dePaola! I heard about a book signing at a small Italian bookstore in the North End. I just had to go! I stood in line for hours in the freezing cold, but it was worth it! It took so long because he wanted to really talk with each person he met with. He was so genuine and you could tell that he really enjoys writing and illustrating. I bought a collection of Strega Nona stories in one book and he signed it for me. I also had the opportunity to buy a Strega Nona plush and he signed her apron. I do want to collect plushies that go with certain children's books for my future classroom, but I think I will keep this one at home and keep it safe and sound!

My autographed Strega Nona plush and book collection

                                                    Strega Nona Activities

1. Act out the story in small groups/whole group.

2. Listen to the story on CD and have students follow along.

3. Have students make their own magic pasta pots on paper and use yarn as the flowing pasta.

4. Make a Strega Nona and/or Big Anthony paper lunch bag puppet.

5. Visit https://www.storylineonline.net/books/strega-nona/ and have your students watch/listen to Mary Steenburgen read Strega Nona. She does a phenomenal job! She even plays the accordion when she sings the spell! 

6. If allowed (I could when I worked at a private preschool) make pasta for your students as a small snack to bring the story to life.

                                                             HAPPY READINGS! 

                                                                           Jenna