About This Book

Strega Nona ("Grandma Witch" in Italian) is known throughout the town for her powers. She can cure a headache, make warts disappear, and mix a potion that will find a girl a husband, if she wants one. But not even the townspeople know about her magic pasta pot.

Then Big Anthony, who doesn't pay attention, comes to work for her. Although Strega Nona tells him never to touch her magic pasta pot, he can't resist. He overhears the spell that makes it cook, and waits for his chance. That comes sooner than he expects.

When Strega Nona goes to visit a friend on the other side of the mountain, proud but foolish Big Anthony makes pasta enough to feed the whole town. Unfortunately, he missed the secret to the spell that makes the pot stop cooking. Will Strega Nona come back in time to save the town from being buried under a pile of spaghetti?

Told with all the charm of a traditional folk tale, this original story introduces children to one of the best-loved characters favorite author Tomie dePaola has ever created. Named a Caldecott Honor Book for its whimsical watercolor illustrations, Strega Nona has taken its place among the classics of modern children's literature.

About the Authors or Illustrators

Tomie dePaola

Tomie dePaola was born in Meriden, Connecticut in 1934. At age 4, he knew he wanted to become a writer and an illustrator. His mother was an avid book lover and read to him and his brother often. As a child, dePaola would illustrate the books his mother read to him.

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