Strega Nona
by Tomie dePaola

Summary

When Strega Nona leaves Big Anthony in charge of her house while she goes away, she gives very strict instructions that he is not to touch her magic pasta pot. Being somewhat forgetful and wanting recognition from the townspeople, Big Anthony decides that using it can't cause too much harm. Strega Nona arrives home just in time to save the town from being overtaken by pasta, and Big Anthony gets his comeuppance.
Background Building/Vocabulary This is a Caldecott Honor Award book, which means it received the top recognition for its illustrations for the year it was published. If the cover of your copy has an embossed silver medal, discuss what this means. Tomie dePaola often uses white doves in his illustrations. The setting of the story is Calabria, a small town in Italy. You might want to note the red tiled roofs and the building styles. Although Strega Nona("grandmother witch" in Italian) is able to perform magic, she uses her magic touch and wisdom to help people with everyday problems.
Pillars of Character Discussion Points

Responsibility, Respect and Trustworthiness

* It is a big responsibility to take care of other people's possessions.
* Respecting other people's property makes for good citizenship.
* A lesson is often well learned when the punishment fits the crime.

Questions for Discussion 1. How does Strega Nona show she cares about the people of Calabria?
2. What jobs did Big Anthony have responsibility to do in the house?
3. Why do you think Big Anthony disobeyed Strega Nona's directions?
4. When Strega Nona told the townspeople the punishment must fit the crime, what did she mean?
5. Do you think Big Anthony will disobey again?
6. If you were Strega Nona, would you trust Big Anthony?
Other Books About Big Anthony and Strega Nona.
Strega Nona: Her Story. Putnam, 1996.
Strega Nona's Magic Lesson. Harcourt Brace, 1998.
Big Anthony and the Magic Ring. Harcourt Brace, 1979.

Read Aloud Tips

Reading aloud and discussing books is of prime importance for young students as they develop literacy skills. Hearing stories helps students develop comprehension skills, critical thinking skills and understanding of themselves and others. It is also a fine opportunity to discuss the actions and decisions of characters in stories as they encounter life's problems. Students will come to you with a wide variety of lanuage skills and backgrounds experiences. Their experience will be enriched by the way you approach a book, helping them understand new concepts, setting the stage for the story and discussing aspects related to developing good character: the habits that we encourage to become thoughtful and caring citizens. It is always a better experience if you have been able to read the book ahead of time and have some ideas about what to talk about.

Set the stage by building background before reading. • Explore the illustrations. • Wonder together. • Have a good conversation. • Enjoy the story together. • Let the student take the lead. • Ask about the student's experiences and share your own. • Develop an atmosphere that is safe for sharing ideas.

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