The Magic of Strega Nona: A Bedtime Favorite
As a busy mom, I often find myself looking for those quiet moments amidst the daily chaos—between toddler tantrums and the never-ending pile of laundry. One evening, after a particularly long day, my kids and I nestled into our favorite reading corner, the soft glow of a lamp casting a cozy light around us. It was there that I pulled out Strega Nona, a cherished story by Tomie dePaola that I vaguely remembered from my own childhood. I had purchased it on impulse at a local bookstore, drawn in by its colorful cover and the promise of an engaging tale.
Strega Nona welcomes us into the quaint town of Calabria, where the enchanting title character—whose name means "Grandma Witch"—works her magical charms for the townspeople. In the story, she hires Big Anthony, a well-meaning but rather absent-minded young man. When she leaves him in charge of her magical pasta pot, his greed gets the better of him, leading to a comical disaster that quickly spirals out of control. The themes of the story are rich and timeless, emphasizing the consequences of meddling where one doesn’t belong and what happens when greed overcomes good sense.
From the moment we opened the book, my kids were captivated. My daughter couldn’t stop giggling at Big Anthony’s antics, especially when he bravely attempts to demonstrate the pasta pot’s magic to his skeptical friends. I loved how it sparked a conversation about listening carefully to instructions—something that resonates all too well in our own home, particularly around snack time! My son, who is just starting to grasp basic storylines, was particularly enchanted by the illustrations. Tomie dePaola’s images have a dreamlike quality, reminiscent of stained-glass windows, filled with vibrant colors that draw young eyes in and fill their imaginations with wonder.
One of our favorite moments came when we reached the infamous "pasta flood" scene. Both kids erupted into laughter as we imagined spaghetti flowing through our house. My daughter even suggested we could use magic to produce "endless cookies." Perhaps the most precious moment was when my son declared, “I want a pasta pot, Mom!” It reminded me that storytime isn’t just about reading; it’s a chance to engage with our children’s minds and share in their joy, skepticism, and creativity.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Strega Nona for children aged five to seven, though it holds magic for audiences of all ages. If your kids are drawn to whimsical tales or love a dash of humor in their bedtime stories, this book will quickly become a treasured favorite. Having revisited this classic myself, I find it reinforces the importance of listening and the consequences of our actions—lessons that resonate in both stories and life. So, snuggle up and let Strega Nona work its charm; trust me, it’s a magical journey worth taking together.
Check out Strega Nona on Goodreads >>
