For over four decades, the gentle, wise, and slightly magical Strega Nona has been a cherished figure in children's literature. Created by the legendary author and illustrator Tomie dePaola, this "Grandma Witch" from a small village in Calabria, Italy, teaches lessons about kindness, responsibility, and the consequences of our actions through her whimsical and heartwarming adventures. The original Strega Nona book, a Caldecott Honor winner, introduced the world to her magical pasta pot and her bumbling assistant, Big Anthony, setting the stage for a beloved series that continues to grow.
The Heart of the Series: Classic Tales and Treasuries
The core of Strega Nona's world is built upon her individual adventures. The original story, simply titled Strega Nona, remains a cornerstone of classic picture books. For those looking to dive deep into her magical village, The Magical World of Strega Nona: a Treasury is an essential collection. This treasury gathers multiple stories into one beautiful volume, making it a perfect gift and a wonderful way for families to experience the breadth of dePaola's storytelling and iconic artistic style. It's a definitive piece of classic children's literature that belongs on every young reader's shelf.
Seasonal Magic and Holiday Cheer
Strega Nona's charm extends throughout the year, with special stories marking the seasons. Merry Christmas, Strega Nona is a timeless holiday classic that brings the warmth and spirit of Christmas to her village, making it a perfect Christmas picture book for family reading. When autumn arrives, Strega Nona's Harvest celebrates the bounty of the fall harvest, weaving in themes of gardening, sharing, and community. Another holiday gem, Strega Nona's Gift, explores different holiday traditions, solidifying its place as a cherished children's holiday book.
New Adventures and Early Readers
The series continues to expand with stories that explore Strega Nona's past and present. Strega Nona: Her Story delightfully reveals the origin of Tomie dePaola's beloved witch, showing how she learned her magic and became the village's kindly helper. For younger readers just starting their literary journey, books like Strega Nona and Her Tomatoes: Ready-to-Read Level 1 are ideal early reader books. These stories maintain the magic and warmth of the main series while using simpler language and concepts, perfect for building reading confidence.
Magic, Mischief, and Life Lessons
Many tales focus on the magical mishaps and lessons learned in Strega Nona's world. In Strega Nona's Magic Lessons, the witch takes on a new pupil, leading to humorous and insightful situations about the true nature of magic and wisdom. Similarly, Strega Nona's Magic Ring introduces a new magical artifact that, as always, teaches a gentle lesson about wishes and responsibility. Even Strega Nona needs a break, as shown in the delightful Strega Nona Takes a Vacation, a story that reminds everyone of the importance of rest and the chaos that can ensue when you leave home.
The enduring appeal of Strega Nona lies in her perfect blend of Italian folklore, gentle humor, and universal values. Tomie dePaola's stories are more than just magical tales; they are educational stories that discuss trust, hard work, and kindness without ever feeling preachy. The vibrant, folk-art-inspired illustrations are instantly recognizable and have made these books bestsellers and award-winners for generations. Whether as bedtime stories, classroom reads, or holiday gifts, the world of Strega Nona offers a timeless, magical escape that continues to enchant new readers, securing its legacy as a true classic in children's books.