Strega Nona's Gift

 

Strega Nona’s Gift

Author:  Tomie dePaola

Illustrated by: Tomie dePaola

Copyright:  2011

Published by:  Nancy Paulsen Book

Number of pages:  30

Genre:  Picture Book-Multicultural

 

            I chose this book because I love the original Stega Nona book.  This book is about a boy Anthony and his grandmother.  It takes place during the Christmas holiday season.  The story follows Big Anthony and Stega Nona during the Feast of San Nicola, the Feast of Santa Lucia, La Vigilia, the Zamoagnari, the Feast of San Silvestro and the Feast of the Three Kings.  Big Anthony ends up making a mistake on the Eve of Epifania that he ate the goat’s food.  The goat became mad and ate Anthony’s blanket.  Big Anthony is able to make a wish on the Feast of the Three Kings so he wished for some food for the goat and a new blanket. 

            The art in this story was created with transparent acrylics on handmade watercolor paper.  The illustrations are in panels and have a formal text placement.  The pictures are done in done in warm Mediterranean colors.  The colors are warm yellows and oranges and vivid blues.  The illustrations are on single page spread.  The illustrations are whimsical and the characters have exaggerated features.

            This book would be great for both young preschoolers as well as elementary grades up to about third grade.  I would use this book to discuss the different feasts of the holiday season.  I would use this in a unit about Christmas around the world.   I would also use this book to talk about Italy and Italian culture.  I would also use this book in an author study about Tomie dePaolo.  This book received the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award.