Strega Nona: An Old Tale

The Italian version of The Magic Porridge Pot and indeed of Adam and Eve and the forbidden fruit. Young man overcome by temptation lives to regret his waywardness!But this is a wonderful version, mostly done in pastel shades and brown, set in a solemnly arcaded southern Italian town. The ills are statuesque but full of energy, with tremendous scenes of Big Anthony the miscreant being carried thru the streets on an ocean of spaghetti. Big Anthony is a hulking dunce, thinking there truly is such a thing as a free lunch. Strega Nona is a litle bit creepy but basically benign, and her witchery need cause no young child a moment's anxiety.A funny and sympathetic tale of human weakness.

I can’t believe I came across this book, my Nonna (Nan) used to read this to me as a child and I loved it, but has since disappeared and I thought I’d never see it again, so was very happy when I was able to buy it. The condition is brand new and it is just how I remembered.

Read an article in the Times about this author and thought we would try the books for my daughter. The stories are so original I love reading them to her at bedtime.

After finding no copies at the local Library and needing this title for a children's activity I chose Amazon and I am so glad I did.Delivery was swift and the children loved this old Italian tale about the village wise woman and her assistant (reminiscent of Dukas and Disneys Sorceror's Apprentice).Never try to emulate your wise elders because you always come unstuck or stuck in the case of Anthony -in a mountain of spaghetti !!

Lovely story. The children love it. It is funny and it helps children to understand that sometimes there are very good reasons not to play with grown ups things :) and maybe they should ask beforehand.