Strega Nona Does It Again
#11 of 13 in Strega Nona Series
on Goodreads (455)
What’s inside...
Tomie dePaola's beloved and bestselling Strega Nona is back in this new story about dealing with a troublesome houseguest. Angelina is a stunningly beautiful young woman who captures the attention of all the young men in her village, except for the one she truly likes. In desperation, her father sends her to Strega Nona. Angelina turns out to be a demanding guest, quickly turning Big Anthony into her footman and Bambolona into her maid with her endless requests. It's up to Strega Nona to come up with a clever solution to ensure peace in the household and happiness for the star-crossed lovers. Creative problem-solving and humor drive the narrative in this delightful tale.
Discussion points
How do you think Big Anthony felt when Strega Nona’s magic worked differently than he expected?
What would you have done if you were in Big Anthony's shoes and the pot kept making pasta?
Why is it important to listen to instructions carefully like Strega Nona mentioned?
What did you learn from the way Strega Nona handles the mistakes made by others?
If you had a magic pot, what would you use it for, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters’ actions, promoting empathy and understanding of consequences.
Connect the story to your child’s experiences by discussing times when they needed to follow instructions and the outcomes.
Highlight the importance of patience and forgiveness as demonstrated by Strega Nona, and discuss ways your child can practice these virtues in daily life.
Use the magical elements of the story to fuel your child’s imagination and encourage creative thinking by asking what magic they would like to perform.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In the story, Strega Nona trusts Big Anthony with an important task, emphasizing the importance of being responsible and taking duties seriously.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on small responsibilities at home, such as tidying up their room or helping set the table, thereby cultivating a sense of accountability from a young age.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Big Anthony's actions in the story lead to unintended trouble, teaching children that their actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that their choices, like hurrying through homework or not listening to instructions, can have negative outcomes, encouraging them to think before acting.
Example Lesson: Respect for Elders
Explanation: Strega Nona is an elder in her community who is respected for her wisdom and skills, showing children the importance of respecting and valuing elderly people.
Real-World Application: Children learn to listen to their grandparents or older adults, valuing their advice and experience, reinforcing social bonds and intergenerational respect.
Example Lesson: Forgiveness
Explanation: Despite the chaos caused by Big Anthony, Strega Nona offers him forgiveness, highlighting the value of forgiveness and understanding.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be forgiving towards their peers and siblings when mistakes are made, promoting a nurturing and supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: After the mishap, Big Anthony learns a valuable lesson about following instructions carefully, demonstrating that mistakes are opportunities for growth.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to see their own mistakes as learning opportunities, helping them to approach challenges with resilience and an open mind.