Rated “Indifferent" in our old book database by Rod and Adelia. ( )

I have always loved this story and am thrilled that she was featured on a Forever Stamp by the USPS. ( )

I love how Strega Nona's face is drawn exactly the same throughout, her age indicated only by clothing/size. 😄 ( )

This is the adorable tale of how Nona was born and became a Strega (witch) What charms about the stories are the village (Calabria - where my Nona came from) and the fact that her Grandmother was Concetta - I had an Aunt Concetta. My heart warms with these stories. ( )

The origin story of Tomie dePaola's celebrated 'Grandmother Witch' is explored in this engaging picture-book adventure, the sixth to feature Strega Nona and her doings. Raised and educated by her Grandma Concetta, a celebrated strega (witch), Nona slowly learns all of the skills she needs to take her mentor's place. She also learns the secret ingredient to her grandmother's pasta, and to every kind of magic: love...

All fans of Strega Nona (in whose number I count myself) will enjoy learning a little bit more about how this wonderful witch came to practice magic in her small town in Calabria. Strega Nona: Her Story opens with the birth of its eponymous heroine, and closes with the arrival of her new assistant, Big Anthony, once she is an elderly strega herself. This is the point in time where the first book, Strega Nona, picks up, making this a prequel of sorts. The story itself is engaging, and the artwork (as always with dePaola) appealing. Recommended to fans of Strega Nona, and to picture-book readers looking for entertaining and heartwarming witchy fare. ( )