Strega Nona: An Old Tale Retold

This is a lovely and warm book about Grandma Concetta, an Italian "strega" (someone with "lotions and potions" and "good advice"), and her devoted granddaughter, Nona. Nona and her friend Amelia go to a modern school for magic, but Nona misses her grandmother and the village and leaves the "Accademia." (Italian words are sprinkled throughout for atmosphere and authenticity.) She envies Amelia's diploma from the Academy for Stregas. But Grandma Concetta consoles her: "you don't need a diploma to be a true strega. You already have everything you need... And when I pass my practice over to you, I will tell you the ingrediente segreto-the secret ingredient. Then you will not only be a true strega, but a great one." Concetta eventually reveals that the secret ingredient to all the potions made in her pasta pot is love.

This is a quiet magic story, with no great adventures or battles. There's a bit of humor(Amelia curls Nona's hair until it becomes a beehive of a perm; Nona uses olive oil -instead of magic-to get a goat off the roof), but it's not really a funny book. Mostly it is a calm, sweet tale of tradition and of people helping each other. The illustrations are beautiful: The long flowing lines, religious icons, rich colors, and patterned borders recall a tapestry, but lighter and simpler, like the book itself.

Ah...the memories. I remember reading this at story time when I was in grade school (kindergarten or first grade...not sure which) and I just had to share it with my own kids. Strega Nona (Grandmother Witch) is a classic and with good reason. It's got the old grandma witch who helps people with her magic (potions, cures, and sometimes just plain ol' good advice)...but she's getting on and she advertises in town for someone to help her out. Big Anthony (who apparently doesn't listen so well) fits the bill nicely and moves into Strega Nona's place (room and board included for all his work).

I grew up with Strega Nona's tale and love the simplicity and straightforwardness of the tale, I think what keeps it relevant and still readable after all this time is that it's got an old world feel to it (the artwork, while somewhat flat, the muted colors give it a feel of age and old world charm). The story itself while a moral tale about what happens when you don't do as you're told, is told with humor and pasta...who doesn't love pasta (well, maybe not Big Anthony after Strega Nona is done with him...he, he)!

This is a classic that keeps on going with good reason! I give it an A+, even after all these years!

Such a classic, read this growing up and always loved it. Just bought it as a gift for a baby shower and the hardcover came in perfect condition. Recommend this book to anyone looking for a great classic childrens book!

Love this book, but it came with scribbled indent marks and weird gray sticky stuff on the cover when I order a new book.

I love the story and still have my book from childhood for my son. I purchased this for his cousin and the quality is lacking. The pictures are poorly enlarged. I’ll have to go to Barnes and noble and purchase in store. Returning.

I was so excited to get this book to read to my baby, as it was one of my favorites as a child. I open it up to read and the first page is ripped out. I am beyond upset and disappointed with the quality of this. I knew I was buying used but it said "very good condition" a page missing from the story is poor condition! I will be returning this item.

great gift and of great quality

An absolute childhood favorite read of mine. I purchased it to add to my daughters' library collection. Only wished the author wrote the title correctly, "Nona" means nine (9) in Italian, "NONNA" means Grandmother. Other than that, it is an awesome book and a true classic!

the book was falling apart. terrible condition.

My mom read this book to me as a kid and it’s wonderful to be able to read it now to my son. Love it!