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I absolutely adore this folktale, retold and illustrated by Tomie dePaola! dePaola does an amazing job recounting the tale of an elderly witch in Italy (Strega Nona), who helped her fellow townspeople by healing headaches, concocting magic potions, and curing warts. Due to her elderly age she posts an advertisement for help with chores. Right away, Big Anthony answers the ad and begins work at Strega Nona's cottage. Strega Nona gives Big Anthony one rule to follow, "The one thing you must never do is touch the pasta pot" (dePaola, 1975). As you read Strega Nona, you clearly see why this story is considered a folktake. References to Italian culture are prevalent throughout the story, helping the reader see how Strega Nona stemmed from the lives of the people in Italy.
dePaola uses foreshadowing several times throughout the story to give the reader an idea of what is is going to happen. For example, he says, "And Big Anthony, who didn't pay attention, went to see her". After reading this quote we begin wondering what will happen to Big Anthony as a result of his failure to pay attention. dePaola uses foreshadowing again when he states, "But too bad for Big Anthony, because he didn't see Strega Nona blow three kisses to the magic pasta pot" (dePaola, 1975). We know from earlier that Big Anthony doesn't pay attention. Now we are wondering what's going to happen with Big Anthony and the pasta pot.
The illustrations in this picture book are exemplary. dePaola does an outstanding job using shape to convey meaning to the story. Each illustration provides insight into some aspects of Italian culture. For example, Strega Nona is portrayed as an elderly, round, but happy character. Her facial expressions support the idea of her as a witch in several illustrations, especially those with the pasta pot.
How do we use this folktale in the classroom? I would begin by captivating students' interest through an effective book introduction. I would ask students if they have ever suffered consequences as a result of not paying attention (this could be in school, at home, or anywhere relevant to their lives). In addition, I would explain the link to Italian culture as I read this story aloud. This book is an excellent text to use when teaching inferencing, due to dePaola's use of foreshadowing. As I read the story aloud, I would ask students to make inferences based on the foreshadowing clues used in the text (the two examples listed above would be great examples of where to use inferencing in the text).
Thoughtful questions/prompts to ponder:
- Describe Big Anthony's personality.
- How does Big Anthony's personality cause him problems?
- Why do you think Strega Nona chose the punishment she did for Big Anthony?
- How can you relate this folktale to your own life?
- What can you learn from Big Anthony?
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