Although Tomie De Paola has written and illustrated over 200 books in the course of his career, his most popular and well known series are the books written about Strega Nona.
Strega Nona is Italian for "Grandma Witch". Strega Nona is a good witch who spends her days curing headaches, and making potions. And like all good witches, she is very popular. Since her popularity means she is very busy, Strega Nona hires an assistant, Big Anthony. Big Anthony is willing, but not very bright and sometimes he forgets something important.
One of the things Big Anthony does well is eat. Strega Nona's has a pasta pot that is magic, and is able to fill up cook the right amount of pasta to fill everyone up without wasting a bit. One day Big Anthony listens to the words Strega Nona uses to make the pasta pot start up and stop. But he misses one little important part of the spell. The next day, Strega Nona goes off to visit a friend, and Big Anthony tries his hand at a little touch of magic. The results are hilarious! Fortunately Strega Nona gets back in time to prevent a disaster, and Big Anthony is punished in a very appropriate way!
There are several Strega Nona books besides the original. And a new one is coming out in the Fall 2011 called Strega Nona's Gift. In addition to the Strega Nona series, Tomie De Paola has done books on fairy tales, including an illustrated Mother Goose, and legends based in both Ireland and Italy.
Tomie De Paola's lineage is Italian and Irish. His upbringing includes a strong religious background which greatly influenced a his writings as well. His Bible stories are beautifully written, and simply explained for young readers.
In honor of his Irish heritage, he has written stories about a character called Jamie O'Rourke. Jamie O'Rourke's stories are as funny as Strega Nona, with Jamie getting into all sorts of trouble because of his laziness. In Jamie O'Rourke and the big Potato we find Lazy Jamie in trouble. His wife, who does all the work in the farm, has hurt herself. Jamie is worried about going hungry, but luckily captures a leprechaun who promises him the biggest potato if Jamie will let him go. When Jamie gets what he is promised, the entire village is in trouble. Luckily Jamie has married a very smart lady and she is able to save the day.
Tomie De Paola has won many awards over his years of writing and illustrating. If you pick up any of his books, you'll see why.
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