Strega Nona

This story is called Strega Nona. It was written and illustrated by Tomie De Paola. This story is an example of a fable. The characters in the story are: Strega Nona and Big Anthony. This story is about a witch named Strega Nona who makes magical cures for the people of her village in her magic pasta pot. She needed someone to help her in her house and garden, so she hires Big Anthony. One day, while Big Anthony was fetching water, he told the villagers about the magic pot. They did not believe him, and he was embarrassed. So, when Strega Nona goes out of town, Big Anthony decides to use the pot and show everyone. However, Strega Nona told him that he was not allowed to touch it because he did not know how to use it correctly. Anthony does not listen. He says the magic words, and the pot starts to make pasta, and more pasta, and more pasta. Anthony realizes that he does not know how to make it stop! The town tries to help, but none of their efforts can stop the pasta. As Strega Nona is returning home, she can see the pasta rolling down the hills. She rushes home, says the magic words to stop the magic pot, and the town is very upset with Anthony. As a punishment for doing what he was told not to do, Anthony has to eat all of the pasta. I like this story because as silly as it is, the children understand that Anthony should not have done what Strega Nona told him not to. This story is appropriate for grades K-3rd.