Strega Nona Does It Again

Starred review from August 26, 2013
When Strega Nona agrees to host the daughter of a cousin, she doesn’t know what she’s in for. Angelina shows up with mountains of luggage, conscripts Bambolona and Big Anthony into service as a maid and footman, and has both of them help her construct a shrine to her narcissistic love, Hugo. Strega Nona’s quick thinking and wisdom call to mind another storied problem-solver from the world of children’s literature—Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle—and her magic-tinged solution brings together two young people who, as she says, “deserve each other,” for better or worse. A wryly funny story of love and entitlement, with all the homey charm that dePaola’s fans expect and love. Ages 5–8.

March 1, 2014

PreS-Gr 2-The inimitable Strega Nona is back, this time dealing with an unwelcome guest: her cousin's spoiled daughter. Beautiful Angelina, whose distinctive long, curly red hair was inspired by Bernadette Peters (according to the dedication), expects Big Anthony and Bambolona to wait on her hand and foot, creating chaos in Strega Nona's neatly ordered household. However, the good witch eventually has a solution and all ends well. dePaola's wonderful, unique illustrations in bright pastel colors humorously depict the goings-on and make the book one to savor. It is perhaps best used as a lap book so that all the funny details can be closely examined but could be read to a small group as well. It will certainly delight and amuse young children.-Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

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