In honor of Halloween, this AuthorJam is dedicated to the creator of my favorite witch, Strega Nona. The Strega Nona books are a series about “Grandma Witch” a local healer in a small Italian village. This lovable character brings traditional customs, Italian language and elderly wisdom to American youth through the writings and distinctive illustrations of Tomie dePaola.
Tomie dePaola is an American children’s writer with Italian and Irish ancestry, who dreamed of becoming an artist at the age of 4. He has illustrated over 200 books for children starting with the scientific book Sound in 1965. These books include board books and Nursery Rhymes for babies, religious, cultural and fantasy picture stories for young readers and autobiographical chapter books for elementary age children.
The artist credits his family for encouraging his talent. Reading to him at a young age, giving him art supplies as gifts and even converting half the family playroom into his art studio were all supportive ways his extended family helped him to be one of the most recognized illustrators in children’s literature.
About reading, Tomie says that, “reading is the most important thing a parent can do for their child, besides feeding them.” He goes on to state that parents should read to children as soon as possible and allow them time to observe the illustrations. He believes that when parents read to their children, there should be physical contact such as sitting on the lap, and that complex stories are the most motivating ways to encourage reading.
For more information about dePaola and access to his work, visit the Tomie dePaola page on amazon.
In this month of goblins and ghosts, remember the words of my favorite witch,
"You must blow three kisses and the pot will stop. For that is the Ingrediente Segreto, Love. . . It is the same with all your magic. Always Love!”
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