It has been a long time since Strega Nona had a vacation. At night she dreams she's at her Grandma Concetta's little house by the seashore. During the day she hears Grandma Concetta's voice saying, "Vieni, Nonalina, come." Soon even Big Anthony notices that Strega Nona is distracted--she gives the Mayor the wrong remedy for his headache! Everybody says, "Strega Nona needs a vacation!" But when she sends bubble bath to Bambolona and candy to Big Anthony, greedy Bambolona takes the candy for herself, leaving Big Anthony--and the town--in a sea of bubbles! Only Big Anthony, famous for his problem with pasta, could have trouble like this with soap! Award-winning artist/author Tomie dePaola brings us a warm and very funny addition to the stories of his most beloved character, Strega Nona.
Tomie dePaola was born in Meriden, Connecticut, in 1934, to a family of Irish and Italian background. His determination to create books for children led to a BFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and an MFA from the California College of Arts & Crafts in Oakland, California. 

His particular way with color, line, detail, and design have earned him many of the most prestigious awards in his field, among them a Caldecott Honor Award for Strega Nona, the Smithsonian Medal, the Kerlan Award from the University of Minnesota for his "singular attainment in children's literature," the Catholic Library Association's Regina Medal for his "continued distinguished contribution," and the University of Southern Mississippi Medallion. He was also the 1990 United States nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for illustration, and received the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award for lifetime contribution to children's literature in 2011.

DePaola published over 250 children's books in 15 different countries. Among his most well-known titles are the Strega Nona series, 26 Fairmount Avenue, and The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush.

Tomie dePaola lived in New Hampshire, and worked in a 200-year-old renovated barn. He died on March 30, 2020. View titles by Tomie dePaola
"Readers of all ages can be grateful that dePaola continues to practice his magic so well."-The New York Times Book Review

"A fine choice for both story hours and lap sharing." -Booklist

About

It has been a long time since Strega Nona had a vacation. At night she dreams she's at her Grandma Concetta's little house by the seashore. During the day she hears Grandma Concetta's voice saying, "Vieni, Nonalina, come." Soon even Big Anthony notices that Strega Nona is distracted--she gives the Mayor the wrong remedy for his headache! Everybody says, "Strega Nona needs a vacation!" But when she sends bubble bath to Bambolona and candy to Big Anthony, greedy Bambolona takes the candy for herself, leaving Big Anthony--and the town--in a sea of bubbles! Only Big Anthony, famous for his problem with pasta, could have trouble like this with soap! Award-winning artist/author Tomie dePaola brings us a warm and very funny addition to the stories of his most beloved character, Strega Nona.

Author

Tomie dePaola was born in Meriden, Connecticut, in 1934, to a family of Irish and Italian background. His determination to create books for children led to a BFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and an MFA from the California College of Arts & Crafts in Oakland, California. 

His particular way with color, line, detail, and design have earned him many of the most prestigious awards in his field, among them a Caldecott Honor Award for Strega Nona, the Smithsonian Medal, the Kerlan Award from the University of Minnesota for his "singular attainment in children's literature," the Catholic Library Association's Regina Medal for his "continued distinguished contribution," and the University of Southern Mississippi Medallion. He was also the 1990 United States nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for illustration, and received the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award for lifetime contribution to children's literature in 2011.

DePaola published over 250 children's books in 15 different countries. Among his most well-known titles are the Strega Nona series, 26 Fairmount Avenue, and The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush.

Tomie dePaola lived in New Hampshire, and worked in a 200-year-old renovated barn. He died on March 30, 2020. View titles by Tomie dePaola

Praise

"Readers of all ages can be grateful that dePaola continues to practice his magic so well."-The New York Times Book Review

"A fine choice for both story hours and lap sharing." -Booklist

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