Strega Nona's Harvest [Hardcover]

Tomie dePaola (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: September 8, 2009 | Age Range: 3 - 5 years | Lexile Measure: 690L (What's this?)

An all-new Strega Nona picture book on the heels of the New York Times Bestseller Brava, Strega Nona!

Tomie dePaola’s beloved character Strega Nona is back in a colorful picture book, perfect for fall and the changing seasons.

In this humorous tale, Strega Nona attempts to teach Big Anthony about gardening and the importance of order. But when Big Anthony does not follow her directions and tries to use her growing spell, his small vegetable patch turns into an unruly jungle! What will they do with all the extra vegetables?

With beautiful illustrations reminiscent of the artwork that won Tomie dePaola the Caldecott Honor for the original Strega Nona, this celebration of harvest and gardening will make the perfect addition to any Strega Nona collection.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2–4—While its characters are familiar and their actions predictable, this tale adds a second dimension, instructing young readers on how to grow vegetables. Strega Nona saves her seeds from last year's garden, rotates her crops to keep the soil "happy and strong," and, much to Big Anthony's chagrin, explains the importance of compost and manure in the planting process. But most importantly, she stresses the need to sow seeds in orderly rows, a step Big Anthony chooses to ignore. The results are two very different gardens, as depicted by dePaola's familiar transparent acrylic illustrations, with bumbling Big Anthony having much more produce than he can handle. Sure to reap lots of fans.—C. J. Connor, Campbell County Public Library, Cold Spring, KY END

From Booklist

After helping Strega Nona plant her vegetable garden and learning the secrets of her success, Big Anthony plants his own small garden on the sly. When his harvest far exceeds his desire to cook and store the vegetables, he secretly leaves them for Strega Nona, who prepares a feast for the nearby villagers. With echoes of the first book in the series, the pleasant story is simply told and satisfying. The illustrations, done in transparent acrylics, radiate all the warmth and gentle humor that have made the long-running Strega Nona series a favorite. Preschool-Grade 3. --Carolyn Phelan

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 3 - 5 years
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (September 8, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399252916
• ISBN-13: 978-0399252914
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 0.4 x 10.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #62,961 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #26 in Books > Children's Books > Travel & Cultures > Explore the World > Europe

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Our Friends Are All Here, But Something's Missing September 25, 2009

By Jean Marrapodi VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Strega Nona has been a long time favorite for many children, and I was tickled to see a new volume arrive. As expected, the illustrations are charming. We see Big Anthony, Stega Nona, Bambalona, the villagers, the sisters and the priest in here, but the element of mischief is a little weak. In the other books in the series Big Anthony gets himself into major trouble and Strega Nona must bail him out. Perhaps the intention in this book was to show him having finally gained some wisdom, but his character feels a little different, and I wonder how the children will react to that. From a teaching standpoint, the book has potential. The differences in Big Anthony in the earlier books could actually lead to some good discussions, since he tricks Strega Nona in this story. There is also an open ending, which can lead to some predictions from the children.

It's definitely worth adding to the series for a fall story.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This lovely book was a gentle lesson book on how to treat the environment well and grow a "perfect" little garden! December 5, 2009

By D. Fowler TOP 50 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

Spingtime had arrived and it was time for Strega Nona to think about her garden. Her seeds had been hiding in a dark cupboard all winter because "they had to rest . . . so they will be able to do their job when we plant them in the garden." Big Anthony and Bambolona were very interested in the garden and wondered when the seeds would be planted. She said that "la luna-the moon" would tell her that information and then they would plant an orderly garden. Strega Nona had a garden book ("libro di giardino") she consulted so she would be able to see where each vegetable was planted so she could rotate her crop and protect the soil.

"O Bella Luna, smile on me,
And on the seeds I sow,
And let the moonbeams shine from thee,
To make my garden really grow."

It was Big Anthony's job so spread the compost and manure and so he "put a clothespin on his nose and did his job." It was time to plant and everyone was excited, but when Bambolona started bossing Big Anthony around because he didn't plant straight rows he got upset and decided to plant his own secret garden. He wasn't as careful and when it started to grow it was a big mess. At the end of the harvest Strega Nona carefully filled her rafters and root cellar with the bounty. All of a sudden her doorstep was full of vegetables. Many of the gardens did not produce that year and when she took the extra to the Sisters at the convent they were very pleased, but who was bringing all those vegetables?

This lovely book was a gentle lesson book on how to treat the environment well and grow a "perfect" little garden. The text and the illustrations teach young children the benefits of taking care of seeds during the winter, crop rotation, proper fertilization, a good time to plant seeds, the importance of watering the plants, storing the harvest and last, but not least, the importance of sharing one's bounty. I loved certain sections like the page where seeds are placed in bowls, labels and have illustrations of what they are. The book has a cute little twist at the end that will make the reader smile. This is the perfect book for the young, aspiring gardener!

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice book January 5, 2013

By TillytheDogWalker

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

We are big fans of Tomie DePaola and Strega Nona. This book is a nice addition to our collection. It arrived on time and in good condition.