Tomie DePaola

When Strega Nona leaves him alone with her magic pasta pot, Big Anthony is determined to show the townspeople how it works in this beloved classic from Tomie dePaola. Strega Nona-"Grandma Witch"-is the source for potions, cures, magic, and comfort in her Calabrian town. Her magical everfull pasta pot is especially intriguing to hungry Big Anthony. He is supposed to look after her house and tend her garden but one day, when she goes over the mountain...

A little old lady's attempts to have pancakes for breakfast are hindered by a scarcity of supplies and the participation of her pets.

Having learned to be creative in drawing pictures at home, young Tommy is dismayed when he goes to school and finds the art lesson there much more regimented.

Strega Nona sends home gifts of candy and bubble bath while on vacation, but when Bambolona grabs the candy, Big Anthony is left with a lot of bubbles.

A rival puts Strega Nona out ot the healing business until Big Anthony's assistance inadvertently sabotages the newcomer in his usual well-meaning way.

Twins Moffie and Morgie are excited when they hear that their family is adopting a three-year-old Hispanic boy.

When William Everett Crocodile is chosen to be a suitcase, his talking toothbrush becomes his salvation.

Big Anthony, well-meaning but inattentive, journeys around Italy causing one problem after another, before meeting Strega Nona.

"Andy is small. Sandy is tall. Andy is quiet. Sandy is loud. When these two opposites attract, best friends play dress up and anything could happen" --

Big Anthony disguises himself as a girl in order to take magic lessons from Strega Nona.