The Legend of Old Befana

An Italian Christmas Story

Tomie dePaola, Tomie dePaola

$12.99

Paperback

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English

Simon & Schuster
01 November 2019

Children's & Educational; General fiction (Children's&YA)

In this beloved classic picture book, Tomie dePaola retells and illustrates an Italian Christmas folk tale, breathing warmth and humanity into the character of the lonely Old Befana and her endless search for the Christ Child.

Every morning and every afternoon, Old Befana sweeps with her broom. “Cranky old lady,” the children say. “She is always sweeping!” Sweep, sweep, sweep.

But when a brilliant star glows in the eastern sky one night, and Old Befana encounters the glorious procession of three kings on their way to Bethlehem, her world will never be the same.

By: Tomie dePaola
Illustrated by: Tomie dePaola
Imprint: Simon & Schuster
Country of Publication: United States
Edition: Reprint
Dimensions: Height: 267mm, Width: 216mm, Spine: 5mm
Weight: 138g
ISBN: 9781534430112
ISBN 10: 1534430113
Pages: 32
Publication Date: 01 November 2019
Recommended Age: From 4 to 8 years
Audience: Children/juvenile , English as a second language
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Tomie dePaola is one of the most popular children's book authors and illustrators of our time and the winner of the 2011 Children's Literature Legacy Award (formerly known as the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award), among other lifetime achievement awards. A Newbery Honor winner, he has written and illustrated a number of books, including Caldecott Honor book Strega Nona and its companions, as well as Oliver Button Is a Sissy; The Legend of Old Befana; The Clown of God; Michael Bird-Boy; Andy, That's My Name; and the New York Times bestseller Quiet. A native of Connecticut, Mr. dePaola studied at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and now lives in New London, New Hampshire. Visit him online at Tomie.com and TomiesBlog.Blogspot.com.

Reviews for The Legend of Old Befana: An Italian Christmas Story

In a tale based on Italian legend, first published in 1980 and here reissued, Old Befana spends her days baking and sweeping her house and front steps. When a splendid procession led by the three Wise Men passes by, a boy invites her to come along to Bethlehem to meet the Baby King.... DePaola's ink and watercolor illustrations use flowing lines and glowing colors to propel the story and attract the eye; rustic details help define the Italian-village setting. * Horn Book Magazine, November/December 2017 *