Strega Nona Resources

Books, news, a timeline of the author's accomplishments, his favorite food (popcorn)—you'll find it all here at dePaola's website.

Tomie's blog blogger—the person responsible for his posts—is prolific. And that's an understatement. Daily posts (sometimes more than one per day) feature artwork by dePaola and highlight events and celebrations associated with each day. Who knew November 20th was National Absurdity Day? (Tomie's blog blogger. That's who.)

This section of dePaola's website is all about Strega.

This 1977 animated version of Strega Nona is based on the illustrations in the book by Tomie dePaola. It's narrated by the Czechoslovakian actor Eduard Cupák.

You can watch the 1977 animated Strega, too!

Of course you do: Strega Nona! Check out this thirty-second clip to get a feel for the production. Psst! Maybe it will be coming soon to a theater near you.

In this Jim Henson production, Strega Nona tells Tomie dePaola a story about her birthday and the power of pictures.

In this quick, eleven-question interview with the LOC, dePaola shares his favorite children's books, gives advice to young artists, and reveals the career he thinks he'd be in if he weren't writing and illustrating children's literature. Hint: it could involve a magic pasta pot.

Judith Rosen's interview with Tomie dePaola reveals that when the author first wrote Strega Nona, he intended it to be a one-off, not a series.

This interview with dePaola from TeachingBooks covers everything from dePaola's Catholic upbringing and his artistic style to his favorite illustration in Strega Nona. Can you guess which picture he likes best?

The Horn Book asks dePaola about writing for young readers, tackling sensitive topics, and what's changed in the world of children's literature during his fifty years in the business.

Get a full hour of insight into Tomie dePaola straight from the author himself. In this 2012 interview, dePaola, just shy of eighty years old, talks about his Irish and Italian roots, his love of folklore, the future of print, and more.

The author of Strega Nona explains why he loves stories about food and shares the story behind one of his favorite recipes, the "Popeye."

In this 2:27 video, dePaola explains that he knew at age four what he was destined to do.

Tomie dePaola discusses the power of children's literature and art to help people discover who they are and unlock their imaginations.

Enjoy the full color illustrations of Strega Nona in this YouTube video with a voiceover of Tomie dePaola reading Strega Nona aloud.

In 2013, Tomie dePaola spends some time talking about an exhibit of his work at Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire entitled, "Tomie dePaola: Then."

Always wondered how to say his name? Get the skinny from dePaola himself in this quick audio clip.

In this two-minute clip, dePaola explains how he first doodled—and created—Strega Nona.

Strega, the peacock, the pasta pot, and the Caldecott Honor stamp. It's all here.

In this picture that dePaola cites as his favorite from the book, Big Anthony sits helplessly atop the pot overflowing with pasta.

Here's a great picture of Tomie dePaola at his drawing table in 2015.