Understanding 'Strega Nona' and Its Lessons

Mary Steenburgen reads 'Strega Nona' by Tomie dePaola, a story about an old lady with magical abilities. Strega Nona hires Big Anthony, warning him not to touch her magic pasta pot. Ignoring her warning, Anthony uses the pot, causing it to overflow with pasta and threaten the town. Strega Nona returns just in time to stop the chaos and teaches Anthony a lesson by making him eat all the pasta. The story highlights themes of magic, responsibility, and listening to instructions.

What does 'Strega Nona' mean in English?

• Grandma Witch

• Magic Lady

• Old Sorceress

• Wise Woman

What was Big Anthony's main task that he was warned about?

• Weeding the garden

• Touching the pasta pot

• Fetching water

• Feeding the goat

What did Big Anthony see Strega Nona do with the pasta pot?

• She sang to it

• She cleaned it

• She hid it

• She sold it

Why did the townspeople laugh at Big Anthony?

• He wore a silly hat

• He sang a funny song

• He claimed the pot was magic

• He tripped over a pot

What did Big Anthony forget to do after using the pasta pot?

• Cover the pot

• Stir the pasta

• Blow three kisses

• Sing the song

What did the townspeople try to use to stop the pasta?

• Buckets

• Mattresses

• Brooms

• Nets

Who ultimately stopped the pasta from overflowing?

• The mayor

• Big Anthony

• The priest

• Strega Nona

What was Big Anthony's punishment for misusing the pasta pot?

• He had to eat all the pasta

• He was sent away

• He was forgiven

• He had to clean the town

What lesson can be learned from Big Anthony's experience?

• Pasta is delicious

• Magic is not real

• Always listen to instructions

• Sharing is caring

What is the main theme of the story?

• The value of friendship

• The consequences of not listening

• The importance of magic

• The joy of cooking