Strega Nona

An old woman known for her magic entrusts her helper with an everfull pasta pot but not its secret verse, so he sets it going alone — and can't make it stop.

For the kid who can't resist touching the thing they were told not to touch, Big Anthony's disaster feels instantly, gloriously familiar.

• Big idea: Some instructions matter for a reason — paying attention to the whole story, not just the exciting part, is what keeps you out of trouble.
• Vibes: Warm, funny, and a little chaotic, with old-world village charm and a slapstick finish.

• enjoy stories where curiosity backfires hilariously
• are working on listening to full instructions before acting
• like to talk back to characters making bad choices
• respond well to folktales with a clear lesson and a big payoff

• Story & problem-solving: What did Big Anthony do as soon as Strega Nona left for her visit over the mountain?
• Feelings & empathy: How do you think Strega Nona felt trusting Big Anthony to look after her house?
• Real-life connection: Have you ever been told not to touch something and done it anyway? What happened?
• Imagination: If you had a magic pot that never ran out of food, what would you want it to make?
• Predicting: What do you think Big Anthony was missing when he recited the magic verse over the pot?