What do you think?
Rate this book
Strega Nona #5
Strega Nona Meets Her Match
Tomie dePaola’s beloved and bestselling Strega Nona gets in some friendly competition in this beloved addition to the series!
Strega Nona (Grandma Witch) has cures for warts and headaches, even lovesickness. She uses old-fashioned potions and magic and the villagers in Calabria flock to her door. But when her friend Strega Amelia comes over the mountain for a visit, she brings more than just gossip. Soon she's set up her own shop, using the latest modern gadgets, offering sweets and cappuccino--to all of Strega Nona's regulars! Looks like Strega Nona's met her match, Unless she's got her own cure. For Strega Amelia!
"A pleasure to read aloud, this features the broad humor that young children relish."— Booklist
Strega Nona (Grandma Witch) has cures for warts and headaches, even lovesickness. She uses old-fashioned potions and magic and the villagers in Calabria flock to her door. But when her friend Strega Amelia comes over the mountain for a visit, she brings more than just gossip. Soon she's set up her own shop, using the latest modern gadgets, offering sweets and cappuccino--to all of Strega Nona's regulars! Looks like Strega Nona's met her match, Unless she's got her own cure. For Strega Amelia!
"A pleasure to read aloud, this features the broad humor that young children relish."— Booklist
32 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 1993
6 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
About the author
Tomie dePaola
440 books898 followersTomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POW-la) was best known for his books for children.
He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.
Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.
He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.
Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 2, 2020
When Strega Nona's friend, Strega Amelia, comes for a visit, the other witch is surprised to find that Strega Nona maintains the old ways. Thinking that her own, updated methods will be more successful, Strega Amelia moves to town, and soon enough all of the townspeople are going to her shop to have their problems solved. With Strega Nona's purse becoming empty, Bambolona and Big Anthony must be laid off. The latter gets a job with Strega Amelia, who is not wise to his ways, and leaves him in charge while she heads out of town for a few days. Soon enough, the townspeople have returned to Strega Nona...
Strega Nona Meets Her Match is the fifth picture-book featuring the eponymous 'Grandmother Witch,' who made her debut in 1975, in the Caldecott Honor-winning Strega Nona . Like its predecessors, it pairs a humorously magical story with amusing illustrations. Author/illustrator Tomie dePaola's style is unmistakable, and for someone who grew up with it (as I did), quite comforting. I thought, going in, that perhaps Big Anthony was going to pull a fast one, and intentionally sabotage Strega Amelia, but as it turns out, he didn't need to intend to do it, for it to happen, something Strega Nona, in all her wisdom, obviously expected. This added to the humor of the conclusion, which is (of course) happy. Recommended to Strega Nona fans, and to picture-book readers who enjoy humorously fantastical stories.
Strega Nona Meets Her Match is the fifth picture-book featuring the eponymous 'Grandmother Witch,' who made her debut in 1975, in the Caldecott Honor-winning Strega Nona . Like its predecessors, it pairs a humorously magical story with amusing illustrations. Author/illustrator Tomie dePaola's style is unmistakable, and for someone who grew up with it (as I did), quite comforting. I thought, going in, that perhaps Big Anthony was going to pull a fast one, and intentionally sabotage Strega Amelia, but as it turns out, he didn't need to intend to do it, for it to happen, something Strega Nona, in all her wisdom, obviously expected. This added to the humor of the conclusion, which is (of course) happy. Recommended to Strega Nona fans, and to picture-book readers who enjoy humorously fantastical stories.
October 27, 2013
Strega Nona is back again and this time she faces her biggest challenge yet… Strega Amelia! Tomie dePaola did an excellent job on both the illustrations and the story and therefore, makes “Strega Nona meets her match” an instant treat.
Tomie dePaola’s storytelling is clever and funny as he details Strega Nona’s efforts to get her job back from Strega Amelia. Also, the storytelling gets extremely hilarious when Big Anthony tried to do everything right for Strega Amelia, but ends up running all the machines backwards and ruining Strega Amelia’s chance for a profitable business. Tomie dePaola’s illustrations are also the highlights of the book as he comically illustrates the Mayor’s predicament when Big Anthony tried to cure his headache, but ended up making the machine malfunction.
“Strega Nona meets her match” is a wonderful story about peer pressure as Strega Amelia tries to get the townspeople to use high-tech products for fixing their problems over Strega Nona’s old-fashioned remedies. However, when things go wrong at Strega Amelia’s clinic, the townspeople realize that sometimes it is better to just stick with the old and simple techniques than try out new techniques that they have no control over. “Strega Nona meets her match” is a wonderful classic that both children and adults will cherish for many years because of its clever humor and its even more clever storytelling.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
Tomie dePaola’s storytelling is clever and funny as he details Strega Nona’s efforts to get her job back from Strega Amelia. Also, the storytelling gets extremely hilarious when Big Anthony tried to do everything right for Strega Amelia, but ends up running all the machines backwards and ruining Strega Amelia’s chance for a profitable business. Tomie dePaola’s illustrations are also the highlights of the book as he comically illustrates the Mayor’s predicament when Big Anthony tried to cure his headache, but ended up making the machine malfunction.
“Strega Nona meets her match” is a wonderful story about peer pressure as Strega Amelia tries to get the townspeople to use high-tech products for fixing their problems over Strega Nona’s old-fashioned remedies. However, when things go wrong at Strega Amelia’s clinic, the townspeople realize that sometimes it is better to just stick with the old and simple techniques than try out new techniques that they have no control over. “Strega Nona meets her match” is a wonderful classic that both children and adults will cherish for many years because of its clever humor and its even more clever storytelling.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
March 5, 2022
"Strega Nona Meets Her Match" is a book about an old witch who has the cures for warts, headaches, lovesickness, and anything the townspeople need. One day, her friend Strega Amelia comes to visit and she sets up her own shop using modern gadgets instead of old-fashioned potions and magic. When all the townspeople go to Strega Amelia, Strega Nona figures out a way to show the people that the old ways are often the best ways. This book was banned from many children's libraries, because it depicts magic, witches, and witchcraft in a positive light. The Strega Nona books are in the same category as other banned and challenged books whose plots focus on supernatural/magic worlds, and whose characters are often witches and warlocks.
I loved the Strega Nona books as a kid, and when I saw this on a list of banned books I was so surprised. I never thought about how many religious people challenged the book because of its positive view towards witches and casting spells. I loved these books because instead of a scary witch who uses her magic for evil, Strega Nona is more concerned about helping the people of her town, which I think is a valuable lesson that young kids should learn. Childhood is also a magical time filled with wonder, and I think books like Strega Nona help ignite this wonder within children. I also absolutely love the illustrations in this book and the story is very sweet.
Many people said that Strega Nona was a book not allowed at their religious school. This is because the book depicts Strega Nona as a "good" witch who uses spells to cure warts, baldness, etc. Many religious people are bothered by this, especially in the part of the book where it says that even the priests and nuns go to her for help. Many religious people are challenging this book and trying to get it banned because of its depiction of witches and witchcraft. The American Librarian's Association records hundreds of attempts by individuals and groups to have books removed from libraries shelves and from classrooms, and Strega Nona is one of these books, yet it is also on many top 100 lists for the best children's picture books.
I loved the Strega Nona books as a kid, and when I saw this on a list of banned books I was so surprised. I never thought about how many religious people challenged the book because of its positive view towards witches and casting spells. I loved these books because instead of a scary witch who uses her magic for evil, Strega Nona is more concerned about helping the people of her town, which I think is a valuable lesson that young kids should learn. Childhood is also a magical time filled with wonder, and I think books like Strega Nona help ignite this wonder within children. I also absolutely love the illustrations in this book and the story is very sweet.
Many people said that Strega Nona was a book not allowed at their religious school. This is because the book depicts Strega Nona as a "good" witch who uses spells to cure warts, baldness, etc. Many religious people are bothered by this, especially in the part of the book where it says that even the priests and nuns go to her for help. Many religious people are challenging this book and trying to get it banned because of its depiction of witches and witchcraft. The American Librarian's Association records hundreds of attempts by individuals and groups to have books removed from libraries shelves and from classrooms, and Strega Nona is one of these books, yet it is also on many top 100 lists for the best children's picture books.
January 4, 2009
This was an interesting book, it had an almost predictable plot, but was still enjoyable. I liked the illustrations, they were simple and sweet. I might recommend this book to other Strega Nona fans.
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009...
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009...
April 12, 2021
Clever, unique and humorous!
October 18, 2019
Spoiler Alert!
Stregna Nona has some competition in this story. Tomie dePaola shows how fickle people can be, how hard things get when things get tough, how loyalty can makes things better and how sometimes the outcome can surprise you. I was a little irritated that Big Anthony listened more to Strega Amelia than he ever did to Strega Nona, but I laughed to much when in the end his antics are what actually saves Strega Nona haha
Stregna Nona has some competition in this story. Tomie dePaola shows how fickle people can be, how hard things get when things get tough, how loyalty can makes things better and how sometimes the outcome can surprise you. I was a little irritated that Big Anthony listened more to Strega Amelia than he ever did to Strega Nona, but I laughed to much when in the end his antics are what actually saves Strega Nona haha
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2021
We read it once at bedtime and had to play Strega Nona the entire next morning. So, yeah. Five stars.
Love that the illustrations help tell the emotions and problems - they provide plenty of opportunity for discussion.
Love also the amount of Italian, since we are trying to learn as a family. I’ve started dropping the translations. It’s totally intelligible from context if you have no Italian, though.
Love that the illustrations help tell the emotions and problems - they provide plenty of opportunity for discussion.
Love also the amount of Italian, since we are trying to learn as a family. I’ve started dropping the translations. It’s totally intelligible from context if you have no Italian, though.
September 23, 2009
We enjoy reading Tomie dePaola's books and this book in the Strega Nona series does not disappoint. Strega Nona gets a bit of competition from an old "friend." But she handles it with the grace that only Strega Nona has, as well as with a little help from Big Anthony.
January 23, 2025
Strega Nona welcomes her friend Strega Amelia for a visit.
Strega Amelia takes note of how busy her friend's business is and how Strega Nona still sticks to traditional methods.
A week passes with Strega Amelia returning to town.
She advertises the same services that Strega Nona provides, except by using modern equipment.
As well as, a bonus of free sweets and cappuccinos for her patrons.
Poor Strega Nona's pockets become empty.
She sends her helpers away to find new jobs elsewhere.
Bambolona goes back to her father's bakery.
Big Anthony finds work with Strega Amelia.
Bambolona sees him as a traitor, while Strega Nona thinks it well for him to have employment.
Strega Amelia having need for the rest of her machinery leaves Big Anthony in charge until her return.
Can Big Anthony run the business smoothly?
Or will Strega Nona get her customers back?
Thoughts on newer isn't always better, somethings will never change, and kindness while facing adversity.
Strega Amelia takes note of how busy her friend's business is and how Strega Nona still sticks to traditional methods.
A week passes with Strega Amelia returning to town.
She advertises the same services that Strega Nona provides, except by using modern equipment.
As well as, a bonus of free sweets and cappuccinos for her patrons.
Poor Strega Nona's pockets become empty.
She sends her helpers away to find new jobs elsewhere.
Bambolona goes back to her father's bakery.
Big Anthony finds work with Strega Amelia.
Bambolona sees him as a traitor, while Strega Nona thinks it well for him to have employment.
Strega Amelia having need for the rest of her machinery leaves Big Anthony in charge until her return.
Can Big Anthony run the business smoothly?
Or will Strega Nona get her customers back?
Thoughts on newer isn't always better, somethings will never change, and kindness while facing adversity.
March 7, 2022
"Strega Nona" is a story about a witch who wishes to help those in her town through her magic. Her business, however, faces competition when another witch begins offering the same services. It seems that most of the arguments to ban this book stem from the prevalence of witchcraft throughout the story. I personally do not see a problem with this book being read to children. There are no instances in the book were Strega Nona comes even remotely close to using her magic for violence. In fact, all of the instances of witchcraft are related to Strega Nona trying to help the townspeople with their various problems. I really liked the book and thought it had a strong message about valuing your friends and not letting jealousy cloud your judgement.
April 10, 2025
This was a great story in the series. Strega Nona is the best and she understands people so well. The reason she can work with Big Anthony is because she understands him.
This was funny and cute. Nona's friend comes to town and for some reason decides to take all of Nona's customers. Not very nice is it. It doesn't bother Nona. Soon, there is no work for Nona and Big Anthony finds a job helping Amelia, the friend. That doesn't bother Nona either. Everything works out in the end.
The artwork is classic DePaola. The people look like potato faces and there is plenty of color. Tomie is a very excellent story teller. This simply works.
Kids looking for a classic funny tale with enjoy this.
This was funny and cute. Nona's friend comes to town and for some reason decides to take all of Nona's customers. Not very nice is it. It doesn't bother Nona. Soon, there is no work for Nona and Big Anthony finds a job helping Amelia, the friend. That doesn't bother Nona either. Everything works out in the end.
The artwork is classic DePaola. The people look like potato faces and there is plenty of color. Tomie is a very excellent story teller. This simply works.
Kids looking for a classic funny tale with enjoy this.
Read
June 6, 2019Strega Nona makes a cure for headaches, warts, and love sickness. Strega Amelia wants to make her own potions as well. The towns people start going to Strega Amelia when Stregna Nona runs out of potions. Strega Amelia lets Big Anthony take charge and he of course screws everything up and the towns people start going back to Strega Nona.
February 13, 2023
Right from the first sentence, we know that we're in for a fabulous adventure.
How to solve a problem like Strega Amelia?
Well, here comes "Big Anthony." So this Goodreader figures this lighthearted adventure is going to have a happy ending.
As always, with a book by Tomie dePaola, joy is in the details. Especially I enjoyed the "husband-and-wife machine."
LOL ending, too.
How to solve a problem like Strega Amelia?
Well, here comes "Big Anthony." So this Goodreader figures this lighthearted adventure is going to have a happy ending.
As always, with a book by Tomie dePaola, joy is in the details. Especially I enjoyed the "husband-and-wife machine."
LOL ending, too.
April 30, 2024
While visiting Strega Nona, her friend Strega Amelia sees a business opportunity based on how many people come to Strega Nona for help. Strega Amelia opens up her own shop with some of the latest equipment and takes all of Strega Nona's clients away. Big Anthony gets a job helping Strega Amelia, and soon the tide turns back to Strega Nona.
October 8, 2023
A funny installment to the series. Strega Nona meets her match when Strega Amelia comes to visit and sees Strega Nona is still using the old ways to help people. Strega Amelia starts using new-fangled machines and takes away all Strega Nona's customers. But Big Anthony inadvertantly saves the day.
November 4, 2024
This installment of Strega Nona, her old friend Strega Amelia comes to visit and later sets up her own business like Strega Nona's, which gives her a run for her money. However, Strega Nona finds a way to outsmart her. Another fun Strega Nona tale.
December 13, 2017
I read some of Straga Nona stories and I can't blame or hate Anthony although he sometimes act immaturely since he is just a little boy. It is fun to see what result his action brought at the end.
April 3, 2018
Maren is not a fan. Not sure why.
November 9, 2018
This is pretty cute but is funnier if you've read the first Strega Nona book.
February 22, 2019
Oh man. Big Anthony is Strega Nona's secret weapon of sabotage.
March 1, 2019
You can't beat strega nona!
September 2, 2020
It was okay, I think this would be perfect for someone that loves the Strega Nona books.
September 16, 2020
Another chronicle in Strega Nona’s story. Big Anthony unintentionally wins the day and Bambolona gets reminded to be a little kinder.
December 22, 2020
My favorite part of this book is the last two lines.
March 24, 2021
I'm not a fan of sabotaging a rival, but this was a funny, creative turn for the series to take, with Big Anthony's bumbling behavior affecting someone else for a change.
May 24, 2021
Strega Nona, always thinking ahead.
November 29, 2021
No review from the creatures. They were all asleep.
Honestly, you can't go wrong with Strega Nona,.
Honestly, you can't go wrong with Strega Nona,.
July 9, 2022
Love the illustrations and the general premise of the story.
November 1, 2023
Children's Picture Book
Strega Nona meets someone just like her!
Strega Nona meets someone just like her!
Read
April 24, 2024Philomena's challenge
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews