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Tomie dePaola
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The Legend of Old Befana: An Italian Christmas Story Hardcover – Picture Book, November 7, 2017

by Tomie dePaola (Author, Illustrator)
4.9 out of 5 stars 1,628 ratings
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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 little world will never be the same.
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  1. Reading age
    4 - 9 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    32 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 3
  5. Lexile measure
    540L
  6. Dimensions
    8.5 x 0.2 x 10.5 inches
  7. Publisher
    Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
  8. Publication date
    November 7, 2017
  9. ISBN-10
    1481477633
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1481477635
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"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

About the Author

Tomie dePaola (1934–2020) was the beloved author and/or illustrator of more than 270 books for young readers, including the children’s classic Strega Nona. He was the recipient of the Newbery Honor, Caldecott Honor, and the 2011 Children’s Literature Legacy Award for “significant and lasting contribution to children’s literature.” A native of Connecticut, Mr. dePaola studied at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and spent much of his life in New London, New Hampshire. Visit his work online at Tomie.com.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 7, 2017
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Illustrated
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1481477633
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1481477635
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.7 ounces
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 9 years, from customers
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.2 x 10.5 inches
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 540L
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 out of 5 stars 1,628 ratings

About the author

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Tomie dePaola

Tomie dePaola

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"Tomie dePaola was born in Meriden, Connecticut, in 1934 to a family of Irish and Italian background. By the time he could hold a pencil, he knew what his life's work would be. His determination to create books for children led to a BFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and an MFA from the California College of Arts & Crafts in Oakland, California.

It drove him through the years of teaching, designing greeting cards and stage sets, and painting church murals until 1965, when he illustrated his first children's book, Sound, by Lisa Miller for Coward-McCann. Eventually, freed of other obligations, he plunged full time into both writing and illustrating children's books.

He names Fra Angelico and Giotto, Georges Rouault, and Ben Shahn as major influences on his work, but he soon found his own unique style. His particular way with color, line, detail, and design have earned him many of the most prestigious awards in his field, among them a Caldecott Honor Award for Strega Nona, the Smithsonian Medal from the Smithsonian Institution, the Kerlan Award from the University of Minnesota for his ""singular attainment in children's literature,"" the Catholic Library Association's Regina Medal for his ""continued distinguished contribution,"" and the University of Southern Mississippi Medallion. He was also the 1990 United States nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for illustration.

Tomie dePaola has published almost 200 children's books in fifteen different countries. He remains one of the most popular creators of books for children, receiving more than 100,000 fan letters each year.

Tomie lives in an interesting house in New Hampshire with his four dogs. His studio is in a large renovated 200-year-old barn.

- He has been published for over 30 years.

- Over 5 million copies of his books have sold worldwide.

- His books have been published in over 15 different countries.

- He receives nearly 100,000 fan letters each year.

Tomie dePaola has received virtually every significant recognition for his books in the children's book world, including:

- Caldecott Honor Award from American Library Association

- Newbery Honor Award from American Library Association

- Smithson Medal from Smithsonian Institution

- USA nominee in illustration for Hans Christian Andersen Medal

- Regina Medal from Catholic Library Association

"

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
1,628 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a delightful re-telling of the Christmas story of La Befana, with beautiful illustrations by Tomie dePaola that appeal to all ages. They appreciate its inclusion of Italian culture and consider it a wonderful gift for the holidays, with one customer noting how it helps children understand Christmas traditions in Italy. The book receives positive feedback for its writing quality and value for money.

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Story tellingBook enjoymentIllustrationsReadabilityCultureValue for moneyGift valueWriting quality
62 customers mention "Story telling"62 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storytelling in this book, particularly as a Christmas tale, with one customer noting its rich cultural base and another highlighting its value for teaching about holidays around the world.

"Great story! Full of Italian tradition." Read more

"This is such a sweet story! I teach Christmas around the world every year, and this was a great addition to our lessons" Read more

"Wonderful story" Read more

"I used this wonderful book for storytelling in my Granddaughter’s K Classroom to teach about this Italian tradition...." Read more

32 customers mention "Book enjoyment"32 positive0 negative

Customers love this book about La Befana and consider it a classic, with one customer noting they enjoy reading it again and again.

"This is a great book. Children love DePaola's illustrations an storytelling. If they enjoyed Stregna Nona surely they will like Old Befana." Read more

"Great book with great illustrations. I love the story of Befana from Italy so it is great to see an English version." Read more

"The book is very nice" Read more

"Old Befana..." Read more

32 customers mention "Illustrations"32 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the beautiful illustrations in the book, with children particularly loving Tomie dePaola's artwork, and one customer noting their surprising depth and detail.

"...I simply love Tomie dePaulo’s books. The illustrations are beautiful and often surprising in their depth and detail...." Read more

"...BUT, this book is beautifully illustrated and great for kids." Read more

"Beautiful book. I love the old stories redone, and hardback shows off his illustrations so well...." Read more

"This is a great book. Children love DePaola's illustrations an storytelling. If they enjoyed Stregna Nona surely they will like Old Befana." Read more

23 customers mention "Readability"23 positive0 negative

Customers find the book appealing to all ages, making it a great read for children, with one customer noting it's perfect for sharing the legend of Befana.

"...It will be a wonderful way to teach young ones the old tradition." Read more

"Perfect to share with children prior to the Epiphany. A great cultural story of La Befana to be treasured for years to come...." Read more

"...Kids love them!" Read more

"...My kids loved the book and illustrations, and it sparked meaningful conversations with my 10 year old about what it means to seek Jesus." Read more

21 customers mention "Culture"21 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's inclusion of Italian culture, particularly the wonderful folk tradition of La Befana, with one customer noting it's perfect for learning about Christmas in Italy.

"...I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to share this celebrated Italian legend!..." Read more

"Perfect to share with children prior to the Epiphany. A great cultural story of La Befana to be treasured for years to come...." Read more

"...This is a particular take on an Italian legend about an old woman who goes to see baby Jesus...." Read more

"Great story! Full of Italian tradition." Read more

12 customers mention "Value for money"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be worth the price.

"Wonderful book." Read more

"Very good. Great art work, good story. My grandkids liked it too." Read more

"...US; thankfully, even if this is the only one you have ~ it is a WONDERFUL book telling the Italian legend of Befana...." Read more

"...I felt like this was a worth while purchase. it was hard to find the story in English. This is in english." Read more

6 customers mention "Gift value"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a wonderful gift for the holidays, with one customer noting that Befana brings little gifts on January 6th.

"...Befana brings little gifts on January 6th just as the 3 "WISE" men did on the 1st Christmas...." Read more

"...This book will make a wonderful gift for the Holidays!" Read more

"...A great triplet with Merry Christmas, Strega Nonna and The Clown of God." Read more

"This was a gift and the receipient loved it. I did not read it myself so I cannot make any further comment." Read more

6 customers mention "Writing quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one customer noting that Tomie dePaola's work is fabulous, while another mentions the fun reading experience with its accent.

"...I grew up reading this author he always writes great stories. As an Italian American it great to keep some stories going for all to love" Read more

"I love this series! It was so much fun reading with the accent for my 1st graders. My fifth graders loved them, too!!!" Read more

"ANYTHING THAT TOMIE DEPAOLA WRITES IS FABULOUS...." Read more

"nicely illistrated. i remember my father telling me this story as he was told as akid in italy." Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Frederick W. Benner
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Item For The Price
    Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Item arrived on time and intact. Item was as advertised by the seller and what I was looking for. Thank you
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  • Victor the Reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Legend of Old Befana (My Kindle Review)
    Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    diPaola’s retelling of an Italian Christmas tale centers on a grumpy old lady who slowly gets caught up on finding the Child of Christ and will even fly high to do so. A sweet and gentle biblical tale with a wonderful lesson about kindness. <b>A (100%/Outstanding)</b>
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars BEAUTIFUL
    Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2025
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Awesome book
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  • Dawn De Lorenzo
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Book About La Befana!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2009
    Verified Purchase
    I wish there were more books about La Befana in the US; thankfully, even if this is the only one you have ~ it is a WONDERFUL book telling the Italian legend of Befana. In many ways, the story of Befana reminds me of the biblical story of Mary and Martha (Lazarus' sisters). While a guest in thier home, Mary chose to spend time with Jesus while Martha is too busy with her household chores. In The Legend Of Old Befana we meet an old woman who is constantly sweeping. When the procession of kings pass through her town and tell her of the birth of the Child King she decides to follow. She bakes all day in order to have a gift to bring for the Child. She also plans to sweep knowing that the Child's mother will be tired.

    However, rather than set off to find the baby Jesus, she tarries in order to sweep. Her decision to delay in favor of sweeping costs her a glimpse of the Child King. To this day, she searches for the Child, visiting children while they sleep, leaving them gifts from her basket.

    I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to share this celebrated Italian legend! Another EXCELLENT resource is Ken Lonnquist's CD titled Old Befana: Old Befana. You can also download the entire album in MP3 format which is cheaper and faster. It has the story of La Befana and songs.
    37 people found this helpful
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  • Catmarkie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless Italian classic
    Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Beautiful artwork, and a wonderful telling of the story of La Befana. It will be a wonderful way to teach young ones the old tradition.
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  • B.B.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Arriva Befana!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2024
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Perfect to share with children prior to the Epiphany. A great cultural story of La Befana to be treasured for years to come.
    Exactly as described. Great quality. Arrived on time. Everything was as promised.
    Helpful
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  • Woodsinger
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good rendition of an old legend
    Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2024
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    The story of Old Befana is the Italian version of the legend of Babushka. Same players, same situation, same story line. Nicely done version with fun illustations
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  • Maria in Phillu
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book, good used condition
    Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Wonderful story
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Antonella Leo
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bellissimo libro
    Reviewed in Italy on July 10, 2024
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    È un bel libro, con disegni ben fatti. L'ho regalato ed è stato molto apprezzato. Il libro è arrivato anche in anticipo rispetto i tempi indicati.
    Report
  • Donna
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely legend
    Reviewed in Canada on March 4, 2025
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Beautifully illustrated and a great story explaining the legend of the Befana. My grandsons love it.
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  • IMG
    5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely folk story about gifts on Twelfth Night
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 15, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    My granddaughter has a part Italian heritage and I was interested to see a newsfeed from the family village of Arpino on 6th January showing the enactment of what was a very strange (to me) traditional story. I looked for a book that might explain and this is the one I found. It is a beautiful, gently told and tremendously affecting story of Befana who looks for the Christ child, or the good, in every child on January 6th - Epiphany. I am not a Christian of any sort, but found this lovely story both delightful and a revelation. Good to see a story that is positive about an old woman too!
    Report
  • Alessandra
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bellissime illustrazioni.
    Reviewed in Italy on December 20, 2018
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Cercavo un bel albo illustrato sulla Befana per letture animate. Storia semplice, una delle tante sull'origine della vecchietta, qui un po' fissata con la pulizia!! Quando visita le case per lasciare i doni non dimentica di dare una ripulita. Ecco perché ha sempre la scopa in mano!! Testo in lingua inglese abbastanza semplice, ben rilegato con sovracoperta. Le illustrazioni sono fantastiche.
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    Alessandra
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Bellissime illustrazioni.

    Reviewed in Italy on December 20, 2018
    Cercavo un bel albo illustrato sulla Befana per letture animate. Storia semplice, una delle tante sull'origine della vecchietta, qui un po' fissata con la pulizia!! Quando visita le case per lasciare i doni non dimentica di dare una ripulita. Ecco perché ha sempre la scopa in mano!! Testo in lingua inglese abbastanza semplice, ben rilegato con sovracoperta. Le illustrazioni sono fantastiche.
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  • Patricia Slater
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully illustrated
    Reviewed in Canada on December 23, 2022
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This book was heartwarming and my child loved it! This was nice story to introduce la befana in a more in-depth way. Book is quality and well worth the money.
    Report