Strega Nona Does It Again

When Strega Nona agrees to host the daughter of a cousin, she doesn’t know what she’s in for. Angelina shows up with mountains of luggage, conscripts Bambolona and Big Anthony into service as a maid and footman, and has both of them help her construct a shrine to her narcissistic love, Hugo. Strega Nona’s quick thinking and wisdom call to mind another storied problem-solver from the world of children’s literature—Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle—and her magic-tinged solution brings together two young people who, as she says, “deserve each other,” for better or worse. A wryly funny story of love and entitlement, with all the homey charm that dePaola’s fans expect and love. Ages 5–8. (Sept.)