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Table of Contents
About The Book
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.
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.
Appearances
MAY 7
17:30:00
in person
NEIBA’s 2025 Spring Forum Author Reception
In Person
Marriott Hartford Downtown
200 Columbus Blvd
Hartford, CT 06103
MAY 10
13:00:00
in person
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
In Person
125 West Bay Road
Amherst, MA 01002
MAY 10
15:00:00
in person
Mass Kids Lit Fest 2025
In Person
R. Michelson Galleries
132 Main St
Northampton, MA 01060
About The Author
Photograph © Laurent Linn
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.
About The Illustrator
Photograph © Laurent Linn
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 (November 7, 2017)
- Length: 32 pages
- ISBN13: 9781481477635
- Grades: P - 3
- Ages: 4 - 8
- Lexile ® 540L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®
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Raves and Reviews
"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
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): The Legend of Old Befana Hardcover 9781481477635
- Author Photo (jpg): Tomie dePaola Photograph © Laurent Linn(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
