The Legend of Old Befana

Honest to God, I have no idea what this book is about. It makes no sense to me. But I’m giving it 5 stars because I love the illustrations and artistry. Tomie de Paola tells enchanting stories with equally enchanting characters.

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>

I got this book and a little ornament from Italian Children’s Market for a relative this Christmas and she loved it!

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.

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.

Item arrived on time and intact. Item was as advertised by the seller and what I was looking for. Thank you

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

Growing up in an Italian household we always celebrated La Befana on Jan 6, but I never actually knew the origin story and it was so sweet to find a book about it! I just bought this for a friend's baby shower, and I intend on buying one for myself when I have kids one day. :) The book came in perfect condition, no damage or wear.

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.

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!

Great book

Beautifully illustrated and a great story explaining the legend of the Befana. My grandsons love it.

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.