Brava, Strega Nona!: A Heartwarming Pop-Up Book

I came across Brava Strega Nona! in a holiday gift issue of Real Simple and thought it would be a good gift for my 1 year old niece. But the pop-up paperwork is so intricate and beautiful, it actually turned out to be a better fit for my 4 year old nephew, who knew to take care with the handiwork. It's a lovely little story about an old Italian woman that translates to any age, but honestly the adults were more excited about the book than anyone. On one page, a magic pot of pasta spills noodles right off the edge of the book and it's so. darn. cool. I recommend this book for anyone 4 to 94, especially someone who can appreciate a creative hand when they see one.

This is a beautiful book for children. Even my 18 & 21 yr old, thought it was fantastic. The reading is very easy and tells us of life.The pages come to life, so much to see and touch. No wonder it took 4 years in the making. I would recommend this book for schools to share with their children. I bought 3 as gifts.

I love pop-up books. Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart are my favorite paper artists, and I was excited to see that they both worked on this title. Although I'm not a huge Strega Nona fan, I was delighted with this book--even though I've seen most recent pop-up books, I was still wowed by some of the creations--and think it's worth buying.

This is a gorgeous book, combining the classic art of Tomie dePaola that you know and love with some truly mind boggling pop ups. It's not so much a story as a recipe for a good life - but as Tomie says (I went to a book signing yesterday) he's written lots of stories in his other books, so here he chose to take advantage of the visual display opportunities presented by the pop up spreads rather than engaging in a longer story. The paper work really is magnificent. That being said, this may be more suited to slightly older, or at least calmer, readers if you're thinking of buying it for a little one.

Brava, Strega Nona! is a magnificent work of art. The pop-ups and the story work perfectly together to exalt the simple things that are Strega Nona's "magic recipe" for the good life. My immediate urge is to buy one for everyone I know! BRAVO! to Tomie dePaola, Robert Sabuda, and Matthew Reinhart, whose collaboration on this book is truly magical. Each page is full of their artistry, and simply awe-inspiring. I wish I could give it TEN stars!!!!