Traditional Literature: BIG ANTHONY AND THE MAGIC RING

Bibliography

dePaola, Tomie. 1979. Big Anthony and the Magic Ring. Ill. dePaola, Tomie. San Diego, CA: Harcourt. ISBN-13: 9780152071240



Plot Summary

In this sequel to dePaola's Strega Nona, her assistant, Big Anthony, must be reminded that her magic is not to be trifled with. Spring fever seizes Strega Nona, and she decides to use a magic ring to transform herself into a beauty to enjoy a little "Night Life". Big Anthony takes the first chance he gets to use the ring himself. Transformed into a handsome stranger, he ventures to the village dance. Big Anthony discovers that beauty has a price when the maidens in the village refuse to let him rest, or leave. Unfortunately, the ring is stuck, complicating his escape. Strega Nona saves him with the judicious use of olive oil.


Critical Analysis

DePaola's plot, though uncomplicated, tells a charming and humorous story. The characters may be typical of the "witch mother" and "fool", but they are none the less endearing. Readers will enjoy the idea of Strega Nona curing her spring fever with a lively tarantella, and the idea of a grandmother partying all night long. Even young readers will be able to predict that Big Anthongy will land in trouble when he takes the magical ring. The addition of Bamblona, the pudgy baker's daughter that has a soft spot for Big Anthony, lends a touch of humor.

The author/illustrator provides a rich setting through both a judicious use of the Italian language and his sun washed paintings of the Italian countryside. Cypress trees and red tiled roofs add authenticity. The costumes also reflect medieval Italy, especially at the village dance. I enjoy this author's lively illustrations, particularly in the Strega Nona series. The lines are simple, but the faces' of his characters reflect a great range of emotions.

Review Excerpt

Booklist: “Big Anthony romps through a case of spring fever with an ill-gotten magic ring, against the architectural background and blue skies of la bella Italia.”




Connections


These prequels to Strega Nona concerning the main characters in this series would be a fun addition; the reading levels are fairly low:



dePaola, Tomie. Strega Nona: Her Story. ISBN-10: 0698118146
dePaola, Tomie. Big Anthongy: His Story. ISBN-10: 0698118936


Tomie dePaola's official Website includes the author's discussion of how the characters Strega Nona and Big Anthony were developed: http://www.tomie.com/main.html .