Review by Christine Calabrese

The Legend of Old Befana is a tale from Italy celebrating Three Kings Day. Tomie De Paola is, of course, a master writer and artist, I’m loathe to even review one of his works as his talent is surely unmatched.

The story is about a little old lady who keeps to herself, sweeps her little home, sidewalk and street daily while baking at home. The children and towns people find her a bit unsocial. One day she hears the procession of the Three Kings outside her door and sees the Star of Bethlehem. She is invited to join the procession and bring gifts to the Baby King. Old Befana decided to join but not after baking her cookies and sweeping her house. Unfortunately, Befana cannot catch up to the procession. She runs and runs to try and catch up to no avail. Suddenly Old Befana hears and sees an angelic announcement of the glorious birth. Befana begs the angels to take her to the Baby Jesus. Miraculously, Befana is taken up into the air while running and flies but alas, she never finds the Baby Jesus. However, every Three Kings Day, on January sixth, Old Befana leaves cookies and sweeps the rooms of all the children in Italy hoping that one of them may be the Baby King.

Tomie De Paola does not disappoint with this beautiful little picture book. His artwork is beautifully detailed including an oak tree, which is a sign of strength, the panther with the Three Kings a sign of true believers, and the 6 pointed star which is the star of creation and the five pointed star the sign of the Incarnation.

Get this book and read it to your children on January 6th and give them gifts that Old Befana gave to start a new tradition in your home.