Big Anthony and the Magic Ring
Written by Tomie dePaola
Illustrated by Tomie dePaola
Reviewed by A.H. (age 9)
The story of Big Anthony and the Magic Ring starts when Big Anthony worked day and night for Strega Nona. Strega Nona asked what was wrong. Then she said Big Anthony could take the night off. The next night Strega Nona reached into a cabinet and took out a magic ring. She put it on her finger and sang a magic song. In an instant there was a puff of smoke and Strega Nona turned into a young lady ready to go to a dance. The next night Big Anthony took Strega Nona's ring, which he wasn't supposed to touch, and sang the magic song and he went to the village to see if anybody would dance with him. All the ladies wanted to dance with him and finally Big Anthony was tired of dancing. The women didn't let him rest. He sang the other magic song to get the ring off, but it didn't work. He tried to run away from the women but he just couldn't lose them. Big Anthony went to Strega Nona for help. Read this book to find out how Strega Nona helps Big Anthony solve his problem
Big Anthony should not have touched the magic ring because it wasn't his. I would get in trouble if I did that. I like Big Anthony but he doesn't really listen. He is a funny character. My favorite part of the book was when Big Anthony put on the magic ring and became handsome. He had all the girls running after him. I also like the fact that there is a whole series of books about Strega Nona and Big Anthony. In all the books Big Anthony doesn't listen and he gets in trouble.
I recommend this book to people who like to read funny stories. It is a short book and teaches a valuable lesson that you shouldn't touch what isn't yours. I hope to read other books about Strega Nona and Big Anthony!