Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Strega Nona
Tomie dePaola
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes. Its HootRating code, C, means gentle content.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Strega Nona is the smartest witch you’ll ever meet—she’s so clever, her magical pasta pot causes more trouble than you’d expect! When a little mistake turns a calm kitchen into a wild adventure, everything spins out of control. Why does a simple buzzing lead to jungle chaos? The answer is more surprising than you think.
Quick Assessment
This charming folktale retelling introduces young readers to the character of Strega Nona, a wise witch whose magic pot causes unexpected problems. Suitable for ages 5-8, the story uses humor and folklore elements to explore cause and effect, making it a fun and educational read for early readers. There is mild comic chaos but no intense content, making it appropriate for young children.
Why we rated Strega Nona C (Gentle)
Strega Nona is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Reading-wise, most kids in grade 3 and up can manage Strega Nona on their own; younger readers can enjoy it with a parent or teacher reading along.
We rate Strega Nona as C (Gentle) because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Strega Nona explores folklore, humor, adventure, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about folklore, humor, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
C · GentleReading the HootRating code: the first letter is the content intensity (C = Gentle · L = Mild · M = Moderate · I = Intense · V = Very Intense); the second, when there is one, is the kind of content that drives it (E = Emotional · P = Physical · S = Social · T = Thematic). Reading level and age range are rated separately. How we rate
No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
If your child liked this book, they might like these
Matched on content and themes — all rated for reading level and content intensity.
Little Red Riding Hood
Trina Schart Hyman
Little Red Riding Hood
Trina Schart Hyman
Waynetta and the Cornstalk
Helen Ketteman
Waynetta and the Cornstalk
Helen Ketteman
Winnie the Witch
Valerie Thomas
Winnie the Witch
Valerie Thomas
One witch at a time
Stacy DeKeyser
One witch at a time
Stacy DeKeyser
Little Red Riding Hood
Roberto Piumini
Little Red Riding Hood
Roberto Piumini
Little Witch goes to school
Deborah Hautzig
Little Witch goes to school
Deborah Hautzig
Little Witch learns to read
Deborah Hautzig
Little Witch learns to read
Deborah Hautzig
Karma bites
Stacy Kramer
Karma bites
Stacy Kramer
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780671666064
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 1988
- Type
- Fiction