Yours, Befana: A Letter from the Winter Witch
by Barbara Cuoghi (Author) Elenia Beretta (Illustrator)
A perfect Halloween read for kids 4-8, this otherworldly book shares a letter from Befana, the winter witch.
Befana is a remarkable character from Italian folklore. On the 6th of January, she flies on a broom through the icy winter sky to visit children and bring them presents. In this stunningly illustrated book, Befana shares her secrets in a letter to all children: how she wears her warmest cloak for the journey, and sips a special soup that makes her invisible when visiting homes. She fills the stockings of some children with sweets, but leaves lumps of coal in others. For people of all ages, she brings the most precious gift of all: the promise of Spring, and nature's rebirth.
This enchanting story provides:
- Backmatter with facts about Befana and other winter witch traditions
- A conversation starter about different holiday and winter traditions around the world
- Enchanting illustrations that capture the magic of Befana and the beauty of winter
- Insight into Italian folklore for kids
Destined to become a treasured part of holiday traditions, kids will ask to be read Yours, Befana again and again.
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Publishers Weekly
La Befana, a winter witch from Italian folklore, introduces herself via free verse in this translation of Cuoghi's enigmatic tribute to the magic of 12th night--when "night hangs motionless between/ the final sigh of the holidays and the return to daily life." With a wry tone, Befana describes the holiday ("this suspended and magical time in which/ we can even talk to animals"), taking care to distinguish herself from other notable figures ("I have nothing to do/ with that clumsy oaf dressed in red/... don't ask me for gifts./ I'll use your little letters to wrap my fish"). Washed in candy colors, Beretta's shape-based artwork mixes natural motifs with contemporary geometric human-made environments, modernizing the story's mythic dimensions. Back matter provides clarifying context. Ages 5-8. (Sept.)
Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
ALA/Booklist
Non-Italian readers may need additional background knowledge to appreciate the character of Befana, but this book will certainly add color to a school or home exploration of holiday traditions around the world.
Kirkus
An intriguing, refreshingly original Yuletide tale.
Review quotes
"Will certainly add color to a school or home exploration of holiday traditions around the world." —Booklist
"Washed in candy colors, Beretta's shape-based artwork mixes natural motifs with contemporary geometric human-made environments, modernizing the story's mythic dimensions. Back matter provides clarifying context." —Publishers Weekly
"[With] shimmering images... a charming vintage cinematic feel....Intriguing, a refreshingly original Yuletide tale." —Kirkus Reviews
Barbara Cuoghi has a PhD in animal biology and has carried out research laboratories and has scientific contributions in national and international journals. In 2006, she obtained her teaching degree and, today, she works as a tenured teacher of mathematics at the secondary school level. She's always had a special interest in La Befana (she was born on the same day!) and has been passionately researching the life and lore of Befana for many years. She lives in Modena, Italy. Elenia Beretta is an artist, author, and illustrator whose work has appeared in many publications including New York Times, Vogue, Washington Post, and Rebel Girls. She is the author and illustrator of the children's picture book We Love Pizza! and co-founder of Drawing Nights Berlin (@drawingnightsberlin). She draws artistic inspiration from many sources including films, old photographs, art, and literature. She lives in Berlin, Germany.
JUV012020 - Juvenile Fiction | Fairy Tales & Folklore | Country & Ethnic - General
JUV017010 - Juvenile Fiction | Holidays & Celebrations | Christmas & Advent
JUV017080 - Juvenile Fiction | Holidays & Celebrations | Other, Non-Religious
