When Strega Nona leaves him alone with her magic pasta pot, Big Anthony is determined to show the townspeople how it works.

Because Befana's household chores kept her from finding the Baby King, she searches to this day, leaving gifts for children on the Feast of the Three Kings.

In Gubbio, Italy, Saint Francis shows the villagers that neither wealth nor strength are as powerful as love and compassion.

"A treasury of six previously published stories about Strega Nona, the 'grandmother witch,' and her sidekick, the bumbling Big Anthony, plus new material including introductions, a map, recipes, and an original lullaby (with sheet music and a CD)"--

A baker loses his daughter but gains a bakery in the grand city of Milano after meeting a determined nobleman and baking a unique loaf of bread.

"Young Gianni fishes in the lagoon of Burano, Italy, to feed the starving people of the island. When a storm dumps him from his boat, a mermaid whips the water into a length of elegant lace and saves him. His fiancée Nicoletta duplicates the lace pattern and sells it. The lace becomes the island's new industry"--

Strega Nona: "Never go near my cooking pot," warns old witch Strega Nona. But does Big Anthony listen? No! Joseph had a little overcoat: Joseph loves his little overcoat, but it's getting old and worn. What can he do with it now? Stone soup: When three soldiers come to town, all the townsfolk hide their foo. If the soldiers can't find any food, what will they eat? Stone soup, of course!