Sale price
$1999
The Clown of God
Ages 4–8 · 1978
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1980 · Est. 10 min read-aloud
The Legend of Old Befana
Written & illustrated by Tomie dePaola
A lonely woman follows a star, seeking a child who changes everything.
32 pages· 1,205 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
$19.99Save 5%
Bookroo's summary
Old Befana, a solitary woman known for her constant sweeping, lives a life of routine. But one night, a radiant star appears, leading her to a procession of three kings journeying to Bethlehem. Drawn by their quest to find a special child, Befana's world is transformed. Will she find what she seeks, or will her search continue forever? This enchanting tale weaves together mystery and hope, inviting readers to join Befana on her timeless journey.
"'Old woman,' called a boy who was leading a camel by. 'You should come with us. This Child, this Baby King, has come to change the world. He comes for us. He comes for the poor. We are bringing him gifts.'"
— from the book
From the publisher
In this beloved classic picture book, Tomie dePaola retells and illustrates an Italian Christmas folk tale, breathing warmth and humanity into the character of the lonely Old Befana and her endless search for the Christ Child.
Every morning and every afternoon, Old Befana sweeps with her broom. “Cranky old lady,” the children say. “She is always sweeping!” Sweep, sweep, sweep.
But when a brilliant star glows in the eastern sky one night, and Old Befana encounters the glorious procession of three kings on their way to Bethlehem, her little world will never be the same.
At a glance
- Format
- Hardcover
- Pages
- 32
- Words
- 1,205
- Reading age
- 4–8
- Audience
- Picture
- Lexile
- 540L
What readers & critics say
Reviews
5.3
out of 7
4.5
“I love the illustrations by this well-known author/illustrator! This story explaining the Italian legend of Old Befana seems like it would be particularly fun for those with Italian heritage that are familiar with this holiday legend.”
B is for Bookworm
Trusted reviewer
6.0
“This gorgeously rendered telling of a legend in Tomie dePaola's signature style is a refreshingly different perspective of the night of baby Jesus' birth. The illustrations are amazing, and the story sweet.”
Marmee
Trusted reviewer
The author & illustrator
More from Tomie dePaola
Sale price
$1799
When Everyone Was Fast Asleep
Ages 3–6 · 1976
Sale price
$899
The Legend of the Poinsettia
Ages 4–8 · 1993
Sale price
$1799
In a Small Kingdom
Ages 4–8 · 2016
Your next read
Books that feel like this one
Sale price
$1000
Brigid's Cloak
Ages 5–9 · 2002
Sale price
$1699
The Princess and the Christmas Rescue
Ages 3–7 · 2017
Sale price
$1899
Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas
Ages 4–8 · 2014
Sale price
$1299
The Christmas Candle
Ages 6–9 · 1998
Sale price
$1899
Cobweb Christmas
Ages 4–8 · 1982
Sale price
$1699
Nian, the Chinese New Year Dragon
Ages 6–8 · 2019
Sale price
$799
The Little Match Girl
Ages 4–8 · 1845
Sale price
$1699
The Legend of St. Nicholas
Ages 4–8 · 2007
The fine print
Book details
Reading levels
- ATOS
- 2.9
- F&P level
- ~N
- AR points
- 0.5
- AR interest level
- LG
- AR quiz
- 52166
Publication
- Published
- November 7, 2017
- First published
- September 2, 1980
Edition
- Language
- English
- Type
- Picture Book
- Text details
- The text for this book was set in ITC Cerigo Std.
- Illustration details
- The illustrations for this book were rendered in colored inks and watercolor on Cotman 140 lb. handmade watercolor paper.
Identifiers
- ISBN
- 9781481477635
- LCCN
- 2016039502
Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.
Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.
Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.