"To deserving children, I bring dried fruit,
sweets, and nuts - small gifts that might seem
insignificant but are important,
as your great-grandparents well knew.
To the disobedient children, I bring lumps
of coal, ash, and rocks.
What I leave in your stocking I give in
kindness, truth, and knowledge -
gifts that are not measured in money,
to which human beings are
attached like leeches.
Woe to you if you mock my gifts.
And don't be fooled
by the drawings of me as an old witch.
I am all-powerful and unstoppable."
This letter from Befana, translated from Italian, offers a story rarely heard by many children. Befana is the winter witch who visits children on the twelfth night after Christmas - a day long past for this year. Still, it is a magical story that can certainly be shared at any time.
The letter form takes on a personal feel as Befana provides secrets for readers. She also offers guidance for behavior, while warning children about the results of misbehavior. She tells them they will never see her come and go, as a potion makes her invisible. Her gifts are food or coal; what is left will depend on what she has seen and knows about all.
As well as those gifts, she has another purpose.
"To all I bring the most precious gifts:
new weather, water, and sun, because
I am the gap between dark and light.
With me begins the celebration of Nature's rebirth."
Gouache illustrations, with touches of orange acrylic, are detailed and have a wintry fell. Young readers will appreciate the many animal images throughout the story. Befana is brought to full life as she makes her winter visits and then flies off to wait for yet another visit next year.
In a final section, Befana is willing to discuss A Few Secrets About Me, providing material about herself, and other winter witches.
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