To close out Italian-American Heritage month, the Early Literacy team at NYPL suggests these five fantastic picture books celebrating Italian American culture and famous Italian-American figures from history. 

Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola

Tomie dePaola was one of the most prolific children’s book authors of the last century, and he has written dozens of favorites for young readers. We chose to highlight the beloved and timeless Strega Nona! Strega Nona is the “grandma witch” of her small Italian town with a magic pot of pasta...but what happens when her helper Big Anthony tries to show the townspeople how it works?

 

 

 

 

Maria Montessori by by Ma Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrated by Raquel Martín

From the Little People, Big Dreams series, this charming biography of Maria Montessori, written by Ma Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Raquel Martín, is perfect to share with children. Maria Montessori was a pioneer who changed the way we think about education across the world, but once upon a time, she was a young girl with a dream.

 

 

 

All the Way to America: The Story of a Big Italian Family and a Little Shovel by Dan Yaccarino

For those looking to explore stories about the immigrant experience, Dan Yaccarino’s All the Way to America explores the life of four generations of an Italian immigrant family, beginning with one man’s journey at Ellis island. His parents’ timeless advice, “Work hard, but remember to enjoy life, and never forget your family,” is universal.
 

A Picnic in October by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter

Our other favorite Ellis Island tale for little ones is Eve Bunting’s A Picnic in October, which tells the story of a young boy whose grandmother insists on a family picnic on Ellis Island every year. Eventually, he learns the reason why this place is so special to her, and to so many others.

 

Ciao, Baby! Ready for a Ride by Carole Lexa Schaefer, illustrated by Lauren Tobia

Finally, the early literacy team’s picks wouldn’t be complete without a title for babies! Ciao, Baby! Ready for a Ride is an adorable book by Carole Lexa Schaefer. Join Baby and Mama as they take the bus (beep beep!) and train (choo choo!) to visit Nonna!

 

 

Happy Italian-American Heritage month from all of us on the Early Literacy team!
 

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Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.

Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!