The Legend of Old Befana

Christmas, Folktales, Christian

Tomie dePaola

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. โ€œCranky old lady,โ€ the children say. โ€œShe is always sweeping!โ€ Sweep, sweep, sweep.