The Christmas Witch An Italian Legend

Having missed her chance to see him on the first Christmas, old Befana travels around Italy each year searching for the Christ Child and leaving cookies and Christmas presents for the sleeping children.

On the first Christmas, Befana missed her chance to go to Bethlehem to welcome the newborn Baby. Now, each year, the good Christmas Witch leaves cookies and gifts at the homes of sleeping children, still hoping to find the Christ Child. Perfect for early independent readers, this simple retelling captures all the wonder of the Italian legend. FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED NAME IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION More than seventy years of educational research and innovative teaching have given the Bank Street College of Education the reputation as America's most trusted name in early childhood education. Because no two children are exactly alike in their development, we have designed the Bank Street Ready-to-Read series in three levels to accommodate the individual stages of reading readiness of children ages four through eight. - Level 1: GETTING READY TO READ-- (PRE-K to GRADE 1) Books are perfect for reading aloud with children who are getting ready to read or are just beginning to read words or phrases. - Level 2: READING TOGETHER--(GRADES 1 to 3) Books are written especiallly for children who are on their way to reading independently but who may need help. - Level 3: I CAN READ IT MYSELF--(GRADES 2 to 3) Books are designed for children able to read on their own. They also can be enjoyed as read-alouds.

FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED NAME IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Every book in the Bank Street Ready-to-Read series is targeted at the individual abilities of children ages four to eight. The three interconnecting levels of the series are structured to grow along with a child's developing reading skills. This book is just right for a child old enough to say, "I Can Read It Myself," but it will also be enjoyed as a read-aloud by younger children. The Christmas Witch On the first Christmas, Befana missed her chance to go to Bethlehem to welcome the newborn Baby. Now, each year, the good Christmas Witch leaves cookies and gifts at the homes of sleeping children, still hoping to find the Christ Child. Perfect for early independent readers, this simple retelling captures all the wonder of the Italian legend.

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.

From Parks and Recreation star Aubrey Plaza and creative partner Dan Murphy comes the long lost tale of the Christmas Witch, Santa Claus's much misunderstood twin sister. The perfect gift for the holiday season and beyond! Gather ‘round the fire to hear a Christmas legend that has never been told before...until now. Each year a mysterious figure sweeps into town, leaving behind strange gifts in the night. No, not Santa Claus, but his sister… The Christmas Witch. Her story begins many, many years ago when her brother was torn away from her as a child. Raised alone by a witch of the woods, Kristtörn's powers of magic grew, as did her temper. Determined to find her long lost twin, she set out on a perilous journey across oceans to find him. But what she found instead was a deep-seated fear of her powers and a confrontation that would leave the fate of Christmas hanging in the balance. From award-winning producer and actress Aubrey Plaza and her creative partner Dan Murphy comes a holiday story unlike any told before. With all the richness of classic folklore, they’ve woven a tale of bravery, love and magic. Whatever you thought you knew about Christmas…think again.

A witty and warm-hearted memoir of abandoning fast-paced American days in favor of discovering the Italian secrets of food, community, and life. Moving across the globe meant Michelle Damiani soon found herself untangling Italian customs, delighting in glorious regional cuisine (recipes included), and creating lasting friendships. From grandmothers eager to teach the ancient art of pasta making, to bakers tossing bread into fiery ovens with a song, to butchers extolling the benefits of pork fat, Il Bel Centro is rich with captivating characters and cultural insights. Throw in clinking glasses of Umbrian red with the local communists and a village all-nighter decorating the cobblestone streets with flower petals; as well as embarrassing language minefields and a serious summons to the mayor’s office, and you have all the ingredients for a spellbinding travel tale. Exquisitely observed, Il Bel Centro is an intimate celebration of small town Italy, as well as a thoughtful look at raising a family in a new culture and a fascinating story of finding a home. Ultimately though, this is a story about how travel can change you when you’re ready to let it. With laugh-out-loud situations and wanderlust-inspiring storytelling, Il Bel Centro is a joyous and life-affirming read that will have readers rushing to renew their passports. “This is one of the most beautiful book I’ve ever read.” “I absolutely couldn’t get enough of this book.” “This book made me want to pack my bags.” “I loved, loved this book. Fabulously written, engaging, and entertaining.” “A magical read.”

Retells the traditional Italian tale of the poor peasant woman who, long ago, set out to find the Christ Child and wanders to this day, carrying a sack of gifts to distribute to good children at Christmas.