Tustin, California Oct 25, 2022 (Issuewire.com) - Summary: In the traditional Italian tale, the Befana character is sometimes referred to as the Italian, Christmas witch, but in author Paolo Mazzucato’s reimagining of the story, she is more of a kindly, old grandmother who, like all good Italian nonnas, wants to see everyone well fed and taken care of. The storybook is available in time for the holidays.
Part rumor, part folklore, and a part magical invention, The absolutely true story of La Befana recount the origin story of the Italian Befana and her Christmas Epiphany visit to all children, naughty and nice. Paolo Mazzucato, author of the early-YA novel, The Gondoliers, and numerous children’s books including the best-selling No One Mocks a Panda, reimagines the classic tale with a playful tone, rich illustrations, and a few delicious, Italian recipes. The storybook is available in English and in an Italian language edition through the publisher at BepiBooks.com as well as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online sellers.
Mazzucato wrote and illustrated the storybook to reinvigorate the old Befana story for both young and older readers who may be unfamiliar with the original, Italian tale. Told from an unconventional point of view and peppered with a distinctly Italian style, the story takes a fresh approach to uncover the origins of the Befana character who embodies the true holiday spirit of giving, doing for others, and making friends and family feel welcome.
Jed Doherty, the host of the popular “Reading With Your Kids” podcast, states that “…the whole message of ‘getting out there’ and sharing your love…is a really timely message.”
The 80-page, illustrated storybook can be purchased from the publisher, BepiBooks, at www.bepibooks.com or from various online booksellers including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It is available in English and in an Italian language edition.
About Author
Paolo Mazzucato is an Italian/American fiction author and screenwriter. He began his writing career as a Chicago playwright and award-winning student filmmaker before moving to Los Angeles where he won awards for screenwriting and scripted various projects for film and television in addition to writing several children’s, middle-grade, and young adult books.
Mazzucato is the author/illustrator of the children's books, Dream of the Rainbow Unicorn, No One Mocks a Panda (an Amazon #1 Best Seller, Feb. 2019), A Most Curious Winter's Night, and The absolutely true story of La Befana. He is also the author of the fantasy adventure novel, The Gondoliers: The Secret Journals of Fanticulous Glim, a "recommended" read by the US Review of Books.
Media Contact
BepiBooks info@bepibooks.com http://www.bepibooks.com
