Yours, Befana

A Letter from the Winter Witch

Barbara Cuoghi, Elenia Beretta, Genni Gunn

$29.99

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Greystone Books,Canada
10 September 2024

A perfect holiday read for kids 4-8, this beautiful book shares a letter from Befana, the winter witch.

Befana is a remarkable character from Italian folklore. On the 6th of January, she flies on a broom through the icy winter sky to visit children and bring them presents. In this stunningly illustrated book, Befana shares her secrets in a letter to all children: how she wears her warmest cloak for the journey, and sips a special soup that makes her invisible when visiting homes. She fills the stockings of some children with sweets, but leaves lumps of coal in others. For people of all ages, she brings the most precious gift of all: the promise of Spring, and nature's rebirth.

This enchanting story provides:

Backmatter with facts about Befana and other winter witch traditions A conversation starter about different holiday and winter traditions around the world Enchanting illustrations that capture the magic of Befana and the beauty of winter Insight into Italian folklore for kids

Destined to become a treasured part of holiday traditions, kids will ask to be read Yours, Befana again and again.

By: Barbara Cuoghi
Illustrated by: Elenia Beretta
Translated by: Genni Gunn
Imprint: Greystone Books,Canada
Country of Publication: Canada
Dimensions: Height: 279mm, Width: 184mm,
ISBN: 9781778401466
ISBN 10: 1778401465
Pages: 32
Publication Date: 10 September 2024
Recommended Age: From 4 years
Audience: Children/juvenile , English as a second language
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Barbara Cuoghi has a PhD in animal biology and has carried out research laboratories and has scientific contributions in national and international journals. In 2006, she obtained her teaching degree and, today, she works as a tenured teacher of mathematics at the secondary school level. She's always had a special interest in La Befana (she was born on the same day!) and has been passionately researching the life and lore of Befana for many years. She lives in Modena, Italy. Elenia Beretta is an artist, author, and illustrator whose work has appeared in many publications including New York Times, Vogue, Washington Post, and Rebel Girls. She is the author and illustrator of the children's picture book We Love Pizza! and co-founder of Drawing Nights Berlin (@drawingnightsberlin). She draws artistic inspiration from many sources including films, old photographs, art, and literature. She lives in Berlin, Germany.

Reviews for Yours, Befana: A Letter from the Winter Witch

"“Will certainly add color to a school or home exploration of holiday traditions around the world."" —Booklist “Washed in candy colors, Beretta’s shape-based artwork mixes natural motifs with contemporary geometric human-made environments, modernizing the story’s mythic dimensions. Back matter provides clarifying context.” —Publishers Weekly “[With] shimmering images… a charming vintage cinematic feel….Intriguing, a refreshingly original Yuletide tale."" —Kirkus Reviews"