Big Anthony and the Magic Ring is a children's book written by Tomie dePaola. It is the third installment in the Strega Nona series, following the beloved character Big Anthony as he gets into another magical misadventure. In the book, Big Anthony is entrusted with Strega Nona's magic ring. This ring has the power to grant any wish that the wearer desires. At first, Big Anthony is thrilled and excited about having this incredible power. He starts using the ring to fulfill his own wishes, such as having a never-ending supply of pizza.
I’ve always felt that sequels, especially well-done sequels, get a bad rap. They hardly ever win major awards, and are generally seen as a continuance of the original story. Of course there are exceptions, (The High King, The Grey King and Dicey’s Song stand out in my memory) but it seems to be difficult for a sequel to win big.
The next night Big Anthony took Strega Nona s ring, which he wasn t supposed to touch, and sang the magic song and he went to the village to see if anybody would dance with him. Of course there are exceptions, The High King, The Grey King and Dicey s Song stand out in my memory but it seems to be difficult for a sequel to win big.
He starts using the ring to fulfill his own wishes, such as having a never-ending supply of pizza. However, he soon realizes that his wishes are causing chaos and trouble. One day, while wearing the magic ring, Big Anthony unknowingly wishes for the entire town to be underwater.
Strega Nona's Magic Ring
Big Anthony has a case of spring fever and he needs a little Night Life to cheer him up!
But Big Anthony is afraid that if he goes to the village dance, no one will dance with him. So when Strega Nona goes away on a visit, Big Anthony borrows her magic ring, which turns him into a handsome stranger…
As a result, the town is flooded and the villagers are in a state of panic. Big Anthony feels guilty and knows that he needs to fix his mistake. With the help of Strega Nona and the wise Grandma Concetta, he learns the importance of using magic responsibly. Throughout the story, Big Anthony's character develops from a careless and self-centered person into someone who understands the consequences of his actions. He learns that magic should be used to help others, rather than for personal gain. With determination and courage, he manages to reverse the effects of his wish and saves the town from its watery fate. Big Anthony and the Magic Ring is a wonderful tale that teaches children valuable lessons about responsibility and the importance of thinking before acting. It showcases the power of storytelling in teaching life lessons and the importance of strong moral values. Tomie dePaola's charming illustrations bring the story to life and capture the essence of the characters and their emotions. Overall, this book is a delightful addition to the Strega Nona series and is sure to entertain and educate young readers. It reminds us all that with great power comes great responsibility..
Reviews for "The Magic Ring's Lessons for Big Anthony and the Readers"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Big Anthony and the Magic Ring". The story felt repetitive and lackluster, and I found myself losing interest halfway through. The characters were one-dimensional and I couldn't connect with any of them. The illustrations were also quite plain and didn't add much to the overall appeal of the book. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book as there are much better options available for children's literature.
2. Michael - 1 star - "Big Anthony and the Magic Ring" was a complete bore! The plot was predictable and unoriginal, and it felt like a cheap attempt to cash in on the success of similar stories. The writing style was simplistic and lacked depth, leaving me unengaged and uninterested. The illustrations were equally underwhelming, lacking detail and imagination. Save your time and money, and find a more captivating children's book to read.
3. Jessica - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Big Anthony and the Magic Ring", but unfortunately, it fell flat. The story felt rushed and poorly developed, with a lack of depth and complexity. The dialogue was cliché and the characters were forgettable. The illustrations, although colorful, seemed amateurish and didn't enhance the reading experience. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a truly captivating and well-written children's story.
4. David - 1 star - I couldn't wait to finish "Big Anthony and the Magic Ring" so I could move on to a better book. The plot was predictable and offered no surprises. The characters lacked personality and were difficult to connect with. The illustrations were mediocre at best, and didn't have any standout moments. Overall, this book was a major letdown and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a truly engaging children's story.
5. Michelle - 2 stars - I had high expectations for "Big Anthony and the Magic Ring", but unfortunately, it failed to meet them. The story felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth. The illustrations were decent, but nothing extraordinary. Overall, the book left me feeling unimpressed and I wouldn't recommend it to others. There are much more engaging children's books available that offer a more fulfilling reading experience.