Once again Tomie dePaola draws upon his childhood, this time telling about his Irish grandfather, who says to him, "We're named after each other, Tommy. That's why I want to you to call me Tom, instead of Grandpa." They share a lot of silly times, which dePaola recounts in this charming book.

A little old lady's attempts to have pancakes for breakfast are hindered by a scarcity of supplies and the participation of her pets.

When Strega Nona leaves him alone with her magic pasta pot, Big Anthony is determined to show the townspeople how it works.

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.

While his wife is away, a lazy man relies on a pooka to clean up the messes that he and his friends make.

While decorating their Christmas tree, a family discusses the origin of the cheerful holiday symbol.

A shepherd shears his sheep, cards and spins the wool, weaves and dyes the cloth, and sews a beautiful new red cloak.

A once-famous Italian juggler, now old and a beggar, gives one final performance before a statue of Our Lady and the Holy Child.

Presents a variety of facts about popcorn and includes two recipes.

Embarrassed to introduce his friend to his old-fashioned Italian grandmother, a young boy gains a new appreciation of her when he finds how well she and his friend get along.