The Christmas Witch : an Italian legend
(Kids Holiday)

SAMPLE TEXT: Long ago, before the first Christmas, there lived a very old woman called Befana. Her tiny house stood in a small town in a far corner of Italy. Befana had no family or friends, only a sleek black cat. To fill her lonely days and nights, Befana spen her time sweeping and cooking and sweeping some more. While she cleaned, Befana crooned little tunes. Her singing was so awful that her neighbors slammed their shutters tight. Such a wicked voice! they complained. She sounds like a witch! Stay away from that crazy old woman people warned their children. But the delicious smell of fresh cookies often drifted from Befana's window, tempting the children to go closer.

"A Byron Preiss book."

"A Bantam little rooster book."

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 give to good children at Christmas.