It’s pasta time!

“The Magical World of Strega Nona,” six children’s stories featuring author-illustrator Tomie dePaola’s wise, nurturing title character, will be treasured by kids ages 5–8.

In addition to the Caldecott Medal-winning “Strega Nona,” the collection also includes “Strega Nona’s Gift” — a story about how Nona celebrates Epiphany, the Italian holidays on Jan. 5 and 6, and how bungling Big Anthony has his own epiphany.

The hefty tome includes a map of Nona’s Calabrian village, kid-friendly Italian recipes, and pasta cooking tips. It includes a CD featuring dePaola reading “Strega Nona: Her Story.”

“The Magical World of Strega Nona” is a spellbinding collection, but it’s up to you to provide the “ingrediente segreto,” the secret ingredient: love!

“The Magical World of Strega Nona,” $40, www.barnesandnoble.com.

Athletic Association of Yorkville Youths

Serving the families and children of NYC for over 50 years with high-quality recreational activities that foster life-lessons which empower young people to succeed beyond sports. Our programs encourage positive attitudes and growth through teamwork and sportsmanship, attendance, fair play, respect, hard work, integrity and fun. Your child can participate in clinics and leagues in such sports as baseball, basketball, flag-football, lacrosse, soccer, hockey, wrestling, track, and tennis. We also offer weekly dodgeball tournaments, drama and musical theater workshops, and after school programs.

Laurissa Jane Music

Laurissa Jane Music Studio is a dedicated institution that offers a solid foundation for students to explore the captivating world of music and arts. With experienced instructors, we offer private and group lessons in piano, voice, and guitar, for all ages and skill levels. We provide year-round training for renowned programs such as NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) and ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music). LJMS runs an annual Summer Musical Theatre Arts Program from July-August which offers a creative environment for young individuals with a passion for acting, singing, and dancing. We are proud to serve the vibrant communities of Jamaica Queens and can also provide classes virtually. At LJMS, we firmly believe in the transformative power of the arts. Call us today!

The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center

The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center offers year-round, community-based dance and music programming in a fully inclusive and nurturing environment, located in the heart of the Brooklyn Cultural District. The School&rsquo;s diverse and professional faculty provides progressive and non-competitive instruction with all of our classes accompanied by live music. Though we are a non-recital school, there are opportunities for students to perform and for parents to see their dancers in action.