Tony's Bread

Tomie dePaola's 'Tony's Bread' is a gentle, folkloric tale that explains the supposed origin of panettone, the famous Italian sweet bread. Set in old Milano, the story follows Tony, a baker who experiences the profound sadness of losing his beloved daughter. In his grief, he invents a new, unique bread that eventually brings him fame and joy. This book is suitable for children aged 4-11, offering a poignant yet ultimately uplifting narrative about finding purpose and creativity even after loss. Parents should be aware of the initial mention of the daughter's death, which is handled with sensitivity and serves as a catalyst for the story's positive arc.