Where did Tommie Depola get stregenona from?

Tommie DePaola, the beloved children's author and illustrator, created his own unique stories and characters, including Strega Nona, who is a witch in Italian folklore. Strega Nona, which translates to "Grandma Witch," was inspired by DePaola's Italian heritage and the tales he heard growing up. The character and her adventures are a blend of traditional elements and DePaola's imaginative storytelling.