History of the Kingdom of Mangionia By Gianni Rodari
In the faraway, ancient land called Mangionia, East of the Dukedom of Bevibuono, first ruled King Mangione the Digester, so called after having eaten even the dish of his spaghetti, and digested it utterly well. After him there was Mangione II, a.k.a. Three Spoons, because he used to eat the soup using three silver spoons all together: two with his own hands, the third one kept by his Queen, and it must always be full! After him, in the right order, came to the throne of Mangionia (that was at the head of a table, laid day and night): Mangione III, a.k.a the Aperitif; Mangione IV, a.k.a. the Parmesan cutlet, Mangione V, the Greedy, Mangione VI, the Turkey-savager; Mangione VII, a.k.a. Is there any more?, who even devoured his crown, made by wrought iron; Mangione VIII, a.k.a. the Cheese Rind, who not finding anything more upon his table, swalloerd the tablecloth; Mangione IX, a.k.a. the Steel Jaw, who ate up the throne with all the cushions. So the dinasty ended.
Gianni Rodari (1920-1980) is one of the most celebrated Italian writers, known worldwide for his works for children. A former teacher, he was a journalist, and he had the merit of bringing the children’s literature a new spirit. In 1970 he won the Premio Andersen, an international award for children’s writers. Here you can watch a video with Rodari reading and talking about children. This short tale, from «Le Favole al Telefono» (“Fairy Tales Over the Phone”, 1962), is about the greedy kingdom of Mangionia (in Italian mangione means one person who is always eating). And the moral is: Who devours everything and doesn’t think to his own future, Will remain with nothing in his own hands. Classes III G and IV G - age 8/9 Direzione Didattica Statale G.Pitré-M.Rapisardi, Palermo, Italy