MONDAY: Meet the Author Tomie dePaola

One of my all time, favorite authors, Tomie dePaola really knows what kids love.  His humorous style, adorable and captivating drawings and pictures talk of characters and circumstances not meant for our world.  Witches, spells, brews and magic are the world in which his characters live and make us laugh, both children and adults.  He was born an artist and spent his days as a child drawing and painting.  He's been published for over 40 years and has written and/or illustrated nearly 250 books, including Strega Nona, 26 Fairmount Avenue, The Art Lesson, and Christmas Remembered. Over 15 million copies of his books have sold worldwide. (I'd call that a success story!)

	Photograph of Tomie dePaola and his dog, Brontë © by Julie Maris/Semel Tomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POW-la) is best known for his books for children. Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Smithson Medal from the Smithsonian Institution, the Kerlan Award from the University of Minnesota for his "singular attainment in children's literature," the Regina Medal from the Catholic Library Association and many, many other prestigious awards. Tomie dePaola lives in New London, New Hampshire, with his Airedale terrier, Brontë, and works in a renovated 200-year-old barn.
	All content and images copyright © Tomie dePaola. All rights reserved

	STREGA NONA’S GIFT Written and Illustrated by Tomie dePaola Full-color, Picture Book 32 Pages, 8 ¾” W x 11 ½” H Ages 5-8, K-Grade 3 Nancy Paulsen Books, New York, 2011 ISBN 978-0-399-25649-3
	From the Book’s Front Flap: “In Strega Nona’s village, the holiday season is a time of celebrations – and nothing says celebration like a feast! All the kitchens are bustling from the Feast of San Nicola in early December, when the children choose the food, to the Feast of Epiphany in January, when someone gets to be king or queen for the day. “Even the animals share in the holiday spirit, for there is one feast where the tradition is to cook for them. When Big Anthony smells the delicious treats Strega Nona is cooking up for her animals, he decides that just a taste couldn’t hurt, right? Wrong! Big Anthony gets his justdesserts, while Strega Nona surprises everyone with a special gift. “Starring two of Tomie dePaola’s best-loved characters, this funny story features beautiful art, introduces young readers to Italian holiday traditions, and lands Big Anthony in yet another silly predicament that will delight fans young and old.”
	MY FIRST LEGENDS: THE STORY OF BLUEBONNET Written and Illustrated by Tomie dePaola Full-color, Board Book 12 Pages, 7 ½” W x 8” H Ages 3-5, PreS-K Grosset & Dunlap, New York ISBN 978-0-448-45532-7 (Available Now)
	Publisher’s Note: “Tomie dePaola’s wonderful story of how one girl’s remarkable courage saved her people, and how the bluebonnet flower came to Texas is now available for young children! Adapted from the bestselling THE LEGEND OF THE BLUEBONNET, this board book features an appliqué on the cover and beautiful illustrations by Tomie dePaola.”
	LET THE WHOLE EARTH SING PRAISE Written and Illustrated by Tomie dePaola Full-color, Picture Book 32 Pages, 6 7/8” W x 8 3/8” H Ages 3-5 to Adult, PreS-K G. P. Putnam’s Sons, New York ISBN 978-0-399-25478-9 (Available Now)
	Publisher’s Note: “This joyous book sings thanks and praise for everything in land, sea, and sky – from the sun and moon to plants and animals to all people, young and old. Beloved author-illustrator Tomie dePaola captures the beauty of God’s creation in his folk art-style illustrations. With text inspired by Old Testament Scripture and artwork fashioned after the beautiful embroideries and designs of the Otomi people from the mountain villages around San Pablito, in Puebla, Mexico, this is a wonderful celebration for all to share.”