Tomie dePaola

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About Tomie dePaola

"Tomie dePaola was born in Meriden, Connecticut, in 1934 to a family of Irish and Italian background. By the time he could hold a pencil, he knew what his life's work would be. His determination to create books for children led to a BFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and an MFA from the California College of Arts & Crafts in Oakland, California.
It drove him through the years of teaching, designing greeting cards and stage sets, and painting church murals until 1965, when he illustrated his first children's book, Sound, by Lisa Miller for Coward-McCann. Eventually, freed of other obligations, he plunged full time into both writing and illustrating children's books.
He names Fra Angelico and Giotto, Georges Rouault, and Ben Shahn as major influences on his work, but he soon found his own unique style. His particular way with color, line, detail, and design have earned him many of the most prestigious awards in his field, among them a Caldecott Honor Award for Strega Nona, the Smithsonian Medal from the Smithsonian Institution, the Kerlan Award from the University of Minnesota for his ""singular attainment in children's literature,"" the Catholic Library Association's Regina Medal for his ""continued distinguished contribution,"" and the University of Southern Mississippi Medallion. He was also the 1990 United States nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for illustration.
Tomie dePaola has published almost 200 children's books in fifteen different countries. He remains one of the most popular creators of books for children, receiving more than 100,000 fan letters each year.
Tomie lives in an interesting house in New Hampshire with his four dogs. His studio is in a large renovated 200-year-old barn.
- He has been published for over 30 years.
- Over 5 million copies of his books have sold worldwide.
- His books have been published in over 15 different countries.
- He receives nearly 100,000 fan letters each year.
Tomie dePaola has received virtually every significant recognition for his books in the children's book world, including:
- Caldecott Honor Award from American Library Association
- Newbery Honor Award from American Library Association
- Smithson Medal from Smithsonian Institution
- USA nominee in illustration for Hans Christian Andersen Medal
- Regina Medal from Catholic Library Association

"

Patricia Polacco

Jan Brett

Ezra Jack Keats

Cynthia Rylant

Eve Bunting

Kevin Henkes

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Books By Tomie dePaola

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The Story of the Three Wise Kings Sep 15, 2020

by Tomie dePaola

( 72 )

$10.99

Tomie dePaola’s beloved 1983 classic returns to print just in time for the holiday season!

Three wise men of the East, having seen a new star symbolizing the birth of a great king, follow the star to Bethlehem where they present gifts to the newborn Jesus. This beautiful rendition of the well-known tale is sure to delight young readers.

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback

The Legend of Old Befana: An Italian Christmas Story Nov 7, 2017

by Tomie dePaola

( 718 )

$7.49

In this beloved classic picture book, Tomie dePaola retells and illustrates an Italian Christmas folk tale, breathing warmth and humanity into the character of the lonely Old Befana and her endless search for the Christ Child.

Every morning and every afternoon, Old Befana sweeps with her broom. “Cranky old lady,” the children say. “She is always sweeping!” Sweep, sweep, sweep.

But when a brilliant star glows in the eastern sky one night, and Old Befana encounters the glorious procession of three kings on their way to Bethlehem, her world will never be the same.

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback

Strega Nona Oct 4, 2011

by Tomie dePaola

( 2,213 )

$7.99

In this e-book edition, Tomie dePaola retells his classic story against a charming musical score.

Strega Nona—"Grandma Witch"—is the source for potions, cures, magic, and comfort in her Calabrian town. Her magical ever-full pasta pot is especially intriguing to hungry Big Anthony. Big Anthony is supposed to look after her house and tend her garden, but one day, when she goes over the mountain to visit Strega Amelia, he recites the magic verse over the pasta pot, with disastrous results.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Hardcover , Paperback , Audio, Cassette , Board book

The Legend of the Poinsettia Oct 6, 1997

by Tomie dePaola

( 751 )

$7.99

In Mexico, the poinsettia is called flor de la Nochebuenao flower of the Holy Night. At Christmastime, the flower blooms and flourishes, the quite exquisite red stars lighting up the countryside.

A Mexican legend tells how the poinsettia came to be, through a little girl's unselfish gift to the Christ Child. Tomie dePaola has embraced the legend using his own special feeling for Christmas. His glorious paintings capture not only the brilliant colors of Mexico and its art, but also the excitement of the children preparing for Christmas and the hope of Lucida, who comes to see what makes a gift truly beautiful.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , School & Library Binding , Paperback , Audio, Cassette

Pancakes for Breakfast Apr 3, 1978

by Tomie dePaola

( 433 )

$5.99

This wordless picture book follows the trials of a little old lady who attempts to make pancakes for her breakfast. “The optimistic determination of the woman and the gentle humor of the illustrations make this an appealing book for the very young.” —School Library Journal

This title has been selected as a Common Core Text Exemplar (Grades K-1, Stories).

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback

The Legend of the Bluebonnet Apr 16, 1996

by Tomie dePaola

( 402 )

$7.99

Thick clusters of vivid blue flowers, which resemble old-fashioned sunbonnets, cover the Texas hills in the springtime every year. These lovely wild flowers, known by the name of bluebonnet, are the state flower of Texas.

This favorite legend based on Comanche Indian lore, tells the story of how the bluebonnet came to be. Tomie dePaola's powerful retelling and his magnificent full-color paintings perfectly capture the Comanche People, the Texas hills, and the spirit of She-Who-Is-Alone, a little girl who made a sacrifice to save her tribe.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Hardcover , Paperback , Audio, Cassette

The Knight and the Dragon Feb 3, 1998

by Tomie dePaola

( 876 )

$7.99

What happens when a sheepish knight and a not-so-fierce dragon fight for the very first time? Well, it's no ordinary battle since the knight has to go to the castle library to learn about dragon-fighting and the dragon must dig through his ancestor's things to find out how to fight a knight! "Spontaneity of line and feeling are backed by zesty colors and a jovial, tongue-in-cheek tone to which children can relate—a top springtime choice." —Booklist "There's a swirl of good-humored life to the book." —The New York Times Book Review

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback

Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato: An Irish Folktale Jan 27, 1997

by Tomie dePaola

( 252 )

$7.99

"Illustrated in dePaola's signature style, this has an inviting look. Buoyant watercolors are framed by thin orange borders....An engaging read-aloud choice for St. Patrick's Day." -- BooklistA Cheery picture book, with the artist using the lighter, brighter side of his palette....Attractive and amusing." -- Kirkus Reviews

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , School & Library Binding , Paperback , Audio, Cassette , Board book

Bill and Pete Go Down the Nile Jul 16, 1996

by Tomie dePaola

( 191 )

$6.99

It's a new school year, as William Everett Crocodile and his trusty friend and toothbrush, Pete, prepare for a class trip down the Nile.

They're ready for the mysterious Sphinx. They're ready for mummies and pyramids. Their teacher, Ms. Ibis, has even promised them a glimpse of the priceless jewel called "the Sacred Eye of Isis." But are Bill and Pete ready for the Bad Guy, up to his usual no-good tricks?

Come along on this fast-paced and funny adventure with Bill and Pete, and find out.

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback

The Art Lesson (Paperstar Book) May 19, 1997

by Tomie dePaola

( 308 )

$7.99

Tommy knows he wants to be an artist when he grows up. He can't wait to get to school and have real art lessons. When Tommy gets to school and finds out that the art lessons are full of "rules", he is surprised and dismayed. How the wise art teacher finds a way to give Tommy the freedom to create and stay within the "rules" makes a wonderfully perceptive picture book about growing up and keeping one's individuality.

Tomie dePaola is the author and illustrator of many beloved books for children, including the Caldecott Honor Book Strega Nona. Fans of all ages will be pleased to hear that The Art Lesson is, in fact, based on the artist's own experiences growing up, and offers a welcome glimpse into his past. This bright picture book is as covered with drawings as the walls of Tommy's parents' and grandparents' houses, and sends an inspirational message to budding artists and individualists. Break out the crayons!

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback

The Night of Las Posadas Sep 27, 1999

by Tomie dePaola

( 263 )

$7.99

Tomie dePaola's glorious paintings are as luminous as the farolitos that light up on the Plaza in Santa Fe for the procession of Las Posadas, the tradition in which Mary and Joseph go from door to door seeking shelter at the inn on Christmas Eve.This year Sister Angie, who is always in charge of the clebration, has to stay home with the flu, and Lupe and Roberto, who are to play Mary and Joseph, get caught in a snowstorm. But a man and a woman no one knows arrive in time to take their place in the procession and then mysteriously disappear at the end before they can be thanked.That night we witness a Christian miracle, for when Sister Angie goes to the cathedral and kneels before the statue of Mary and Jospeh, wet footprints from the snow lead up to the statue.

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback

Tomie dePaola's The Popcorn Book (40th Anniversary Edition) Oct 16, 2018

by Tomie dePaola

( 131 )

$7.99

Everyone loves popcorn! Newly updated with the latest research, a delicious 40th anniversary edition of a POP-ular classic.

Tony likes to cook. Tiny likes to read. And both twins like to eat . . . POPCORN!

So while Tiny cooks it, Tony reads about it: what popcorn is, how it's stored and prepared, legends and stories about it, and its history in Europe and North America.

A favorite since its original release in 1978, The Popcorn Book has sold nearly a million copies. This fresh new edition features refreshed interiors with bolder colors, and revised text-- updated with new information and vetted for accuracy by a Native American expert.

Colorful, funny, and informative, this nonfiction classic from the best-selling author-illustrator of Quiet, Strega Nona, and many more will teach you everything you need to know about this favorite snack food-- and leave you hungry for more. And because the best thing about popcorn is eating it, two great recipes for popping corn are included!

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback

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