Books by Tomie dePaola

Book SynopsisIn the final completed book written by beloved and award-winning creator Tomie dePaola, Tomie tells the emotional and deeply personal story about overcoming his grief after the loss of his dog, Brönte.

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Book SynopsisWhat 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

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Book SynopsisTomie dePaola’s simple text and bright illustrations perfectly capture the joy of this special holiday. Young readers will love learning more about the traditional celebrations of the day.

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Book SynopsisTomie dePaola’s beloved and bestselling Strega Nona gets in some friendly competition in this beloved addition to the series!Strega Nona (Grandma Witch) has cures for warts and headaches, even lovesickness. She uses old-fashioned potions and magic and the villagers in Calabria flock to her door. But when her friend Strega Amelia comes over the mountain for a visit, she brings more than just gossip. Soon she's set up her own shop, using the latest modern gadgets, offering sweets and cappuccino--to all of Strega Nona's regulars! Looks like Strega Nona's met her match, Unless she's got her own cure. For Strega Amelia!A pleasure to read aloud, this features the broad humor that young children relish.—Booklist 

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Book SynopsisIn 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.This Mexican legend tells how the poinsettia came to be, through a little girl's unselfish gift to the Christ Child. Beloved Newbery honor-winning author and Caldecott honor-winning illustrator 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.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review★"DePaola's well-honed, color drenched artwork...is warmly appealing; a deceptively simple approach underscored by pure craft". — Booklist, starred review"The perennial conflict between Individual and Authority, or between Artist and Society, lies beneath this anecdote, and it's gratifying to see the small non-conformist accommodated. Everyone can enjoy dePaola's gentle autobiographical evocation of a loving family and a happy obsession". — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisThick 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.

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Book SynopsisIn spring, the hills and meadows of Texas and Wyoming are ablaze with the reds, oranges, and yellows of the Indian Paintbrush. How this striking plant received its name is told in an old Indian legend.Many years ago, when the People traveled the Plains, a young Indian boy had a Dream-Vision in which it was revealed that one day he would create a painting that was as pure as the colors of the evening sky at sunset. The boy grew up to become the painter of the tribe, but although he found a pure white buckskin for a canvas and made paints from the brightest flowers and the reddest berries, he could not capture the sunset.How the young Indian artist finally fulfills his Dream-Vision is lovingly told and illustrated by Tomie dePaola, in words and pictures that capture the spirit and beauty of this dramatic legend.

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Book SynopsisTommy 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!

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Book SynopsisOriginally published in 1990, this stunningly illustrated collection is now a classic. Tomie dePaola lovingly brings to life thirty-seven well-known Bible stories and Psalms, featuring some of the most memorable and significant people in both the Old and New Testaments. Readers will be caught up in the dramatic events of the stories, all vividly portrayed in wonderful detail-including Noah's Ark, David and Goliath, Jonah and the Big Fish, and accounts of Jesus' life, death and resurrection. With its brilliant illustrations, and the addition of a note from Tomie and a beautifully redesigned jacket, this special anniversary edition is perfect for the whole family to share.

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Book SynopsisFind out how Strega Nona became her wonderful self with the entertaining life story of Tomie dePaola's beloved grandmother witch.Everyone is curious about Strega Nona, so she's telling her own story, every detail just as she remembers it—from her childhood with Grandma Concetta, who trained young Nona and her best friend Amelia, to her early days in the little house on the hill and the happy moments when she met Big Anthony and Bambolona. It is the story of a most fascinating life that has influenced and delighted countless children and adults all over the world, and it all starts with the night Strega Nona was born, when the wind was blowing dark storm clouds across the hills . . .It's no surprise that award-winning author and artist Tomie dePaola was Strega Nona's choice as her biographer and portraitist, for he has put into books many stories that she has shared with him over the years, including Strega Nona (a Caldecott Honor Book), Strega Nona Meets Her Match, Strega Nona Takes a Vacation, Strega Nona's Harvest, Strega Nona's Gift, and Strega Nona Does It Again. Strega Nona's reaction when shown this book was, Bravissimo, mio caro Tomie!

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Book Synopsishis wonderful generational story, a classic in its own right, celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary in a new, full-color edition, joining the other appealing picture books in which Tomie draws upon his childhood memories. In re-creating the art, Tomie says, ?Creating this art was as emotional an experience for me now as it was then.??In a quietly touching story the author-illustrator depicts loving family relationships so that even the very young reader can understand the concept.??- Publishers Weekly?Children will want to hear this again and again...? -- School Library Journal (starred review)

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Book SynopsisThis board book of classic nursery rhymes introduces children to the magic of Mother Goose!Heartwarming illustrations and over 24 traditional rhymes and verses -- taken from the classic versions -- will delight babies, toddlers, and parents alike. This charming board book lovingly brings to life Little Miss Muffett, Humpty Dumpty, Mary, Mary Quite Contrary, and Little Boy Blue, as well as a host of other favorites for children to laugh with and treasure. This Mother Goose collection is the perfect addition to any family's library.

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Book SynopsisPresenting a delightful collection of children's favorite Mother Goose rhymes, illustrated with full-color paintings by Tomie dePaola. Young readers and their parents will enjoy meeting up with familiar friends, including Old King Cole, Little Bo-Peep, Jack and Jill, and many more in a book that is sure to be a story-hour favorite.

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Book SynopsisMorgie's favorite dino, T-Rex, is missing, and Morgie thinks that his best friend Billy may have taken it. Once again, Tomie dePaola has written a funny and easy-to-read story about two of the hardest words in the English language-I'm sorry.

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Book SynopsisIn My First Chanukah, Tomie dePaola?s gentle text and understated artwork provide insight and background into the holiday for young readers. Eye-catching foil lights up the cover!

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Book SynopsisIn My First Christmas, warm illustrations and easy-to-follow text celebrate the joys and traditions of this special holiday. From decorating the tree to putting cookies out for Santa, the Christmas spirit is beautifully captured by Tomie dePaola.

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Book SynopsisJamie O''Rourke is the laziest man in all of Ireland, far too lazy to help his wife on their farm. Then, after a chance encounter with a leprechaun, Jamie finds himself growing the biggest potato in the world. But what will happen when the potato grows too large for Jamie and the villagers to handle?

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Book SynopsisFrom Humpty Dumpty and Georgie Porgie to Little Miss Muffet and the old woman who lived in a shoe, children will love reading and laughing along with all of their favorite characters. The accessible trim and beautiful illustrations by Tomie dePaola make this book the perfect addition to any child's library.

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Book SynopsisIn spring, the hills and meadows of Texas and Wyoming are ablaze with the reds, oranges, and yellows of the Indian Paintbrush. How this striking plant received its name is told in an old Indian legend.Many years ago, when the People traveled the Plains, a young Indian boy had a Dream-Vision in which it was revealed that one day he would create a painting that was as pure as the colors of the evening sky at sunset. The boy grew up to become the painter of the tribe, but although he found a pure white buckskin for a canvas and made paints from the brightest flowers and the reddest berries, he could not capture the sunset.How the young Indian artist finally fulfills his Dream-Vision is lovingly told and illustrated by Tomie dePaola, in words and pictures that capture the spirit and beauty of this dramatic legend.

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Book SynopsisTom dePaola’s classic illustrations accompany his heartwarming story about his relationship with his grandfather as a small boy.   “A delightfully offbeat vignette of boyish mischief reinforcing the bond between generations.”—Kirkus Reviews   “DePaola champions the special relationship he had with grandfather. . . . Youngsters will bask in the delicious conspiracy between grandfather and grandson. . . . This book is a treasure.”—Booklist   “With gentle humor and his usual master of line and composition, dePaola conveys the strong bond of affection between Tom and little Tommy, from the photo-album snapshot of the proud grandfather holding a baby on the title page to the big hug of the mischief-makers that ends the book.”—Horn Book   “Touches of old-world humor add sparkle to the tale.”—Publishers Weekly 

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Book SynopsisA hilarious read-aloud inspired by Irish folklore that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, featuring colorful artwork in Tomie dePaola’s signature style.Jamie O'Rourke is the laziest man in all of Ireland, far too lazy to help his wife on their farm. Then, after a chance encounter with a leprechaun, Jamie finds himself growing the biggest potato in the world. But what will happen when the potato grows too large for Jamie and the villagers to handle?

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Book SynopsisTommy's so excited that his mom is having a baby, and he asks her for a baby sister with a red ribbon in her hair. But he didn't ask for stern Nana Fall-River to come while his mom is in the hospital. Tommy and Nana don't get along very well, but when little Maureen is born, all the trouble is forgotten.

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Book SynopsisTommy is four years old, and he loves visiting the home of his grandmother, Nana Downstairs, and his great-grandmother, Nana Upstairs. But one day Tommy's mother tells him Nana Upstairs won't be there anymore, and Tommy must struggle with saying good-bye to someone he loves. Updated with new, full-color illustrations, this classic story will continue to win the hearts of readers of all ages.Children will want to hear this again and again. --School Library Journal, starred reviewA quietly touching story Athat? depicts loving family relationships. --Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisSequel to the Newbery Honor Book!In this second installment in beloved author Tomie dePaola''s autobiographical 26 Fairmount Avenue series, young Tomie and his family are setting into their new house. Charming and lively, with dePaola''s trademark illustrations, this is a wonderful addition to the series.

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Book SynopsisTomie is overjoyed because his baby sister, Maureen, is finally strong enough to come home from the hospital. Over the next months, he is in a dance recital and he gets to go to the World's Fair. Soon, the school year is at an end. Summer is full of fun things to do, like going to the beach and celebrating the Fourth of July-but Tomie can't wait for school to start again. He hopes he'll get Miss Kiniry, the first-grade teacher he likes the best. In first grade he will finally-finally-learn to read. And maybe even get a library card of his own!DePaola's writing and recollective skills are so fresh that kids will feel like he's sitting right next to them, telling his tales in and out of school with disarming charisma and not a hint of nostalgia. (The Horn Book)More please. (Kirkus Reviews, pointer review)

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Book SynopsisBack in print, a collection of seventeen well-loved parables of Jesus, from the bestselling author-illustrator of Quiet, Strega Nona, and many more. In simple, lyrical language, appropriate for young readers, Tomie dePaola introduces the best-known parables of Jesus, including the Mustard Seed, the Prodigal Son, and the Lost Sheep.  Illustrated with bold, jewel-toned paintings inspired by early Christian art of the Romanesque period, this collection is perfect to share with families or classrooms as an introduction to these familiar Biblical tales.  Originally published as The Parables of Jesus, this new edition features a graceful new design.

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