Most Popular Books by Tomie DePaola

This special ebook edition features Tomie dePaola retelling his classic story against a charming musical score! When Strega Nona leaves him alone with her magic pasta pot, Big Anthony is determined to show the townspeople how it works in this classic Caldecott Honor book from Tomie dePaola. 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. He is supposed to look after her house and tend her garden but one day, when she goes over the mountain to visit Strega Amelia, Big Anthony recites the magic verse over the pasta pot, with disastrous results.

Tomie''s family starts building their new house at 26 Fairmount Avenue in 1938, just as a hurricane hits town, starting off a busy, crazy year. Tomie has many adventures all his own, including eating chocolate with his Nana Upstairs, only to find out--the hard way--that they have eaten chocolate laxative. He tries to skip kindergarten when he finds out he won''t learn to read until first grade. "I''ll be back next year," he says. When Tomie goes to see Snow White, he creates another sensation. Tomie dePaola''s childhood memories are hilarious, and his charming illustrations are sure to please

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.

In this whimsical classic picture book, Tomie dePaola delivers a sweet depiction of a child’s imagination and all the things that go bump in the night. To stay up past bedtime, you’ve got to fight the night. Flashlight in hand, a determined Ronald sets out to battle sleep in this refreshed edition of Tomie dePaola’s spirited 1968 picture book.

Four Stories for Four Seasons is Tomie dePaola''s unforgettable collection of stories for each season—illustrated by the man himself. In Four Stories for Four Seasons is the tale of four friends—a cat, dog, pig, and frog—as they share the delights of each season.

Big Anthony disguises himself as a girl in order to take magic lessons from Strega Nona.

The love between many generations shines brightly in this story grandparents, parents, and grandchildren will treasure. Tommy 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 review "A quietly touching story that depicts loving family relationships." –Publishers Weekly

In 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.

Enjoy Strega Nona all year long with this bountiful collection of six stories featuring the beloved “grandmother witch”—including the first Strega Nona, plus new introductions, a lullaby, a map, and recipes! Enter the marvelous, magical world of Strega Nona! Strega Nona has been enchanting readers since the publication of the Caldecott Honor Award–winning Strega Nona in 1975. Strega Nona’s gentle humor, irrepressible spirit, and matter-of-fact approach to life have won her legions of fans young and old, and the American Library Association called her “an enduring character who has charmed generations of children.” This wonderful treasury features six favorite stories about Strega Nona and her sidekick, the bumbling Big Anthony—including the original Strega Nona, as well as Strega Nona Meets Her Match, Strega Nona: Her Story, Strega Nona Takes a Vacation, Strega Nona’s Harvest, and Strega Nona’s Gift. With brand-new introductions to each story, author and illustrator Tomie dePaola takes readers behind the scenes to see how Strega Nona’s world has developed through the years. Also including an original lullaby—with sheet music—a map of Strega Nona’s town, and some fun recipes, this collection will give readers much to savor.

Hace mucho tiempo—a long time ago—there lived a beautiful young woman named Adelita. So begins the age-old tale of a kindhearted young woman, her jealous stepmother, two hateful stepsisters, and a young man in search of a wife. The young man, Javier, falls madly in love with beautiful Adelita, but she disappears from his fiesta at midnight, leaving him with only one clue to her hidden identity: a beautiful rebozo—shawl. With the rebozo in place of a glass slipper, this favorite fairy tale takes a delightful twist. Tomie dePaola''s exquisite paintings, filled with the folk art of Mexico, make this a Cinderella story like no other. Please note that the majority of this text is in English, with Spanish vocabulary throughout.

When the twins start to play tee ball, they learn the importance of practice.

A bumbling knight meets a clumsy dragon in a duel with an ending you''ll never forget! 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! When they decide they''re finally ready, their energetic faceoff is sure to elicit giggles, uh-ohs, and very satisfied cries of "Perfect!" at the heartening conclusion. "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

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. 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.

Five starred reviews! “A gentle delight, simultaneously honoring both the dog dePaola lost and the artist we lost in turn.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) This touching story about love, loss, and remembrance in the wake of losing a beloved pet is the final completed book written by beloved creator Tomie dePaola, with art by award-winning illustrator Barbara McClintock. Where are you, Brontë? The day you left me, I knew I would miss you. And I did. Every day, every night. But then, I knew you were right here, still with me, in my heart forever. Children’s book legend Tomie dePaola tells the emotional and deeply personal story about overcoming his grief after the loss of his beloved dog, Brönte.

Because Befana''s household chores kept her from finding the Baby King, she searches to this day, leaving gifts for children on the Feast of the Three Kings.

Tommy''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.

The third in a series of DePaola''s memoirs vividly recounts the (mostly) serene days between the end of kindergarten and beginning of first grade.

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.

A gorgeously depicted story of the Lady of Guadalupe and her love for the people of Mexico In stunning words and images, Tomie dePaola renders the beautiful story of the Mother of God appearing to an indigenous man in Mexico to teach true peace to the native people. In these visitations, the Lady of Guadalupe shows her great love for the Mexican people, and proves that culture need not be obliterated to bring the Christian faith to others. The beauty of the Lady’s love is reflected in dePaola’s spectacular watercolor illustrations. This is a fixed-format ebook, which preserves the design and layout of the original print book.