New Releases by Tomie Depaola

Tomie can''t believe that anything could be more exciting than moving to a new house. Then he finds out that a new baby is coming. Will it be a sister? That''s what Tomie hopes. While he is waiting for her to arrive, there is plenty to keep him busy, including tap dancing lessons and the tryouts for a play about Peter Rabbit. Once again, Tomie dePaola takes us back to his childhood and shares the funny personal memories that make us all wish we could grow up at 26 Fairmount Avenue too.

Fans of dePaola''s kindly Strega Nona will love this charming look at the early days of her good-hearted but clumsy helper, Big Anthony. Full color.

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

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.

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

Classic collection of nursery rhymes. 2-5 yrs.

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.

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.

Have a Strega Nona Fall as Tomie dePaola’s beloved and bestselling "grandmother witch" gets some friendly competition in this beloved addition to the series! Strega Nona 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 can come up with a cure for Strega Amelia! "A pleasure to read aloud, this features the broad humor that young children relish."—Booklist

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.

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.

Presents retellings of twenty-one stories from the Old Testament, including Noah and his animal pairs on the ark, Jonah and the whale, and Moses and the burning bush.

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.

"The simple strains of this old Christmas melody are superbly reflected in the graceful, delicate, yet strong images that dePaola brings to the page....A Christmas remembrance to be long treasured." -- Booklist (starred review)"Beautiful." -- The Horn Book"Meticulous attention has been paid to every detail of design, color, and layout." -- School Library Journal