Most Popular Books by Tomie Depaola

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.

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.

Moffie is ten minutes older than Morgie and she likes to control every situation. It''s time for Moffie to let her twin brother be Boss for a Day, but first she''ll have to show him how.

The latest addition to the Newbery Honor award-winning 26 Fairmount Avenue series. World War II is raging in Europe, and Tomie finds that life has changed in many ways. Now he has to wear an extra sweater to school because they?re trying to conserve coal. Then tragedy brings the war home to the dePaola family, and all Tomie can do is ask ?Why?? Just as he did in I?m Still Scared, the first installment of The War Years, Tomie dePaola touchingly illuminates the emotional confusion of a child?s life during wartime.

In this magically illustrated picture book by Tomie dePaola, the Fog Maiden enchants the night for two small children In this poetic fantasy, two small children are awakened by Token, the Fog Maiden’s mysterious cat, and sent into the enchanted night. In the course of their adventure, they meet an elf horse, share warm milk and honey with trolls, and attend an extravagant ball at the palace, where they watch a play with the king and queen. As night draws to a close, the Fog Maiden floats them back to their beds and kisses them asleep. The Fog Maiden’s dream world is enhanced by exquisite full-color illustrations that will stir young imaginations. This fixed-layout ebook, which preserves the design and layout of the original print book, features read-along narration by the author.

Little Jane Allison Crocodile has been kidnapped by the Bad Guy''s Big Bad Brother from Louisiana! Stowing away on a ship bound for New Orleans, Bill and his bird buddy, Pete, head to the rescue. But when Pete gets caught by the Rich Lady, it''s up to Bill to save the day. Kids and parents everywhere will love Tomie dePaola''s hilarious story featuring the Egyptian pair''s first visit to the United States.

A little kid who wants to play the big kids uses the alphabet and spelling to get his way in this classic story from Strega Nona author and illustrator Tomie dePaola, now featuring a new cover and refreshed artwork. Andy may be the littlest kid on the block, but he’s very important. Andy has a wagon full of letters that spell his name, and he takes it with him wherever he goes. When the big kids decide that using Andy’s letters would be a lot of fun, Andy is left out of the game. But what can the big kids do if Andy takes his name and heads for home? Originally published in 1973, this classic picture book from the legendary Tomie dePaola now features refreshed artwork and a new cover.

Discusses the composition of quicksand and rescue procedures.

Tomie 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.

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.

Find 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!"

Classic collection of nursery rhymes. 2-5 yrs.

The latest installment in the Newbery Honor-winning series from Tomie dePaola First-grader Tomie dePaola experiences uncertainty in the weeks following the attack on pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. What are the grown-ups talking quietly about at home and even at school? why does his class have to go to the spooky furnace room for an air raid drill? why does the family hang thick black curtains over the windows? Tomie''s mother is there to comfort and explain the confusion, and Tomie feels better. but he''s still scared.

A 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?

The importance of family and sharing are beautifully shown in this book all about Easter celebrations. Tomie dePaola’s bright illustrations and easy-to-follow text explain the traditions associated with this special holiday.

From award-winning author Tomie dePaola comes a witty and charming Christmas tale about Santa getting ready for his big night until…oh no, he’s really got to GO...to the potty! Hurry, Santa! No time to rest, It’s Christmas Eve. And time to get dressed! It’s finally time for Santa to prepare for the most magical night of the year! But before he can spread Christmas cheer to every boy and girl, he must hurry up and get ready. Just when he’s almost out the door, Santa runs back inside because OH NO! Santa’s got to GO! Little ones will be chuckling with merry laughter when they find out that even Santa needs to go to the potty!

A stunning picture-book interpretation of the legend of St. Christopher Because of his stature, Reprobus the giant sets off to serve the most powerful ruler in the world. At one point during his travels, the giant uses his impressive strength to carry travelers across a fast-flowing river. One stormy night, he risks his life to help a small child across. With each step, the river rises higher, the wind blows harder, and his passenger grows heavier. Finally safe on the other side, the child reveals that he is Jesus, and renames Reprobus “Christopher,” or “Bearer-of-Christ.” Stunning illustrations accompany the dramatic text in this picture book portrayal of the legend of Christopher. This fixed-layout ebook, which preserves the design and layout of the original print book, features read-along narration by the author.

The author relates memories from one year of his childhood, including his sixth birthday, trick-or-treating for Halloween, a bout of chicken pox, and the Christmas holiday.

A bird-loving boy sets out to solve a pollution problem in this classic eco-conscious tale from Strega Nona author and illustrator Tomie dePaola. Michael is a young boy who loves birds. Every morning he puts on his bird suit and does his work in the countryside, until one day an ominous black cloud appears. What could be causing the black cloud? When Michael discovers that an artificial honey factory is to blame, he comes up with a very sweet solution; one that will keep everyone healthy, including his beloved birds—and the environment. Originally published in 1975, this classic picture book from the legendary Tomie dePaola now features refreshed artwork and a new cover.

Strega Nona Takes A Vacation