Best Selling Books by Tomie dePaola

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

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.

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.

In this reissue of Tomie dePaola’s charming 1983 classic Marianna May and Nursey, a family works together to make sure Marianna May can make the most of her summer. Marianna May’s Nursey likes to dress her in white, which means Marianna May isn’t allowed to roll in the grass, or make mud pies, or eat orange ice and strawberry ice cream, or paint pictures because her clothes could get messy. But Marianna May doesn’t want to waste her summer staying clean on the porch. Can she and her family figure out a way for her to have fun without worrying about her clothes?

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

Discusses the composition of quicksand and rescue procedures.

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.

Big Anthony gets what he thinks he wants—but like usual, it causes him more trouble than he can handle in this beloved sequel to Tomie dePaola’s Caldecott Honor–winning Strega Nona. Big Anthony has a case of spring fever and he needs a little Night Life to cheer him up! But Big Anthony is afraid that if he goes to the village dance, no one will dance with him. So when Strega Nona goes away on a visit, Big Anthony borrows her magic ring, which turns him into a handsome stranger…

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.

Andy and Sandy hit the stage in this fourth book of an easy-to-read picture book series about friendship—from Caldecott and Newbery Honoree Tomie dePaola and Emmy Award–winning writer for the Muppets Jim Lewis. Outgoing Sandy convinces shy Andy to do a dance at the big talent show. The only problem? Andy doesn’t know how to dance! Luckily, Sandy is a good teacher. But when showtime finally arrives, it’s Sandy who freezes up! A true friend through and through, Andy overcomes his shyness to save the performance. Let’s give a standing ovation to friendship! Written in simple words and short, declarative sentences, this book is perfect for little ones just learning to read on their own.

An informative and funny book on every kind of cat, from Abyssinian to alley cat, from the bestselling author of Strega Nona, Quiet, and many more. FREE KITTENS INSIDE, reads the sign outside Granny Twinkle''s house. But kittens aren''t the only thing Mrs. Twinkle has to offer. When Patrick goes inside, he asks questions and learns everything there is to know about cats-- the many different types and breeds, their place in history, and how to take care of a kitten of his very own. Colorful and funny, this picture book is a perfect introduction for kids interested in cats, full of facts and trivia. Includes instructions on making your own cat toys, information on the care and feeding of cats and kittens, and a list of useful resources-- all presented with Tomie dePaola''s signature humor and fun illustrations.

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.

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.

Discover Tomie dePaola’s versions of well-known poems, fables, and stories featuring his beloved style and wit, sure to delight young readers and older fans alike. With Tomie’s signature wry humor and winking charm, this collection of retellings is a beautifully illustrated ode to favorite childhood stories like The Three Bears, The Billy Goats Gruff, Rumpelstiltskin, and classic fairytales from Hans Christian Anderson and the Brothers Grimm. Tomie’s rich, vibrant art is given a modern redesign with bright pops of color and a fresh new look for this re-release of the classic storybook.

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.

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.

Well-loved author Tomie dePaola brings his childhood memories to audio in this collection of the first four books from his 26 Fairmount Avenue series.