New Releases 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.

A selection of more than thirty favorite Cristmas carols, highlighted by full-color illustrations and six fold-out pages featuring triptych-like designs.

This new edition of the joyful celebration of Saint Francis of Assisi features a contemporary design and beloved Tomie dePaola’s signature art refreshed to its original brilliance and vivacity. Come and bless the Lord, Because the Lord loves you. Francis is so full of God’s love that he wants to sing His praises. His glorious singing inspires birds of every color, and even the sun and moon, to join him in joyful celebration. Tomie dePaola’s simple text and vibrant, fully refreshed illustrations bring the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi to life for even the youngest children.

Newly refreshed with a contemporary redesign, Pascual and the Kitchen Angels tells the story of the patron saint of cooks and kitchens with luminous illustrations by the beloved Tomie dePaola. When Pascual is born, angels sing from the trees. So it is no surprise when he grows up and wants to join a monastery to help the poor. But when Pascual meets the friars, they send him to the kitchen to cook for them. Poor Pascual! He doesn’t know how to cook, so he prays. And that’s when the kitchen angels swoop down and prepare a feast so delicious that the friars want him to cook every night. What can he do? Tomie dePaola’s charming text and vibrant, fully refreshed illustrations reminiscent of Italian frescoes capture the beauty and humor of the story of Pascual, patron saint of the kitchens.

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.

Tomie dePaola’s “gorgeous…sumptuous” (Horn Book Magazine) retelling of the story of the three wise kings is perfect for sharing with little ones during the Christmas 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.

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?

You see, clouds are fun, silly, and very interesting. Tomie dePaola—best-selling author of Strega Nona, Quiet, and many others—knows a lot about clouds. He also knows a lot about what people think of them. Some people see animals and pictures in clouds. The ancient Greeks believed that Hermes, the messenger of the gods, once stole the sun's cattle, which were clouds. In this unique picture book, Tomie introduces some of the most common types of clouds, as well as the myths and legends inspired by their shapes. Simple, whimsical illustrations show the variations in shape and color that herald changes in the weather. This book will tell you many things about clouds we bet you didn't know. Filled with his signature humor and gentle illustrations, Tomie dePaola's approach to nonfiction is like no other. A Reading Rainbow book.

From New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Tomie dePaola comes an adorable story about little lambs getting their spring haircuts! Winter is finally over! That means it’s time for the Woolsey lambs to get their spring haircuts! They can’t wait to have fun in the warm sun. But the next morning, the fields are covered in snow, and the newly shorn sheep are shivering! Luckily, Granny has the perfect surprise for the family in this delightful story from award-winning author Tomie dePaola, packaged in a gifty board book edition.

Fun facts and holiday cheer from the creator of Strega Nona and Quiet. While picking out their Christmas tree, a couple of curious kids start to wonder where Christmas trees came from. Who invented the first one? How did they become so popular? And how have they changed over the years? Celebrated children's author Tomie dePaola is here to tell you everything you ever wanted to know about Christmas trees--and everything you never even thought to wonder about. With bright illustrations and kid-friendly text, Tomie dePaola's Christmas Tree Book is full of facts, history, and legends. Instructions on making your own Christmas tree ornament are included!

Quicksand bringing you down? Kids will love this very funny science book. When Jungle Girl falls into some quicksand and starts slowly sinking, Jungle Boy arrives quickly-- and takes the opportunity to tell her how it is formed, what it is made of, and how to get out of it, demonstrating with charts and graphs. Meanwhile, Jungle Girl sinks lower... and lower... But before the book ends, the tables turn and Jungle Girl gets her revenge! This hilarious introduction to an unusual phenomenon from the bestselling author-illustrator of Quiet, Strega Nona, and many others is includes instructions for making your own quicksand-- as well as tips on how to escape if you're as unlucky as Jungle Girl. Boldly-illustrated nonfiction with a strong sense of humor, this classic picture book is equal parts science lesson and entertainment.

This beautiful new edition of Tomie dePaola’s 1978 classic retelling of a French legend stars a little juggler whose unique talent leads him to what might be a Christmas miracle. Little Giovanni is poor and homeless, but he can do something wonderful: he can juggle. The people of Sorrento marvel at his talents, and before long, he becomes famous throughout Italy for his rainbow of colored balls that delight the nobility and townspeople alike. But as the years pass, Giovanni grows old, and his talents begin to fail him. No longer a celebrated performer, he is once again poor and homeless, begging for his food. Until one Christmas Eve, when Giovanni picks up his rainbow of colored balls once more. And what happens next just might be a miracle…

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.

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…

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

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.

This beautiful edition of Tomie dePaola’s progressive 1979 classic stars a special little boy who won’t give up on the dreams that make him unique. Oliver Button is a sissy. At least that’s what the other boys call him. But here’s what Oliver Button really is: a reader, and an artist, and a singer, and a dancer, and more. What will his classmates say when he steps into the spotlight?

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.

Strega Nona picks her tomatoes from her garden and counts them.

Creative problem-solving abounds in this story of how the beloved “grandmother witch” finds the perfect remedy for a houseguest who overstays her welcome. Angelina is so beautiful that all the young men in the village are chasing her, but the one she has eyes for doesn't know she exists. At his wits' end, her father sends her to his dear cousin—Strega Nona. Strega Nona, Big Anthony, and Bambolona are excited to have a houseguest, but they're in for a surprise. Angelina is a spoiled young lady used to being boss, and before they know it, Big Anthony is her new footman and Bambolona is her maid. Her nonstop demands have the whole household in a tizzy! It's up to Strega Nona to devise a plan that will make everyone happy—including two comically vain young lovers.

"When the first big snow of winter hits, Sandy wants to play outside--but Andy isn't so sure. Sandy drags Andy along to make a snowman, go sledding, and make snow angels. Will Andy discover that snow can be fun--despite being wet and cold?"--

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.

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.

Passover is a time for families and friends to celebrate their faith and shared history. Tomie dePaola’s simple text and beautiful illustrations provide insight into this special holiday for young readers.

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.

One family tells the history of the Christmas tree while decorating its own In this warmly illustrated book, a family trims its Christmas tree. As the mother, father, grandmother, and children decorate together, they tell the story of how Christmas trees came to be, including the changes in size and appearance over time, and the way ornaments were first introduced. Tomie dePaola effortlessly weaves together little-known historical facts with the story of one family’s traditions. This fixed-layout ebook, which preserves the design and layout of the original print book, features read-along narration.

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.

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.

Beautifully illustrated Gospel stories from Tomie dePaola, winner of a Newbery Honor, a Regina Medal, and many other awards. An illustrated retelling of seventeen parables used by Jesus Christ in his teachings. Includes “The Good Samaritan,“ “The Lost Sheep,” “The Laborers in the Vineyard,” and “The Prodigal Son.” This is a fixed-format ebook, which preserves the design and layout of the original print book.