Tomie dePaola

Step back in time to the year 1940, a year full of massive milestones and hilarious daily adventures for young Tomie. Everything is changing at once for the five year old boy. He is celebrating his first real birthday party, starting his very first days of school, and experiencing the excitement of moving into his family's brand new home at 26 Fairmount Avenue. And it is the family's first big holiday season living in their new house. Join Tomie as he explores his neighborhood, gets into funny misunderstandings with adults, and learns big lessons about growing up. Written by a beloved author looking back on his own real childhood, this funny and charming chapter book is packed with true family stories, vintage history, and the wonderful, chaotic magic of being a kid.

Do you have special grandparents or great-grandparents that you love to visit? Meet Tommy, a little boy who loves spending time with his Nana Downstairs and his Nana Upstairs. He loves their visits, especially how his great-grandmother, Nana Upstairs, sometimes ties a scarf around her head and pretends to fly down the stairs! Tommy shares so many happy moments with them. But one day, something sad happens, and Nana Upstairs isn't there anymore. This heartwarming story by Tomie dePaola helps you understand that even when someone you love goes away, the memories and the love stay in your heart forever.

It is finally recess time, and Morgie, Moffie, and all their kindergarten friends are ready to play outside. They all agree that a massive game of hide and seek sounds like the perfect idea. There is just one huge problem. None of the friends can actually agree on how to play the game! Everyone has a different opinion about the rules, who gets to be the seeker, and where the best hiding spots are allowed to be. As they stand around arguing about the rules, the clock keeps ticking down. You will laugh as the kids realize they are completely wasting their precious playground time. This silly and relatable story perfectly captures the fun and frustration of recess, showing exactly what happens when you spend too much time talking and not enough time playing.

Jump in Spring has arrived in Italy, and bumbling Big Anthony has a bad case of spring fever. He wants to go out dancing and enjoy the beautiful weather, but he thinks he needs a little extra charm to impress anyone. So, he decides to borrow something that does not belong to him. Why it pulls you in Big Anthony secretly takes Strega Nona's magic ring, hoping it will turn him into the most handsome man in the village. As always, using magic without permission leads to complete disaster! You will laugh out loud as Big Anthony gets way more attention than he ever wanted, causing hilarious chaos all over town. Who it is for Perfect for fans of funny disasters, magical mix ups, and anyone who loves seeing what happens when Big Anthony makes another gigantic mistake.

Discover a quiet, magical moment in a humble stable from long ago. This beautiful story is based on an old English Christmas carol about the animals who were there on a very special night. As you turn the pages, you will meet a gentle cow, a woolly sheep, and a sturdy donkey. Each friendly animal proudly explains the special gift they gave to welcome a newborn baby into the world. The donkey offered his strength for the long journey, the cow shared her soft hay, and the sheep gave warm wool. The delicate, stunning artwork perfectly captures the peace and wonder of this classic holiday song. It is a heartwarming reminder that the most meaningful gifts do not have to be expensive, but simply come from the heart and the desire to help others.

Get ready for a completely crazy and unforgettable year. It is 1938, and five year old Tomie is about to have his life turned upside down. His family is finally building their dream house at 26 Fairmount Avenue, but a massive hurricane suddenly hits the town and throws everything into chaos. Meanwhile, Tomie is having hilarious adventures of his own. He gets into trouble for eating a box of chocolate that definitely was not candy, causes a huge scene at the movie theater while watching Snow White, and boldly tries to skip kindergarten entirely because they refuse to teach him how to read yet. Based on the author's real childhood memories, this funny, heartwarming chapter book gives young readers a perfect window into a mischievous boy's life growing up with a loud and loving family.

Get ready for a brand new school year and a huge adventure in Egypt. Bill the crocodile and his best friend Pete the talking toothbrush are taking a fun class trip. Their teacher Ms. Ibis is guiding all the little crocodiles through the wonders of the Royal Museum to learn about ancient times. But there is trouble lurking in the shadows. The Bad Guy is sneaking around, and he is trying to steal the famous and highly guarded Sacred Eye of Isis. When the grown ups do not notice what is happening, it is up to this brave duo to step in. Join Bill and Pete in this funny and exciting picture book as they use teamwork and quick thinking to try to stop the thief and save the museum treasure.

Jump in Meet Jamie O'Rourke, the absolute laziest man in all of Ireland. He would rather do anything than help his wife work on their farm. But when he accidentally catches a tricky leprechaun, Jamie thinks his lazy days are permanently secured. Why it pulls you in Instead of a pot of gold, the leprechaun tricks Jamie into accepting a magical potato seed. Soon, that single seed grows into the most massive potato the world has ever seen. You will be laughing out loud as Jamie and the entire village try to figure out what to do with a vegetable that is bigger than a house. Who it is for This hilarious story is perfect for readers who love clever folktales, silly situations, and a good dose of magic.

For as long as anyone can remember, a massive stone giant has stood quietly in front of the church in the peaceful town of Barletta. He is a beloved friend to everyone, especially the children who play around his huge feet. But one day, terrifying news arrives. An enormous army of a thousand men is marching down the coast, destroying everything in their path, and Barletta is next. The townspeople are in a panic with nowhere to hide and no way to defend themselves. When all hope seems lost, a clever old woman realizes that their silent stone protector might be the only one who can save them. You will be on the edge of your seat as the giant comes to life to face the fierce army. Can one magical statue outsmart a thousand angry soldiers and save his beloved home?

Get ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with a beautiful collection of classic holiday music. When the air turns cold and family gathers around, there is nothing quite like singing your favorite carols together. This rich volume brings those timeless songs to life with stunning, glowing artwork that makes every page feel like a cozy fire. You will discover thirty one cherished melodies and their stories, passed down through generations. The glowing paintings wrap you in the spirit of the season, showing scenes of snowy towns, joyful singers, and historical moments. Whether you are learning these songs for the very first time or singing them with your whole family, this treasury will make your holidays merry and bright. Grab a cup of hot cocoa, gather your loved ones, and let the music fill your home.

Welcome to the beautiful town in Italy where magic is always bubbling in the pasta pot. This spectacular treasury brings together six of the most beloved adventures featuring Strega Nona, the wise grandmother witch, and her clumsy but lovable helper, Big Anthony. You will experience the classic original story where a magical pasta pot overflows and buries the entire town in noodles. You will also follow along as Strega Nona meets her match, takes a vacation, and teaches magical lessons. Along with these hilarious and heartwarming tales, this collection includes special behind the scenes secrets, a map of the village, and even a lovely lullaby you can sing. It is the perfect way to explore a charming world where common sense is the best kind of magic, and a good bowl of pasta can solve almost anything.

Every spring, the hills of the American West explode in a bright, fiery blanket of beautiful red and orange wildflowers. Discover the sweeping, magical legend behind how these striking plants earned their unique name. Long ago, a young Native American boy received a powerful dream vision. He was told that one day, he would paint a picture so perfect it would capture the pure, glowing colors of the evening sunset. As he grows older, he tries his hardest to fulfill this destiny. He gathers the reddest berries and the brightest flowers to create his paints, but the sunset is always too brilliant to recreate. Follow the young artist on a beautiful journey of patience and creativity as he finally discovers the secret to capturing the sky and leaves behind a stunning gift for the earth.

Have you ever wondered what it was like for kids during important moments in history? Meet Tomie dePaola, a first-grader trying to understand the grown-up world after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Suddenly, everything feels a little different. Why are the grown-ups talking in quiet whispers at home and even at school? What's going on when his class has to practice air raid drills in the big, spooky furnace room? And why does his family hang thick black curtains over all the windows at home? Tomie feels a mix of confusion and fear, and it's a lot for a young boy to take in. Luckily, his loving mother is always there to explain things and offer comfort, helping him make sense of the new rules and worries. She helps him feel a bit better, but even with explanations and hugs, some scary feelings can linger. Join Tomie as he navigates these big changes, learning how a family sticks together when the world outside feels uncertain.

Jamie O Rourke is known as the laziest man in all of Ireland, and he is definitely the messiest. When his hardworking wife has to leave the house for a whole week, Jamie is completely on his own. At first, he makes a massive disaster of the kitchen and refuses to clean up. But then, a magical creature called a pooka suddenly appears out of nowhere. To Jamie's absolute delight, the strange beast starts sweeping the floors, washing the dishes, and doing every single chore. Jamie thinks he has hit the jackpot and is the luckiest man alive. But dealing with magic is rarely that simple. Will this amazing housekeeping luck last forever, or is Jamie in for a big surprise? Dive into this incredibly funny folktale sequel filled with Irish magic and hilarious mistakes.

It's Christmas Eve, and guess who's getting ready for his biggest night of the year? None other than Santa Claus himself! He's putting on his famous red suit and preparing his sleigh to deliver presents to children everywhere. But just as he's about to head out the door, Santa realizes something very important: he really, really has to GO! Join legendary author Tomie dePaola for a hilarious and heartwarming look at Santa's unexpected pit stop. You'll laugh out loud as you discover that even the busiest, most magical person on Christmas Eve sometimes needs to make a quick trip to the bathroom. Will Santa make it out the door in time to spread all that Christmas cheer? Find out in this charming and funny picture book that will have you giggling all the way through!

Have you ever looked up at the sky and wondered about all the amazing clouds floating by? In Tomie DePaola's The Cloud Book, you'll discover a world of fluffy, wispy, and stormy clouds right above your head! This engaging book introduces you to ten common types of clouds, from the high, feathery cirrus clouds to the big, puffy cumulus clouds that look like cotton balls. You'll learn their names and what they look like, and even discover what they can tell you about what the weather might do next! Will it be sunny, or is rain on the way? Get ready to explore the myths and stories that people have imagined from cloud shapes throughout history. It's a fantastic way to learn about the sky and become a cloud spotter yourself!

Do you love crunchy, fluffy popcorn? Join twins Tony and Tiny as they discover all about this amazing snack! Tony is busy popping up a delicious batch, while Tiny dives into books to find out everything there is to know about popcorn. You'll learn fascinating facts like where popcorn comes from, how it's grown, and how people used to make it a long, long time ago. Did you know Native American people had special ways to prepare it? Get ready for some fun stories and legends about popcorn too! Plus, if you love to cook, you might even find some tasty recipes to try. Tomie DePaola shares this yummy history with lots of humor and imagination, making learning about popcorn as fun as eating it!

Now One Foot, Now the Other" tells a tender story about the special bond between a boy named Bobby and his beloved Grandpa Bob. When Bobby was just a baby, Grandpa Bob was right there, patiently teaching him how to take those very first steps, saying, "Now one foot, now the other." Years later, Grandpa Bob has a stroke and needs help learning to walk again. It's Bobby's turn to be the loving teacher. With gentle encouragement and a lot of patience, Bobby helps his grandpa remember those simple steps, reminding him, "Now one foot, now the other." This heartwarming book shows how families care for each other through life's challenges. It's a beautiful story about love, kindness, and how we can all help the people we cherish most.

The holiday season has arrived in the little Italian village, and that means it is time for wonderful feasts and grand celebrations. Everyone is busy preparing amazing foods and sharing the joyful spirit, from the lively Feast of San Nicola all the way to the Feast of Epiphany. Even the farm animals get to join in on the fun. Strega Nona, the wise and kindly village witch, is cooking up delicious, magical treats for all the animals to enjoy. But her bumbling assistant, Big Anthony, smells the food and decides that sneaking just one little bite will not hurt anyone. As usual, Big Anthony's stomach gets him into a massive, hilarious mess. Join the warm holiday fun in this silly, heartwarming story as Strega Nona delivers a very special surprise to her friends.

Are you ready for a little magic and a lot of laughs? Even Strega Nona, the beloved "grandmother witch," needs a break sometimes! Lately, she’s been a bit distracted, so she decides it’s time for a relaxing vacation at her Grandma Concetta’s seashore house. You can imagine all the fun she'll have! While Strega Nona is away, she leaves her well-meaning but often bumbling helpers, Bambolona and Big Anthony, in charge of her important daily remedies and chores. What could possibly go wrong when Big Anthony is left to his own devices? Get ready for a bubbly, hilarious adventure as he tries (and maybe fails!) to keep everything running smoothly. You'll giggle along as you discover the silly surprises that pop up when Strega Nona isn't around!

Little Giovanni has no home and very little money, but he has an extraordinary talent that brings joy to everyone he meets. He can juggle anything, and his greatest trick features a brilliant rainbow of beautifully colored balls. For many years, Giovanni travels all over Italy, performing for cheering crowds and living a wonderful life as a famous entertainer. But as time goes by, he grows old, his hands slow down, and he can no longer juggle the way he used to. Once again, he is poor and wandering the streets alone. Then, on a cold Christmas Eve, Giovanni finds himself inside a quiet church in front of a statue of the Holy Child. Discover a heartwarming classic holiday tale as the old juggler decides to pick up his rainbow balls for one final, miraculous performance.

Do you want to learn about a special holiday called Passover? Join Tomie dePaola in My First Passover, a wonderful book that shows you all about this important Jewish celebration. You'll discover how families and friends come together to share a joyful Seder meal. With simple words and beautiful, colorful illustrations, you'll learn about the special foods, traditions, and stories of Passover. See the different parts of the Seder plate and understand why each one is important. It's a time for remembering history and celebrating faith together. This book is perfect for young readers to explore and enjoy the warmth and meaning of Passover traditions with their loved ones.

It's springtime, and the sun is shining brightly! Get ready to join the adorable Hopkins family as they prepare to plant their beautiful garden. But wait, there are fifteen eager little bunnies, and each one wants to help dig, rake, plant seeds, and water the soil all at once! Imagine what happens when so many helpful paws try to do everything at the very same time. Will the garden get planted perfectly, or will it be a delightful, leafy mess? Tomie dePaola brings you a charming story filled with springtime fun and lots and lots of bunnies learning about working together. It’s a perfect book to share as you welcome the green season!

Have you ever wondered what life was like for kids a long, long time ago? Join famous author and illustrator Tomie dePaola as he takes you back to 1941, to share his own true stories from when he was a young boy! Discover what it was like growing up in his lively home with his family. You'll follow Tomie through his days at school, where every lesson and playtime was a new adventure. He shares his memories of friends, teachers, and all the special moments that made his childhood unique. Get ready to explore a different time through Tomie's eyes. He'll show you how things were back then and how some things, like family love and school fun, stay important no matter how much time passes. It's a journey into the past that will show you how things really were!

Strega Nona is the beloved grandmother witch of her small Italian village. Everyone comes to her for old fashioned magic, warm advice, and cures for everything from headaches to warts. But things change quickly when her friend Strega Amelia comes down from the mountain for a visit. Amelia decides to set up her very own magical shop right in town. Instead of using ancient spells, Amelia uses shiny modern gadgets and offers everyone fancy cappuccino and sweet treats. Suddenly, all of Strega Nona's regular friends are flocking to the new shop. It looks like the classic village witch has finally met her match. But Strega Nona is wise and clever. Can she figure out the perfect magic trick to win back her neighbors and prove that the old ways are sometimes the very best?

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be just between grades, saying goodbye to kindergarten and getting ready for first grade? Join beloved author Tomie dePaola as he shares his own special memories of this exciting time in his life. This book is the third in a series of his personal stories. In "On My Way," Tomie takes you back to his childhood days, filled with warmth and wonder. Discover what he did during those sunny days between school years, the games he played, and the quiet moments he cherished with his family. You'll get to peek into his world as he grew a little older and prepared for new adventures. It's a wonderful journey through his past, perfect for anyone who loves stories about growing up and the fun of everyday life.

Jump in Every single day, Old Befana does nothing but sweep the steps of her home. The neighborhood children think she is just a cranky old lady who wants to be left alone. But everything changes when a brilliant, glowing star appears in the night sky. Why it pulls you in This classic Italian holiday story takes you on a magical journey. When three magnificent kings pass through her village following the star, Old Befana realizes she must go on an important journey of her own. You will follow her as she searches endlessly for a very special baby, leaving sweet treats for sleeping children along the way. Who it is for Anyone who loves mysterious legends, beautiful holiday traditions, and discovering that people are often much kinder than they first appear.

Have you ever wished that night would just go away? Well, that's exactly how the little boy in this charming story feels! He thinks night always arrives at the worst possible moment. So, he decides to be brave and literally fight the night to make it leave. Join him as he embarks on an imaginative adventure right from the bottom of his bed, tucked safely under the covers. What happens when a determined boy tries to outsmart the darkness? Tomie dePaola brings a playful touch to this classic tale about facing bedtime fears and discovering the magic that can happen when you're tucked in. This sweet story shows that even when the lights go out, your imagination can shine bright!

Every spring, the hills of Texas are completely covered in a blanket of bright, beautiful blue flowers. But how did those stunning bluebonnets get there? This powerful story takes you back in time to meet the Comanche People during a terrible, dry summer. The land is parched, and the tribe is in desperate need of rain to survive. A brave little girl named She-Who-Is-Alone knows that a great sacrifice must be made to save her people. She holds a tiny warrior doll that is her most prized possession in the entire world. You will be moved by her incredible courage as she makes a difficult choice in the middle of the night. Her selfless act not only brings the life saving rain, but leaves behind a magical gift that blooms year after year.

Jump in Bambolona is completely exhausted from working long, hard hours in her father's bakery. She decides she needs a big change, so she marches over to the wise Strega Nona to learn the secrets of real magic instead. Why it pulls you in Learning magic takes patience and serious focus, which Bambolona has plenty of. But then bumbling Big Anthony decides that he wants to be a magician, too! Since Strega Nona only teaches girls, he creates a hilarious disguise to trick her. You will be giggling as Big Anthony completely fails to follow directions, mixing up spells and creating a gigantic, chaotic mess all over the village. Who it is for Readers who love funny magical disasters and learning why there are no shortcuts to doing things the right way.

Travel back in time to Mexico in the year 1531 to witness a story of faith, peace, and extraordinary miracles. A kind, poor indigenous farmer is going about his daily life when something unbelievable happens. The Mother of God appears to him in a glorious vision. She comes with a beautiful message of great love and unity for all the native people of Mexico. Through these visitations, the Lady proves that true faith embraces and respects local culture and traditions. When the farmer tries to share what he has seen, he must find a way to prove his incredible story to the powerful local leaders. This gorgeous, historical picture book brings an inspiring true legend to life, using breathtaking watercolor artwork to show how one simple man helped spread a lasting message of compassion and peace.

Discover the incredible true history and the magical legends behind one of the most famous figures in the world. Long before the green parades and modern celebrations, Patrick was just a young boy born to a noble family in ancient Britain. But his life took a massive, unexpected turn when he was captured by fierce bandits and taken across the sea to the wild hills of Ireland. Experience his amazing journey from a frightened prisoner to a powerful, inspiring leader. Guided by powerful dreams, Patrick returns to Ireland as a grown man to share his faith and unite the people. This gorgeously illustrated book beautifully weaves together real historical facts with fantastic, larger than life myths, including the famous story of how he bravely drove all the snakes out of the Irish countryside forever.

Experience the peaceful beauty of the very first Christmas in this gently illustrated holiday story. Outside, a frosty winter wind howls and a thick blanket of cold snow covers the ground, making the world look bleak and gray. But tucked away inside a humble, quiet stable, something wonderful and warm is happening. The baby Jesus has just been born, bringing light to the darkest of nights. Soon, an amazing gathering begins to form. Angels sing from above, tired shepherds walk in from the fields, wise men bring precious gifts, and gentle farm animals quietly share the space. Based on a classic Christmas poem, this stunningly illustrated picture book perfectly captures the quiet reverence, deep love, and tender miracles of the holy night when the world came together to welcome a new king.

Tony is a hardworking baker living in a small village, but his dreams are huge. He wants nothing more than to move to the big city of Milan and become the most famous baker in all of northern Italy. Meanwhile, his sweet daughter Serafina has a dream of her own. She spends her days looking out the window, hoping to find true love and get married. Unfortunately, Tony is so overprotective that he refuses to let anyone near her. Both of their wishes seem completely impossible. That is, until a wealthy and clever nobleman named Angelo rides into town. Angelo falls in love with Serafina and quickly realizes he needs a brilliant plan to win over her stubborn father. Discover a delightful, funny folktale about family, clever tricks, and the magical invention of a legendary Italian pastry.

The world can be a very loud and incredibly busy place. Birds are always zooming fast through the sky, colorful dragonflies dart wildly over the pond, and even the green leaves on the trees seem to wave frantically in the wind. Everything and everyone is always in a huge hurry to get somewhere else. But what if we just stopped for a minute? Take a deep breath and sit down right here beside me. This beautifully calm and gentle story shows you how wonderful it feels to just be completely still. Learn the special magic of sitting quietly, listening to the soft sounds of nature, and enjoying the present moment without rushing. It is a perfect, peaceful reminder that sometimes the very best thing you can do is absolutely nothing at all.

Oh no, Little Jane Allison Crocodile has been captured. The Bad Guy from Egypt has a Big Bad Brother in Louisiana, and he has taken Bill the crocodile's cousin all the way across the world to an exotic animal farm. Now it is up to Bill and his trusty bird friend Pete to cross the ocean and bring her back. The brave pair sneaks onto a huge ship heading right for New Orleans to start their daring rescue mission. But things get complicated fast when Pete gets caught by a wealthy lady who wants him for a pet. Now Bill is entirely on his own in a brand new country. Dive into this funny and thrilling animal adventure to see if Bill can outsmart the villains, rescue his best buddy, and bring his cousin safely home.

Watch your step, because learning science is about to get very messy. Jungle Girl is swinging through the vines when she accidentally falls right into a pit of deep, gooey quicksand. As she slowly begins to sink into the muck, Jungle Boy arrives on the scene. But instead of throwing her a rope right away, he decides this is the perfect time for a detailed science lesson. While Jungle Girl sinks lower and lower, he pulls out charts and graphs to explain exactly how quicksand is made and what makes it so dangerous. You will laugh out loud as you learn fascinating real world facts about this tricky natural trap. This brilliant, incredibly funny survival guide teaches you actual science skills and shows exactly how to escape a muddy disaster before it is too late.

Jump in Meet Charlie, a busy shepherd who needs a new cloak before the cold winter arrives. You will follow along as he takes matters into his own hands, starting with the wool right off his favorite sheep. Why it pulls you in This delightful story shows you exactly how things are made. Step by step, you watch Charlie shear his sheep, wash the wool, spin it into yarn, dye it a beautiful red, and finally weave and sew it into a warm cloak. It is a fascinating process filled with funny moments, especially with a very mischievous sheep trying to get in the way. Who it is for Perfect for curious readers who love animals and want to know how everyday clothes are created from scratch.

Wake up to a chilly morning and a very big craving for a delicious breakfast. A cheerful little old lady wants nothing more than a giant stack of warm, fluffy pancakes. But cooking them is going to be much harder than she thinks. Every time she tries to gather her ingredients, she runs into a new, silly problem. First, she is out of eggs, so she has to visit the hens. Then she needs milk from the cow, and butter to churn. To make matters even more difficult, her curious dog and mischievous cat decide to get involved in the kitchen chaos. Follow along in this brilliant, completely wordless story. You get to read the pictures and use your own imagination to tell the tale of one very determined baker and her hilariously disastrous morning routine.

Step into the ancient world to discover some of the most famous stories ever told. This beautiful collection brings the heroes, adventures, and lessons of the Old Testament to life right before your eyes. You will sail on a massive ark with Noah and a parade of animals as they escape a great flood. You will travel deep into the belly of a giant whale with Jonah. You will stand beside Moses as he discovers a miraculous burning bush. Each fascinating tale is told in a clear and engaging way, perfectly matched with vibrant artwork that makes these historical moments jump off the page. Whether you are reading these epic adventures for the first time or revisiting familiar favorites, this treasury will capture your imagination and share timeless teachings about faith, bravery, and wonder.