The Worlds of Tomie dePaola: The Art and Stories of the Legendary Artist and Author

By Barbara Elleman

Book Overview

Barbara Elleman's insightful biography on Tomie dePaola captures the essence of the beloved author-illustrator through engaging stories, childhood photos, countless illustrations, and thoughtful analysis of decades of celebrated books.

Tomie dePaola is one of the best-known and most beloved creators of books for children. His art and his stories, which are filled with imagination, humor, grace, and curiosity, represent a love of life that is reflected in everything he does.

Barbara Elleman's exploration of Tomie dePaola's career takes a fascinating look at the many worlds dePaola has brought to life through his work: from autobiographical memories to folktales, religious stories, nursery rhymes, and more--including, of course, the inventive world of his most famous character, Strega Nona. Originally published in 1999 and filled with evocative artwork, captivating photographs, and heartwarming anecdotes, this comprehensive book has been updated to cover two new decades of dePaola's creativity. Elleman's thoughtful narrative brings a fresh appreciation to the work of a unique author-illustrator, one who is a true legend of children's literature and a source of lasting joy for generations of readers, young and old.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1534412263
• ISBN13: 9781534412262
• Release Date: March 2021
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 2.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 9.2" x 11.7"
• Age Range: 10 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 5 and higher

Customer Reviews

A Must Have!

I have met Tomie dePaola. This book was the next best thing to seeing him again. The text gives you insight into dePaola as an author and illustrator and a person. Many of dePaloa's books are based on events that have actually taken place in his life. Barbara Elleman shares pictures of dePaola's childhood and his memories with the reader. By the end of the book I felt as if I knew dePaola personaly. Elleman also gives the reader lots of information about dePaola's books and fine art. THIS IS A MUST HAVE FOR EDUCATORS, CHILDRENS' LITERATURE BUFFS, AND PEOPLE WHO WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE MAN BEHIND THE BOOKS THAT MANY CHILDREN AND ADULTS LOVE TO READ OVER AND OVER!!!!!!!!

This is a wonderful book!

I've always thought one of Tomie dePaola's gifts was his ability to create books and artwork that were accessible. He is one of the masters of the children's book world. Barbara Elleman has created a book that is also accessible. It can be enjoyed by all ages, I believe. And, it isn't JUST a book for Tomie dePaola's fans. She ends her "introduction" by writing, "I hope I have done his work justice." Yes, Barbara Elleman, you have! But, NOW I want to know more. Barbara Elleman doesn't claim to have written a biography. She claims to give a "hint of the man behind the art" and the stories. Trina Schart Hyman, in her preface, hints that Tomie dePaola is a complex person. Barbara Elleman hints that Tomie dePaola opened his files for her. Barbara Elleman, if he opened ALL of his "files" for you, maybe next you should write a BIOGRAPHY of Tomie dePaola. I believe YOU could do him justice.

A masterful biography of Tomie's life & artwork.

Barbara Elleman has done an excellent job of depicting Tomie dePaola as an artist and author who loves what he does and the people he does it for. Though the text is geared toward adults, it serves as a reference for all dePaola fans. Even children will enjoy looking at the extensivephotographs and illustrations of Tomie's artwork over the years. Though Tomie is a worldwide figure in the field of children's literature; Barbara presents him as a warm loving human being with family and friends. These aspects of his personality make it very easy for children to relate to him as a friend who has had experiences very much like their own. From Barbara's research and writing, fans of all ages are inspired by this artist-author. Owning a copy of this book is a must for all Tomie dePaola fans.

Superb book to get a glimpse of the life and art of Tomie!

Complete and thorough overview of Tomie dePaola's life and works. Barbara Elleman has done a wonderful job of capturing the essence of Tomie. The organization of this book is masterful. A Tomie fan can easily find the information about all aspects of his life and his art. This book is an excellent resource for Tomie fans. I would highly recommend the purchase of this book - if you are not a Tomie dePaola fan before reading the book, you WILL be a #1 fan AFTER reading it!!