2010 INTERNATIONAL Fruitcake Challenge: Jennette v. Jennette v. Stephanie v. Anne - Judges' Remarks

The friendly fruitcake competition between Canadians Jennette and Stephanie has become an international competition. Two fruitcake entries were received by Jennette. One fruitcake was entered by Stephanie, and one by American Anne.

Some of the judges' remarks about the four fruitcakes during judging last night were:
"moist"
"most like 'true' fruitcake"
"most colorful - prettiest"
"too much like a loaf cake, quick bread or banana bread"
"dense and dark - overcooked"
"not a 'real' fruitcake"

More information to come!

Another Blizzard Wreath

Blizzard Wreath

Merry Christmas!

Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus

Liz Shanks is a former librarian. She recently wrote a blog entry at penguin.com: Classic Holiday Children's Books to Read and Give.

She featured JOY TO THE WORLD in her column, and completed her remarks with: Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus and his name is Tomie dePaola.

A Perfect Book of Mother Goose Rhymes

In an article called "Best Books for Kids" in BLOOMBERG BUSINESS WEEK, December 13, 2010: TOMIE DEPAOLA'S MOTHER GOOSE. It's surprisingly hard to find a perfect book of Mother Goose rhymes; this might be it... The illustrations are simple and colorful, surrounded by lots of white space, and the book is laid out beautifully...

Christmas Stroll

The Cove Gallery of Wellfleet, Massachusetts, has a second location: 578 Main Street, Chatham, Massachusetts. Visit the Cove this weekend during the Christmas stroll through Chatham. The Cove has many of Tomie's original children's book art pieces. The stroll begins Friday night, December 10, and continues throughout the weekend.

Tomie's artwork can also be found in Northampton, Massachusetts, at the R. Michelson Galleries, and in Red Bank, New Jersey, at the Beacon Fine Arts Gallery.

www.covegallery.com
www.rmichelson.com
www.beaconfineartsgallery.com

LITTLE GRUNT AND THE BIG EGG: The Inspiration

Logan and several students in April Davidson (student teacher) and Mrs. Thompson's third grade class at McDonald Elementary in Moscow, Idaho, asked a similar question: I wunder wiy did you write the book Little grunt and the big egg.

Tomie: When I was a kid, one of my favorite comic strips was "Alley Oop" about a caveman. By the way, I do know that human beings and dinosaurs didn't live on earth at the same time.

According to wikipedia.org, "Alley Oop, the strip's title character, was a sturdy citizen in the prehistoric kingdom of Moo. He rode his pet dinosaur, Dinny, carried a stone war hammer and wore nothing but a fur loincloth."

Tomie: So, you can see, ideas for stories come from most anywhere!

He Screeched, "Thank You!"

Ms. Sevigny's second grade class at Matthew Paterson Elementary in Patterson, New York, wrote.

Michelle: I noticed in your books that you use "said" a lot. My class came up with a chart insted of saying "said." Some of the words are... screeched, screamed, yelled, repeted, replied, murmurd too.

Asher: We youes werds liked cried mermrd and gasped.

Tomie replied: Thank you for the word suggestions.

Donuts, Kofy and Chees Burgrs

Madeleine is the artist. She is in Joy DeJong's first grade class at Southeast Elementary in Ankeny, Iowa.

Benjamin: Do you lik donuts? I lik donuts.

Tomie: I like donuts, too.

Benjamin: Do you lik kofy? I lik kofy.

Tomie: I like coffee, too.

Benjamin: Do you lik chees burgrs? I lik cheesburgrs.

Tomie: I like cheeseburgers, too.

Benjamin: Do you lik to pla dorts? I lik to pla dorts.

Tomie: I don't like to play darts. But, we do have a lot in common! I'm 76. Are you 76?

A Fifth Grade Fan

Jack is a fifth grader at St. Joseph Catholic School in Fort Collins, Colorado: When I read your book, COUNTRY ANGEL CHRISTMAS, I really liked how you made Christmas and love feel. I especially liked the book because it showed three little children can be big in God's image. My favorite character was Pip; I compare myself to Pip because of his chattiness, creativity, and curiosity.

I also enjoyed THE CLOWN OF GOD. I liked the Italian setting and culture of this story. It really showed how you can make Jesus happy with just the littlest things, which is something I like a lot. I know I can relate to Giovanni because we both like to make people laugh and show hints of persistence.

Tomie: Thank you, Jack, for the kind and thoughtful letter.

Decorating for Christmas

Olivia is the artist. She is in Angie Wohlfarth and Denise Mouser's first grade class at The Principia in St. Louis, Missouri. Olivia wrote, "Than you for An Early American Christmas. I like the book because it is all about Christmas."

Flat Stanley, Party Planner

Here's Flat Stanley helping to plan the menu for Tomie's After-Christmas party. Who knew Flat didn't like brussels sprouts?

"Flat's suggestions were very helpful," said Tomie, Natasha and Jerod. "We couldn't have planned the party without him."

Jerod Rockwell is Executive Chef at Rockwell's at the (New London) Inn. Natasha Robinson is Front of the House manager at Rockwell's in New London, New Hampshire.

Maddy sent Stan. She is in Miss Coats's second grade class at St. Frances Cabrini Elementary in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Click on the photo to get a closer look.