First Tree Peony of the Spring

You're a Good Man, Tomie dePaola

Mrs. Gianino's first grade class at PS 5 in Staten Island, New York, wrote LONG letters after their elaborate author study. They even had a copy of the first book that I wrote and illustrated, THE WONDERFUL DRAGON OF TIMLIN.

Paige: I am a twin sister. My sister is Julianna and she was born first. She wanted to get out of the cave first so she was born first.

Brian: I really wish you had your own museum. You can hire your own story reader that reads your books. Your writing is so good. I would like everyone to write like you. Your books are funny like another author, Eric Carle. 26 Fairmount Avenue has something that is related to my mom's life. When you moved into your new house, my mom did too. When you went to an apartment when your house was being built, I did the same thing. Your mom is nice. Your dad is busy. Nana amazing, Tom mischievious, Uncle Charles generous, Buddy honest, I learned about your family... I'm thanking you for making all these books and all of the hard work. You are a good man.

Tomie: Thanks!

A Call for Action

Leonidas is in Mr. Packer's Gifted and Talented Class at Irving Elementary in Oak Park, Illinois: 26 Faremont Avenue. I like the kid with the umbrella flying but I like action like fighting, fliping in air, or cool moves. For example (see above). Like that. So more action. Got it? Alright. My favorite movie is "Revenge of the Sith" and that is the most violent of all Star Wars movies.

600 Tulips

A Sisterly Visit

Tomie's sister and brother-in-law, Judie and David Bobbi, visited Tuesday night. Tomie gave Judie many dePaola/Downey family items he's had for years, and some surplus foodstuffs.

As Far As the Eye Can See...

Lovely Lashes

Madalyn is the artist. Madalyn is in Mrs. Birge and student teacher Sarah Gebo's second grade class at Schuylerville Elementary in Schuylerville, New York.

Mrs. Daniels, the Artist

Mrs. Ann Daniels' second grade class at Beautiful Savior Lutheran School in Waukesha, Wisconsin, wrote letters. Mrs. Daniels sent her completed coloring page. Good job, Mrs. Daniels!

www.tomie.com/resources/coloring.html

How Old Are You in Dog Years?

Melissa Lopez's second grade class at Walker Butte Elementary in Florence, Arizona, wrote letters.

Esmeralda and Jenson: How old are you in dog years?
Tomie: Almost 16.

Poetry Celebration

Katie is a first grade student at Briarwood Elementary in Olathe, Kansas: My school, Briarwood Elementary, is celebrating a poetry week, May 9-13, 2011. We will be doing all kinds of activities that include speakers, poets, contests, memorization, dress-as-a-character day, programs, etc. We also would like to fill the halls with favorite poems from people around Kansas City, the United States, and the world! Did you have a favorite poem when you were a child or do you have a favorite poem now?

Tomie: My favorite poem as a child was "The Children's Hour," by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. www.bartleby.com/42/788.html

My favorite poem now is "Pied Beauty," by Gerard Manley Hopkins. www.bartleby.com/122/13.html

The Artist Jayde

Jayde is the artist. Jayde is in Alison Stroud's second grade class at Thurgood Marshall Academy Lower School in Harlem, New York.

Fans in Franklin

Marsha Lafferty's class at Northwood Elementary in Franklin, Indiana, wrote letters.

Brayden: Do you sill like Shirly Temple?
Tomie: Yes.

Georgia: Is Maureen still alive?
Tomie: Yes.

Victoria: Are you still dancing?
Tomie: Not so much.

Jocelyn: Do you go to dance class?
Tomie: No.

Marie: Is Buddy still alive?
Tomie: No.

Reassuring Notes

Mrs. Pat Sedlak's class at Middle Smithfield Elementary in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, wrote letters.

No Name: I like your story Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs. It was sad, but don't be sad. People in the whole world die. People die the same way yours did.

Koron: My grandma died and I saw a big hart in the sky. I'm sorry for your loss.

Tomie: Thank you for the lovely notes.