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Jarrett Krosoczka (of "Lunch Lady" and PUNK FARM fame) took this photograph of Tomie's line at the National Book Festival autographing.The good news was that Tomie had a long line of fans. Some of them had stood in line for several hours.The bad news was that Tomie was scheduled from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. for autographing. The Festival grounds closed at 5:30 p.m. so we were able to stay an extra thirty minutes. We had to limit autographs to one book per person, and no posed photographs. Everyone in line met Tomie, but it's frustrating when an autographing session becomes rushed.We've been told that Barnes & Noble, the Festival bookseller, said Tomie's books were the only author's books to sell out. Again, it was good that all of the books sold. But, it was bad because some fans were VERY disappointed that there weren't books to buy.
Tomie and Julianne Moore met at the National Book Festival in Washington, DC, on Saturday, September 24. Julianne Moore's daughter loves "Strega Nona."
Tomie is the Honorary Chair for the Concord Museum's "Family Trees: A Celebration of Children's Literature" in Concord, Massachusetts. Tomie will present a program and autograph books, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., on Sunday, December 4, 2011.The event is free by reservation only. Call 978-369-9763.www.concordmuseum.org/visit/special_events_FamilyTrees.html
Left to Right: Tomie, Christine Marklin, Marianna McGuffin, Martin MarklinWe went to Burdick's in Walpole, New Hampshire, last night to celebrate Tomie's birthday.McGuff and Tomie have known each other for 54 years. They have lots of fond memories, including as actors on stage at the Weston Playhouse in Weston, Vermont.Christine and Martin are dear friends, too. Martin is 50 years old today. Happy Birthday, Martin!Click on the photo to see the luscious desserts.www.burdickchocolate.comwww.marklincandledesign.comwww.westonplayhouse.org
Ondine is in Ms. Down's second grade class at Manzanita School in Tucson, Arizona. The class sent a big birthday card and letter with self-portrait drawings.
Left to Right: Jeff and Ashley, Megan and Rachel in foregroundThe Pierce family, minus Mom, is standing in Popcorn, Indiana, at the corner of Popcorn Road and Popcorn Church Road. The girls sang "Happy Birthday" to Bronte at their home on Tuesday morning. They are probably singing "Happy Birthday" to Tomie this morning.
The Pierce girls and family from Indiana sent Bronte a Big Bite All Natural Dog Biscuit for Bronte's seventh birthday on September 13th. Tomie is sniffing the biscuit and wondering, Anything for me? The girls each made cards for Bronte. The message in Ashley's card was: Paws down, you're the best!
The Pierce girls and family from Indiana sent Popcorn, Indiana treats for Tomie's birthday. Bronte is sniffing the treats and wondering, Anything for me?www.popcornindiana.com
Megan lives in Mason City, Illinois: You are the best friend a girl can ever have.Tomie: I've heard that comment in the past. Thank you.
Kelsey lives in Columbus, Ohio."I've been a big fan of yours since I was little. I've always been captivated by your drawings, the colors, the faces, and all the little things. I'm 15 now, but when I was younger I used to sit and read PANCAKES FOR BREAKFAST and I'll never forget the phrase 'If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.' When I got my big wooden dollhouse for Christmas when I was eight, I named all of the family members after yours. The mom and dad were Joe and Flossie, the brother and sister were Buddy and Tomie (sorry you were a girl, but I was determined, and she was my favorite anyway) and the baby sister, Maureen. The house even came with another family, and the girl in that family was Jeannie. The book THINGS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME was the first chapter book that I ever fell in love with (FANTASTIC MR. FOX was next). That book made me want to have a diary and is one of the reasons why I still have one today."Tomie: It's OK that Tomie was a girl since she was your favorite. I know a woman in Minnesota whose name is "Tomie." I hope Buddy and Tomie got along better in your dollhouse than they did at 26 Fairmount Avenue.
Suzanne lives in Louisville, Kentucky. The following part of her letter is about the audiobook edition of 26 FAIRMOUNT AVENUE."It was January. It was cold and gray. And I was going through a particularly difficult time in my life. There's no way to express what listening to that book on tape did for my mood, my mental health and my heart! Every morning we'd turn on the car CD player before even leaving the driveway, so anxious to hear your captivating stories and exuberant, laughter-filled voice. The book itself is wonderful, but to hear you read your own words to us in your own unique, completely joyful way was a special gift. I'll never forget those mornings - driving along on the way to school with my 4 and 6 year olds in the back seat, steaming coffee mug in one hand and silent tears streaming down my face from the difficulties of the night before. And then, suddenly, laughter bubbling to the surface and unexpectedly ending the tears and sadness, all because of you and your wonderful anecdotes. You are SUCH an amazing storyteller!"Tomie: Thank you for the sweet words.
Last night a bear feasted in the corn field in Tomie's meadow, and later walked around the yard and left his "mark."
We went to the Weston Playhouse yesterday in Weston, Vermont, to see a world premiere performance of "Saint-Ex," a musical "about Antoine de Saint-Exupery's world, imagination and dreams." Tomie gave it a "thumbs up."The Weston Playhouse building was impacted by Tropical Storm Irene so it was amazing that "Saint-Ex" could even be performed again.It was strange to see in Vermont houses and roofs sitting on the side of brooks - brooks that were raging and destructive rivers during Irene. Some roads were a mess and many yards were full of dried mud.Photographs of the damage caused by Irene flooding can be seen on the Weston Playhouse's Facebook page, and the BURLINGTON FREE PRESS website.www.westonplayhouse.orgwww.burlingtonfreepress.com
We were mostly unaffected by Irene. Wind, lots of rain, and that's about it. The electricity was off for about four hours, but Tomie had a generator, and power. We were shocked to read and hear the next day about all of the destruction elsewhere. We had no idea.
The weather has been beautiful since Sunday. We can't imagine what others are facing as they pick up the pieces.
