A Poem by Steven Smiley

Steven Smiley wrote a poem. He is in Mrs. Davidson's class at Hillview Intermediate Center in Grove City, Pennsylvania.

Tomie dePaola Poem

Tomie was born on September 15, 1934.
And he was all his parents had hoped for.

Tomie's mom was nicknamed Flossie.
And her lips were very glossy.

Tomie had an Irish & Italian ancestry.
Bet ya he had quite a story.

He had an older brother named Joe.
Sometimes he was Tomie's foe.

Tomie grew up in the Great Depression.
This probably left an impression.

On Tomie's 9th Christmas he got an easel for which he was thankful.
Tomie thought his easel was cool.

In 4th grade he sent a drawing to Walt Disney.
When Disney wrote back he was filled with glee.

In 1962 Tomie taught at Newton College of Sacred Heart.
There students learned some art.

For Strega Nona, Tomie received a Caldecott Award.
He would keep moving forward.

He appeared in several episodes of Barney & Friends.
Tomie's television appearances didn't come to an end.