Q & A with Mrs. Moyer's Class

Mrs. Moyer's second grade class at Stone Ranch Elementary in San Diego, California, wrote.

Almost everyone asked: Is Mrs. Bowers still alive?
Tomie: I don't know. My dancing school teacher, Miss Leah, is still alive. I saw her in July. She looks great!

Matthew: Do you know any baseball players?
Tomie: No

Jared: I think on a great book scale 1 - 10 your books are a 10!
Tomie: Thank you. I think on a great comment scale, 1 - 10, your comment is a 10!

Blue Eyes

This drawing was in a BIG Happy Birthday letter from Mrs. Coats's second grade class at Clay Lamberton Elementary in Berlin, Wisconsin.

The class asked a couple of questions:
Q: Are you going to be in Wisconsin?
A: I'm going to be autograping at Next Chapter Books in Mequon, Wisconsin, on October 25.

Q: Are you working on another pop-up book?
A: No, but I'm glad that you liked BRAVA, STREGA NONA.

The Tomie dePaola Historical Museum Library and Bookstore

Emily and Nathan live in Portland, Connecticut.

"We so enjoyed your descriptions of 26 Fairmount Avenue that we decided to go visit it this week. We were very saddend and dissapointed to see that it had been abandonned and disrespected by its last owners. We would like to suggest that you buy your childhood house back again since it is now up for sale. I would suggest making it into a museum, library, bookstore or historical site."

Tomie: I was in Meriden, Connecticut, not long after receiving your letter and I drove by the house. It does look a bit sad. It was a great place to live when I was young. A lot of great memories came to me as I drove through the neighborhood. But, I don't think I'll buy the house.

Candy or Zyrtec?

Ms. Chen's second grade class at Grant School in Santa Monica, California, sent letters and drawings.

Samara: I espcially like 26 Fairmount Ave. I think it is funny when you think the laxatives are chocolate! It reminds me of when I ate 15 Zyrtecs. I thought they were candy. It was not pleasant.

I'm Stuck Like Super Glue!

Tiegan is the poet and artist. Tiegan is in Roxanne Roberts's third grade class at Greenville Schools in Greenville, Maine. Click on the drawing to see the image better. The class sent Cinquain Poems, drawings and letters.

Tiegan: Once I read your books I'm stuck like super glue to them!

Tomie: You had me at "super glue."

Roxanne Roberts: As a result of reading "The War Years" [in the "26 Fairmount Avenue" series] you helped introduce these kids from rural Maine to diversity, but also social intolerance.

Tomie: Thank you for the kind comments. I hope to finish the "26 Fairmount Avenue" books with one last volume.

But, Don't Blame Me

Samantha is in Mrs. Avery's or Mrs. Colonese's third grade class at Pond Hill Elementary in Wallingford, Connecticut: My favorite holiday is Christmas because you get to get anything you want; like an Ipod. I usually pick things with high prices. In one of the books you drew on the sheets and one time I drew on the sheets and the wallpaper just like you did. My mom and dad found it.

Tomie: Oops!

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.

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

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.

The Chets Creek Elementary School Farmers

Mrs. Roberts and Miss Lewis's second grade class at Chets Creek Elementary in Jacksonville, Florida, wrote a letter with a lot of questions.

Q: Our school has a theme every year and this year we are farmers. We are wondering if the barn that you work in is located on a farm?
A: It was on a farm many years ago. The barn is now parallel to a street on one side and next to my house on the other side.

Q: Did you really call your grandmothers "Nana Upstairs" and "Nana Downstairs?"
A: I called my Irish grandmother Nana Downstairs and I called my Irish great-grandmother Nana Upstairs?

Q: What were their real names?
A: Mary Alice Downey was Nana Downstairs. Honorah O'Rourke Mock was Nana Upstairs. You can see their photographs in Barbara Elleman's book, TOMIE DEPAOLA, HIS ART & HIS STORIES. www.tomie.com/resources/books.html

Q: Did you really tie yourself in a chair like your Nana?
A: Yes.

Q: Do you have any siblings?
A: Joseph, Jr., Maureen and Judie.

Q: Is the Tommy in your stories always supposed to be you?
A: Yes.

Are Autobiographies True?

Mrs. Pearson's third grade class at Warrens Elementary in Warrens, Wisconsin, wrote letters.

Jenna: My teacher, Mrs. Pearson, has been reading the 26 Fairmont Avenue series to us. I like them a lot. I am suripised that your autobiographies are true. I felt like you were right in my classroom at Warrens Elementary in Wisconsin.

Tomie: Thank you, Jenna. Autobiographies, by definition, are true stories.

Many students: Is Buddy still mean to you?

Tomie: My brother and I never got along very well while he lived. He died many years ago.

Letters to Oliver Button

Mandy Carbajal's third grade class at Sir Winston Churchill Public School in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, read OLIVER BUTTON IS A SISSY, and wrote letters to Oliver.

Yehan: We know that bulling is a bad thing to do. You were such a good boy when the boys were bulling you. Because you didn't bully back. I know you tried your best. We know that the tree kinds of bulling are hiting, calling names, and leaving other out.

Tori: I fell so good about your book and the most part that help me in real life about how to dell with bolles and before I thoth that the book was bad but as thay thay say dot gog a book by its cover.

O.G.: When I red your story I did not understand why people called you a sissy. Being diffrent is a good thing not bad. I wonder why people keep calling you a sissy when you're so brave and confident and persaverent.

Sara: I like your book, and I like when you ignor the bully's. and I love your book. and you are a good studinte to Miss Leah. and you are so nice to Ms. Leah your dance teacher and she is nice to you to.

A Tempting Invitation

Lauren Manting's second grade class at the International School in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, wrote.

Marcela: I want that you come to Honduras because is a very good. But is no snow in Honduras and you don't need a sweater.

Tomie: Since it's snowing RIGHT NOW in New London, New Hampshire, I wish I was in Honduras RIGHT NOW with no snow and without a sweater.

A Note From a Teacher

Sue Maloney is a second grade teacher at Mill Hill School in Southport, Connecticut: Since the start of our school I have been entertaining my children by reading many of your books. Your stories are so well crafted that I am able to teach an author study based on your books. I can't think of a better author to model story structure or to use as a springboard for teaching narrative writing. We also read your 26 Fairmount Avenue chapter books while we were studying Connecticut and communities and learned a lot about what things were like before television, the internet, etc. The themes that you write about in your books are so current and relevant for the children (and their teacher!).

Tomie: Thank you!

A Funny Third Grade Class

Tony is in the third grade at Coe Elementary in Seattle: Since you make us laugh I have to make you laugh with some jokes.

Q: What type of bears go out in the rain?
A: Drizzly bears.

Q: What do you call Batman and Robin getting smashed?
A: Flatman and Ribon.

Q: Why didn't the two fours want dinner?
A: Because they already eight.

Q: Where did cows hang their paintings?
A: In the moo-seum.

Q: What is a vampire's favorite fruit?
A: Neckterine.

Q: Why did the cookie go to the doctor?
A: Because he was feeling crummy.

Q: Why is it so hot in a stadium after a football game?
A: Because all the fans have left.

Tomie: Ha! Ha! Ha!

Why? Why? Why?

Miss Houston's first grade class at Wellford Academy of Science & Technology in Wellford, South Carolina, asked questions.

Q: Why is Nana Upstairs Nana Downstairs your favorite book?

A: NANA UPSTAIRS & NANA DOWNSTAIRS is my favorite book of my own books. It was the first time I had written a story about my own life.

Q: We read that you love cats. Why did you get rid of them?

A: I developed allergies to cats.

Q: Are you going to write another book?

A: I'm always working on a new book project. STREGA NONA'S GIFT will be published in October. I'm now working on THE BIRDS OF BETHLEHEM for Fall, 2012.

Make Shore You Tell Us

Second graders from Sacred Heart School in Hanover, Pennsylvania, wrote letters.

Matt: What book are you working on?

Tomie: THE BIRDS OF BETHLEHEM.

Abigail: I love your book Oliver Button Is a Sissy. Did you really tap dance?

Tomie: Yes.

Connor: We have a ant farm. How old is your wife?

Tomie: I'm not married, and I don't have a wife.

Maggie: We are your biggest fans not lyeing. How old are you make shore you tell us.

Tomie: I am 76 years old.

Laura: Why do you righte your name with a lower cace d and a capable P?

Tomie: That's just how my name is spelled. I know a lot of people whose last names begin with a lowercase letter.