Santa's Crash-Bang Christmas, by Steven Kroll. "When Santa lands his reindeer on the Sylvesters' roof, falls out of his sleigh, bumps his nose, loses his handkerchief, and can't find his nose drops, he realizes 'it's going to be one of those awful nights.' Things go from bad to worse, as he bumbles his way through the Sylvesters' living room, leaving a topsy-turvy mess behind him. It takes a clever elf called Gerald to pick up the pieces and help save Christmas for the Sylvesters." (Ages 4-8) 1977
Shh! We're Writing the Constitution, by Jean Fritz. IN PRINT "Contrary to popular opinion, America had to be dragged kicking and screaming into nationhood. Although Americans were happy to be free of England, the states were used to being sovereign and that was the way many of them wanted to keep it. Against this background of confusion, fifty delegates gathered in the summer of 1787 to attempt to draw up a plan that would bring order out of confusion. The result was the writing of the Constitution, but initially no one agreed as to what should be in it, or even if a constitution should be drawn up! Patrick Henry, when told of the convention, said he 'smelt a rat' and wouldn't go. Alexander Hamilton felt that America at that time was 'nothing but a monster with thirteen heads.' But come the delegates did. Ben Franklin arrived in a sedan chair carried by four convicts. Elbridge Gerry brought his worries and complaints with him, earning the name 'Grumbletonian.' And, of course, George Washington presided over the meetings, exerting his strong convictions to keep the process going. With her characteristic candor and scrupulous accuracy, Jean Fritz brings us the shouts and emotional outbursts as well as the political divisions and complex issues of the Constitutional convention, from which emerged the basis of our government." (Ages 7-9) 1987
Simple Pictures Are Best, by Nancy Willard. "'Simple pictures are best,' suggests the photographer to the shoemaker and his wife as he prepares to take their wedding anniversary photograph. But each time he starts to close the shutter, the shoemaker or his wife thinks up something new to be included. Prize vegetables from the garden, freshly baked pies, new shoes, old hats, even the family cat accumulate before the desperate photographer. When at last they are ready, neither the wife nor her husband can crack a smile. How the photographer's helper finds a way to make them laugh - uproariously - and the photograph that results will surprise and delight the readers of Nancy Willard's winning and witty story. Tomie dePaola's rich colors and marvelous drollery round out this charming literary frolic." (Ages 4-8) 1977
Sing, Pierrot, Sing: A Picture Book in Mime. "Through colors and characters rooted in the Renaissance, internationally acclaimed artist/author Tomie dePaola tells his original story of Pierrot, famed jester of French pantomime. Resplendent, full-color illustrations in this wordless picture book bring us the simple, moonstruck Pierrot who sets out to win the affection of his beloved Columbine, blissfully unaware that her heart belongs to Harlequin. Pierrot suffers the chagrin and loneliness of unrequited love until he receives the sweet gift of friendship from children who offer him comfort and affection. Pierrot's feelings are universal and readers of all ages - and all languages - will respond to this simple and enchanting story about love. In telling Pierrot's tale, Tomie dePaola has drawn on French and Italian folklore drama, and included the classic romantic images of rose, moon, and mandolin. He costumes the characters in their traditional dress: Pierrot in large, white blouse and pantaloons, Harlequin in diamond-patterned tunic, and the saucy sweetheart Columbine in garlanded headdress. Then, just as Pierrot the mime entertained his audience, so Tomie dePaola's story speaks without words." (Ages 4-7) 1983
Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast, by Norma Farber, illustrated by Tomie dePaola, and others. "Alice laughed. 'There's no use trying,' she said: 'one can't believe impossible things.' 'I daresay you haven't had much practice,' said the Queen. 'When I was your age I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.' The Six Impossible stories and poems to believe before breakfast, or after dinner, or anytime in between are: One, a cautionary tale of a bread dough that rises so high it floats to heaven, threatens to eclipse the moon but plummets to a humble end. Two, a lesson on how to ride a unicorn. Three, a wish by Mrs. Gilligan, who sat huddled in her rocking chair on a dismal, dark, bitter-cold winter's day, that bubbles wouldn't burst... a wish that Somebody Up There heard. Four, talk about a blizzard, talk about snow, talk about temperatures forty-odd below. Talk about a man with the genuine goods, shoveled half a month out of Michigan woods. Shoveled to get warm and to keep him alive. Felt like a million. Was sixty-five. Herman A. Simonds never figured he'd be towed. Snowbound in his truck, he cleared a Seven-Mile Road. Five, the saga of a certain rainy Friday afternoon in wet Manhattan when a Mrs. Molly Manning leaves her purple shopping basket on the Number 6 bus. And a kindly bearded fellow, who is Jewish and a rabbi, stops his racing car to help and whisks her off in hot pursuit - of the bus and the shopping basket. Six, a time honored remedy for cheering up sad or sulky princesses." (Ages 10 and up) 1977
Solomon Grundy, Born on Oneday: A Finite Arithmetic Puzzle, by Malcolm E. Weiss. "Poor old Solomon Grundy. Born on Monday and died on Sunday, just seven days later. Poor young Solomon Grundy. He had a short life. Or did he? This delightful Young Math Book explores the possibilities of Solomon Grundy's life and treats it as a puzzle in finite arithmetic - in this case, an arithmetic with only seven numbers in it (one for each day of the week). Children are encouraged to work out the possibilities for Mr. Grundy's life by constructing a week-clock with seven numerals on it. In the end, they discover they can imagine a very long life indeed for Solomon Grundy. In the process they experience both adding and subtracting in a finite arithmetic system, and are encouraged to locate other examples of finite arithmetic in their lives. Tomie dePaola has contributed wonderfully humorous and informative illustrations for this inviting addition to the Young Math series." (Ages 6-8) 1977
The Song of Francis. eBook "Francis is so full of God's love that he wants to sing His praises. His glorious singing inspires birds of every color, and even the sun and moon, to join him in joyful celebration. Tomie dePaola's simple text and vibrant illustrations bring the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi to life for even the youngest children. And he reminds us how sweet it is to rejoice and give thanks for life and love." (Ages 3-5) 2009
Songs of the Fog Maiden. eBook "The world of the Fog Maiden is filled with magic. As she drifts through her Day Garden, she passes flowing crystal fountains, rows of dancing statues, and secret, shadowy places where she can stop and rest. In each place, she sings a special song. At twilight, her cat Token joins her. They take a Night Garden walk as Star-Flowers and Moon-Flowers tumble from the sky. Then it is time to leave for their enchanting night journey. Token and the Fog Maiden first made their appearance in Mr. dePaola's book, When Everyone Was Fast Asleep. As in the previous book, the gifted author/artist has created beautiful, dreamlike landscapes in magnificent full-color paintings. The words and pictures capture the experience of childhood imaginations." (Ages 4-8) 1979
Sound, by Lisa Miller. "'The world is full of sounds. The song of a bird. The noise of a jet. The music of a parade. But what is sound?' By using everyday, familiar happenings, Lisa Miller introduces boys and girls to a complicated but fascinating scientific concept - sound. Abstract terms such as pitch, frequency, amplitude and wavelength take on real meaning through straightforward, logical explanations. Attractive illustrations combine with lively explanations to provide a new understanding of scientific principles. This fundamental introduction to sound, which has been carefully checked for scientific accuracy, satisfies that wonderful curiosity every boy and girl has about the world around him, and encourages him to ask new questions and seek fresh ideas and answers." (Ages 4-8) 1965
Sound Science, by Melvin L. Alexenberg. "This is a 'Gloop.' Follow him through the pages in this book and he will help you to work as a scientist does. Sounds can be loud or soft, high or low - but what makes them so? How do you hear noise that is far away? You can learn about sounds from rubber bands, glasses filled with water and even your breakfast cereal!" (Ages 4-8) 1968
Stagestruck. IN PRINT/eBook "Miss Bird announces that Tommy's class will be putting on the spring play for the whole school. When she says they will be performing "Peter Rabbit," Tommy can hardly sit still. He's sure he will be the perfect Peter. But Tommy is so excited that he talks too much and doesn't listen. So Miss Bird gives the part of Peter to Johnny, and Tommy has to play Mopsy, one of the rabbits. Tommy is disappointed until he gets an idea. Maybe he can't be the star, but he can get the audience's attention. Mopsy steals the show. Then he can't figure out why Miss Bird and his mom are not shouting out "Bravo!" Drawing on childhood memories, Tomie dePaola gives readers a warm and funny story sure to appeal to kids who will love being stagestruck!" (Ages 4-8) 2005 More Information
Steppin' Out: Jaunty Rhymes for Playful Times, by Lin Oliver. IN PRINT/eBook "A preschooler's day is full of little discoveries and grand adventures - all it takes is stepping out the door! This lively collection of original poems features little ones eager to explore and be amazed by their world as they splash through puddles, ride elevators and escalators, visit the car wash, library, and preschool - playing with their friends and making new ones along the way. Lin Oliver and Tomie dePaola, creators of Little Poems for Tiny Ears, have crafted another warm and inviting book that will delight families with its contagious rhythm and rhyme and endearing, expressive illustrations." (Ages 3-5) 2017
The Story of the Three Wise Kings. "Long ago three wise kings from the East studied the night sky and saw a spectacular new star. Their learned books told them this was a sign that a new child-king would soon be born. So they each set out to follow the star and find the new king, to honor him with their special gifts. Melchior took gold, Gaspar took fragrant frankincense and Balthazar took myrrh. But when the three kings met the evil King Herod, the child's life was suddenly in danger. Only when an angel visited the three wise men in their dreams were they warned of Herod's terrible plan to destroy the child. Here is the classic biblical legend of the gifts of the kings, reverently retold by artist/author Tomie dePaola and illustrated with drama and warmth in glowing Mediterranean colors of sunsplashed blues, oranges, pinks and greens. A stunning gift at Christmastime for children and their families to treasure." (Ages 4-8) 1983
Strega Nona: An Original Tale. IN PRINT "Strega Nona - 'Grandma Witch' - is the source for potions, cures, magic, and comfort in her Calabrian town. Her magical everfull pasta pot is especially intriguing to hungry Big Anthony. He is supposed to look after her house and tend her garden but one day, when she goes over the mountain to visit Strega Amelia, Big Anthony recites the magic verse over the pasta pot, with disastrous results. In this Caldecott Honor-winning 1975 children's classic, author-illustrator Tomie dePaola (whose middle name is Anthony) combines humor and warmth in his retelling of an old tale." (Ages 4-8) 1975/2015
Strega Nona: An Original Tale: A Classic Board Book. IN PRINT/eBook "In this lovely Classic Board Book, little ones can enjoy this beloved award-winning story about Strega Nona, a 'Grandma Witch' with a magical pasta pot." (Ages 2-5) 1975/2017
Strega Nona and Her Tomatoes. IN PRINT/eBook "Discover brand-new stories about Strega Nona in this Level One, Ready-to-Read series that's perfect for beginning readers. Strega Nona is excited! The tomatoes in her garden are ripe, and she picks enough to fill a basket. She wants to give 24 tomatoes to the convent, and counts them out on the kitchen table. She is in the middle of counting when Signora Goat starts to eat the laundry. While Strega Nona is outside, Big Anthony sees the tomatoes and wants to help. Poor Big Anthony. He puts the tomatoes back in the basket!" (Ages 4-6) 2017
Strega Nona and the Twins IN PRINT/eBook "In this brand-new story, Strega Nona babysits twins in a Level One, Ready-to-Read book that's perfect for beginning readers. Strega Nona is babysitting twins for the day. Bambolona and Big Anthony help too. The twins, on the other hand, do not help with anything! They get into trouble everywhere they go! Luckily, Strega Nona knows what to do." (Ages 4-6) 2017
Strega Nona Does It Again. IN PRINT/eBook "When Strega Nona's young cousin comes to stay, the whole household is excited - at first. But then the spoiled Angelina decides that Big Anthony should be her footman and Bambolona her maid. Angelina's nonstop demands have the whole household in a tizzy! It seems the only thing that makes the lovesick Angelina happy is pining for Hugo, so it's up to Strega Nona to devise a plan that will make everyone happy, restoring peace in her household- and showing two vain young lovers how much they deserve each other! Once again the amazing Tomie dePaola brings Strega Nona and her energetic household to fabulous life. With hilarious illustrations packed with details of Angelina's over-the-top antics, Strega Nona's latest outing begs to be read over and over again." (Ages 4-8) 2013
Strega Nona 12" Doll. "A classic plush based on a favorite, classic book! This perfect doll embodies the famous kind and gentle demeanor of Strega Nona, or 'Grandma Witch'. Her brightly colored dress and cape, open arms and sweet smile make Strega Nona a great addition to story time."
Strega Nona, Her Story. IN PRINT "As I tell my story, so many memories come back to me... of dear Grandma Concetta who shared her secrets with me... of childhood days with my best friend Amelia and the different paths we have taken as Stregas... of my early days in the little house on the hill... and the happy moments when I met my dear helper Big Anthony and sweet Bambolona who even now are at my side to help me each day when the villagers come with their problems... But, I am getting ahead of my story... Let us go back to the very beginning on the night I was born. The wind was blowing dark storm clouds across the hills... And I would not make my appearance into the world until..." (Ages 4-8) 1996
Strega Nona Meets Her Match. IN PRINT "Strega Nona (Grandma Witch) has cures for warts and headaches, even lovesickness. She uses old-fashioned potions and magic and the villagers in Calabria flock to her door. But when her friend Strega Amelia comes over the mountain for a visit, she brings more than just gossip. Soon she's set up her own shop, using the latest modern gadgets, offering sweets and cappuccino - to all of Strega Nona's regulars! Looks like Strega Nona's met her match. Unless she's got her own cure. For Strega Amelia! Everyone who's read about Strega Nona before will know she has a helper named Big Anthony and remember the big problems he's caused in the past. But this time, he unwittingly plays a part in proving that the old ways are often the best ways." (Ages 4-8) 1993
Strega Nona Play Set. IN PRINT "Experience the treasured children's classic and Caldecott Honor-winning Strega Nona in a hands-on way with this fantastic play set complete with scripts, backdrops, and stand up characters so readers can act out the beloved story! Strega Nona is ready to storm the stage just in time for her fortieth anniversary! This play set is perfect for fans who want to act out Tomie dePaola's timeless tale. This exciting play set includes three backdrops for settings, three script books, eight stand-up 3D play pieces with different characters, and a reusable box for storage. Now... dim the lights... take a seat... and get ready for a Strega Nona play!" (Ages 5-9) 2015
Strega Nona's Gift. IN PRINT/eBook "In Strega Nona's village, the holiday season is a time of celebrations - and nothing says celebration like a feast! All the kitchens are bustling from the Feast of San Nicola in early December, when the children choose the food, to the Feast of Epiphany in January, when someone gets to be king or queen for the day. Even the animals share in the holiday spirit, for there is one feast where the tradition is to cook for them. When Big Anthony smells the delicious treats Strega Nona is cooking up for her animals, he decides that just a taste couldn't hurt, right? Wrong! Big Anthony gets his just desserts, while Strega Nona surprises everyone with a special gift. Starring two of Tomie dePaola's best-loved characters, this funny story features beautiful art, introduces young readers to Italian holiday traditions, and lands Big Anthony in yet another silly predicament that will delight fans young and old." (Ages 4-8) 2011
Strega Nona's Harvest. IN PRINT/eBook "Every year Strega Nona carefully plants her seeds and uses her magic touch to grow her garden. Her helper Big Anthony figures he should be able to grow a garden too. But Big Anthony is not careful. Soon he has a jungle on his hands - Mamma mia! What will they do with all these vegetables? Tomie dePaola has been delighting readers with tales of the wonderfully wise Strega Nona and her bumbling sidekick Big Anthony for generations. With his trademark charm and humor, he has created another delicious tale perfect for family sharing." (Ages 4-8) 2009
Strega Nona's Magic Lessons. IN PRINT/eBook "Bambolona is tired of working in her papa's bakery. There is far too much to do! So she decides to go to wise Strega Nona and learn a little magic instead. But here comes Big Anthony. He wants to learn too... if he doesn't make a big mess of things first! This delightful new edition of Tomie dePaola's original 1982 tale stars Strega Nona at her trickiest - and bumbling Big Anthony at his silliest." (Ages 4-8) 1982/2017 More Information
Strega Nona's Magic Ring. IN PRINT/eBook Previously titled Big Anthony and the Magic Ring. "Big Anthony has a case of spring fever! He needs a little Night Life to cheer him up. But Big Anthony is afraid that if he goes to the village dance, no one will dance with him. So when Strega Nona goes away on a visit, Big Anthony borrows her magic ring, which turns him into a handsome stranger... In this reissue of Tomie dePaola's 1979 sequel to the Caldecott Honor-winning Strega Nona, Big Anthony gets what he thinks he wants - but as usual, it causes him more trouble than he can handle!" (Ages 4-8) 1979/2018 More Information
Strega Nona Takes a Vacation. IN PRINT "It has been a long time since Strega Nona had a vacation. Then one night Strega Nona dreams she's at her Grandma Concetta's little house by the seashore. And all the next day she hears Grandma Concetta's voice saying, 'Vieni, Nonalina, come.' Even Big Anthony notices that Strega Nona is distracted when the Mayor has a headache and she almost gives him the wrong remedy. Everybody says, 'Strega Nona needs a vacation.' Surely Big Anthony and Bambolona can be left alone for just one week - what could possibly go wrong? Award-winning artist/author Tomie dePaola brings us a warm and very funny addition to the stories of his most beloved character, Strega Nona." (Ages 4-8) 2000
The Surprise Party, by Annabelle Prager. (Ages 4-8) 1977