A Busy Day for the Bald Guy

Living nearly halfway between Oshkosh, Wisconsin and St. Paul, Minnesota, yesterday's decision was heavily debated in the household. Should we go to Oshkosh to see Jan Brett or visit St. Paul to hear Tomie dePaola? Two nearby author visits on the same day. Ah, shucks. One or the other.

Tomie dePaola and St. Paul, we decided. Minnesota is our old stomping grounds, and a visit to the Red Balloon Bookshop is always a bonus.

Mr. dePaola talked about his new book, Brava, Strega Nona! and gave some interesting insight into how a pop-up book gets made. He shared how one spread just wasn't working, Big Anthony and the flood of pasta, until he shared one word with the pop-up creators. Tsunami. Now Big Anthony practically lands in your lap as pasta spills off the page. Did you know pop-up books were put together by hand? (Me neither.)

We then headed to the Mall of America for lunch and some shopping. When we got off the elevator in front of the Barnes and Noble, we were greeted by a sign promoting a visit from Jan Brett. Apparently, after a visit in Oshkosh, she headed over to St. Paul! Our decision was well made...or just lucky.

Mrs. Brett shared information about her newest book, Gingerbread Friends. The rooster that pulls Gingerbread Baby's sleigh is actually one of her chickens, and the mouse that Gingerbread Baby meets in the bakery is the same visitor to a basket of gingerbread cookies at her home.

She also gave everyone a great art lesson about creating three dimensions and how draw reflecting light.



Both authors were incredibly entertaining, gracious, and patient, and while our day ended a lot later than initially expected, it was well worth it. Thanks to Tomie dePaola and Jan Brett from me and the entire family.

Oh yeah. Hedgie was cool too.

26 Fairmount Avenue by Tomie dePaola

26 Fairmount Avenue is named for the address of 4-year-old Tomie's new house being built in 1938, and 1938 was full of grand events in Tomie’s life.

A hurricane hit his hometown of Meriden, Connecticut. Tomie witnessed a boy fly in the air under an umbrella just like Mary Poppins!

Walt Disney released Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Tomie gets to stay by himself after Mom takes terrified brother Buddy to the lobby, but the movie doesn’t meet Tomie’s expectations. “The story’s not over yet,” Tomie yells in the theater. “Where’s the wedding? Where’re the red-hot iron shoes that they put on the Evil Queen so she dances herself to death? Mr. Walt Disney didn’t read the story right!”

Tomie gets to start kindergarten, but when his teacher says students don’t learn to read until first grade, Tomie matter-of-factly states, “Fine, I’ll be back next year,” and goes home.

Most importantly Tomie’s family is building a new house on Fairmount Avenue, and that is an adventure all its own. The hill on which the house is built grows (really!). The street turns to mud. There’s a fire (but not the house). Finally, after a long wait, the family moves in.

Readers will love learning more and more about Tomie and his extended family. As the series continues, Tomie grows into first and second grade and eventually relates how World War II affects him and his family. Throughout the series dePaola’s voice never wavers, always accurately displaying childhood innocence through humor and joy, but also through sadness and warmth.

Other books in the 26 Fairmount Avenue series: Here We All Are, On My Way, What a Year, Things Will Never Be the Same, I'm Still Scared, and Why?.