Barbara Elleman’s 2021 book The Worlds of Tomie dePaola: The Art and Stories of the Legendary Artist and Author was a genuine eyeopener.
Like many people, I was familiar with Strega Nona, but I have to plead ignorance: I did not know how varied dePaola’s career was. This book starts with an introduction discussing the author’s relationship with dePaola, then “A Tribute to Tomie” by Trina Schart Hyman, herself an illustrator with an impressive career. 20 pages of biography follow, then a series of 10 more chapters approaching dePaola’s career through different lenses. Most chapters are grouped topically or thematically: Chapter 3 is Strega Nona, Chapter 4 on folktales, and so on.
The book is clearly written and rich with a wealth of images. Most are, of course, dePaola’s work, but some are pictures dePaola and his context: boyhood pictures, family shots, his office, etc.
The result is highly educational and quite enjoyable. I will be seeking out the rest of dePaola’s work, beyond Strega Nona‘s gentle magic, to see how it all relates.
A good book for adults about an important creator, and a book adults can share with kids who like dePaola’s work.
