“The Worlds of Tomie dePaola: The Art and Stories of the Legendary Artist and Author”
by Barbara Ellerman, Simon and Shuster Books for Young Readers, N.Y., 2021, 202 pages, Grades 8-10.
Tomie dePaola has graced the field of children’s literature with an array of wonderful books. Upon his death March 30, 2020, at the age of 85, the world lost a beloved master of art and story.
Tomie’s artistic and literary output spans nearly 50 years. Many of his characters, such as Strega Nona, the comical Italian witch with her absent-minded sidekick, Big Anthony, are well known in children’s books. But who was this artistic genius? Longtime friend of the artist, Barbara Ellerman, tells us the many facets of dePaola’s work and inspiration in this well written pictorial biography: “The Worlds of Tomie dePaola: The Art and Stories of the Legendary Artist and Author.”
Ellerman starts the book at the early home of the future artist. Born in 1934 in Connecticut to an Irish/Italian family, Tomie always wants to draw on paper, walls and other objects. When he starts school, an astute teacher allows him to use many colors when creating his pictures. As he goes through school, Tomie is attracted to dance, theatre and art. After high school, he attends Pratt Institute and becomes an accomplished artist. Soon, Tomie begins to develop the distinctive style for which he will become famous. By the time of his death, Tomie has written or illustrated some 260 books.
Ellerman’s book is divided into 12 chapters about various subjects that dePaola developed, or were instrumental in his publishing career. Though it is hard to pick from among this wealth of topics, I have always been particularly attracted to his intense love of the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child. His paintings of Mary are always simple, elegant and beautiful.
He also mined his Irish and Italian heritages for many subjects. During Tomie’s many travels, he encountered many different cultures and created a number of lovely picture books about Native American societies. A beautiful example of this is “The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush.” This is the story of a remarkable artist filling the world with beauty.
To appreciate this book, readers need to read it slowly. It is not a book that should be quickly read. The examples of dePaola’s artwork are a real treat. Several brief essays by dePaola tell his thoughts on art and the development of his ideas.
Ellerman and Tomie were close friends and readers will sense this caring relationship throughout the book. The book is an extensive account of the wonderful gifts that Tomie dePaola gave to the world of children’s literature.
As a longtime fan of Tomie dePaola, I would encourage you to check out this book from the local library. This will give you an outstanding background into the man and his art.
Then do yourself and your family a great favor and dive into the magnificent literary world of Tomie dePaola. His books about fairy tales, religious figures, folktales and nursery rhymes will delight you. While his art is simplistic on one level, the more you look at his paintings the more you will experience their exquisite beauty. His books are widely available and will help your family laugh and gain insights into life. Enjoy!
