26 Fairmount Avenue

From Publishers Weekly
Kicking off a series by the same name, dePaola's effervescent chapter book recounts some memorable moments from the author's early years, surrounded by loving family members and friends. Fans will recognize a few of the cast members from the author's various autobiographical picture books. Organized as an engaging pastiche of memories from 1938 to 1939, the story's primary focus is the snafu-plagued construction and landscaping of the dePaola family's "first and only house," in Meriden, Conn. Within this clever framework, other diverting vignettes surface: during the hurricane of 1938, dePaola's mother sprinkles holy water on a terrified neighbor for protection; young Tomie generously shares "chocolates" he finds hidden in the bathroom with his Nana Upstairs (they turn out to be laxatives); and on the first day of kindergarten, when he learns that reading is not taught until first grade, he announces, "Fine, I'll be back next year," and heads home. DePaola successfully evokes the voice of a precocious, inquisitive five-year-old everyone would want to befriend. Charming black-and-white illustrations animate the scenes and add a period flare, including a photo album-like assemblage of the characters' portraits at the book's start. Readers will also appreciate a glimpse of the artist's early debut as he draws life-size images of his family on the plasterboard walls in his new house. DePaola seems as at home in this format as he did when he first crossed the threshold of 26 Fairmount Avenue, an address readers will eagerly revisit in the series' subsequent tales. Ages 7-11. Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 4An autobiographical account of dePaolas childhood, centered on the building of his familys new house during the 1930s. Each short chapter is also a slice-of-life view of young Tomies worldwitnessing a hurricane, a disillusioning first day of kindergarten, a much anticipated theater trip to see Disneys Snow White, and holiday gatherings. The authors thrill at being allowed to draw on the walls of the new house before plastering would be a fantasy come true for many budding artists. DePaola presents it all with a keen understanding of the timeless concerns children share. Filled with subtle humor and detail that children will appreciate, the narrative is crisp and casual, making it an ideal read-aloud. Black-and-white drawings portray family members, many of whom are already familiar from earlier picture books. A thoroughly entertaining and charming story.Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
In an attractive chapter book, dePaola describes the year before his family moved from an apartment into their new home on Fairmount Avenue. Starting with a vivid account of the hurricane of 1938, he recalls an unfortunate but funny episode with a laxative, disappointment with "Mr. Walt Disney's Snow White," and his first day of kindergarten. Everything is seen through the eyes of five-year-old Tomi as construction problems arise with the new house: "My mom kept crying. My dad kept using more and more bad words." Reminiscent of Clyde Robert Bulla's appealing chapter books, the colloquial narrative gently meanders, introducing family, friends, and neighbors, noting holidays, anticipating moving day. Black-and-white sketches add a decorative touch and will draw children into the story. In an appended note, dePaola explains why and how he wrote this memoir and promises more. With this charming first installment, the series is off to an auspicious start. Linda Perkins


From Kirkus Reviews
The legions of fans who over the years have enjoyed dePaola's autobiographical picture books will welcome this longer gathering of reminiscences. Writing in an authentically childlike voice, he describes watching the new house his father was building go up despite a succession of disasters, from a brush fire to the hurricane of 1938. Meanwhile, he also introduces family, friends, and neighbors, adds Nana Fall River to his already well-known Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs, remembers his first day of school (`` `When do we learn to read?' I asked. `Oh, we don't learn how to read in kindergarten. We learn to read next year, in first grade.' `Fine,' I said. `I'll be back next year.' And I walked right out of school.''), recalls holidays, and explains his indignation when the plot of Disney's ``Snow White'' doesn't match the story he knows. Generously illustrated with vignettes and larger scenes, this cheery, well-knit narrative proves that an old dog can learn new tricks, and learn them surpassingly well. (Autobiography. 7-9) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.


The Horn Book, starred review
An entirely satisfying easy chapter book that will provide an excellent foundation for what may follow.


Publishers Weekly, starred review
DePaola successfully evokes the voice of an inquisitive, precocious five-year-old everyone would want to befriend.


Paula Danziger, author of Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon
Everyone should read 26 Fairmount Avenue-and feel like Tomie's his or her friend too. Fine writing-fine art-fine friend!


Patricia MacLachlan, author of Sarah, Plain and Tall
A charming, gentle, funny...His respect and reverence for both the old and the young is clear...in his stories.


Book Description
Tomie's family starts building their new house at 26 Fairmount Avenue in 1938, just as a hurricane hits town, starting off a busy, crazy year. Tomie has many adventures all his own, including eating chocolate with his Nana Upstairs, only to find out-the hard way-that they have eaten chocolate laxative. He tries to skip kindergarten when he finds out he won't learn to read until first grade. "I'll be back next year," he says. When Tomie goes to see Snow White, he creates another sensation. Tomie dePaola's childhood memories are hilarious, and his charming illustrations are sure to please.


Card catalog description
Children's author-illustrator Tomie De Paola describes his experiences at home and in school when he was a boy.


About the Author
Tomie dePaola is one of the best-known and best-loved author/illustrators creating books for children today. Both his writing and art have won numerous awards, and many of his picture books are now considered classics.


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Neat sketches and silhouettes will draw browsers in, and the book design is approachable and not babyish...[A]n entirely satisfying easy chapter book...Read all 6 "From The Critics" >


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