1. Biography of Tomie dePaola By Carly Part

2. Childhood of Thomas Anthony de Paola… Born on September 15, 1934 in Meriden, Connecticut. Two parents, father was barber. Drawing and dancing were childhood passions. Raised money for family through tap dancing. Had exceptional memory. Worked in drama throughout high school.

3. Growing up… Scholarship to the Pratt Institute in New York, where he said he “spent four years learning how to draw everything” and “realizing other artists do exist.” Inspired by art galleries & Ben Shahn. After graduating, Tomie went through what he likes to call his “Brief Period”. Tomie joined the monastery for 6 months and got married for a year.

4. The Ups & the Downs Visited companies but artwork was rejected. Met agent Florence Alexander, and illustrated his first book- Science book titled Sound, by Lisa Miler. Wrote/Illustrated first book The Wonderful Dragon of Timlin Lived in California briefly, but returned to New Hampshire, where he currently resides. Working as an associate professor at New England College, and teaches theater design. Has written over 200 books, & continues to visit schools.

5. A Reader/Writer from the start… Always wanted to be an artist- “Small town success” Mother read aloud to family every night. This brought on a love for reading and became a young, determined reader: Learning How to ReadLearning How to Read 1 st teacher, Mrs. Kiniry, encouraged him in the arts. Walt Disney encouraged him to keep practicing.

6. Current Tomie Stats! Tomie is not married, nor has children. Lives in New London, New Hampshire. Lives his dog, Bronte. Hobbies include cooking, gardening, painting, movies, shopping and eating popcorn. Currently working on a new book of New England folktales. “I don't mind being "that artist fella who writes books and lives up on County Road in that big place behind the gas station."