Tom [Paperback]

Tomie dePaola (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Aside from having the same name, Tommy and his grandfather Tom share a wonderful sense of humor, a happy array of adventures, and a warm and special relationship. Reprint. AB. H. "

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The newest addition to this prolific author's library of autobiographical picture books celebrates his childhood relationship with his grandfather--"We're named after each other, Tommy. That's why I want you to call me Tom instead of Grandpa." Together they read the Sunday comics, share stories, or tend to the butcher section of Tom's store. While the actual story line is minimal--Tommy gets in trouble for scaring classmates with a chicken-foot prank Tom taught him--the fans who cherish these reminiscences (adults as well as children) will welcome this skillful evocation of an all-important intergenerational bond. Touches of old-world humor and wisdom add sparkle to the tale, in which dePaola's idiosyncratic, apple-cheeked characters are rendered in bright, sunny colors. The sepia-toned portraits, simulating pictures from a scrapbook, that adorn the jacket and title page enhance the book's nostalgic tone. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-- As he did in Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs (Puffin, 1978) and The Art Lesson (Putnam, 1989), de Paola has used his own childhood memories to create a slice-of-family-life picture book. The simple, plain text tells of the close relationship between Tommy and his namesake grandfather, Tom. They read the comics together, act out poems and make up stories, and, in the final vignette, play practical jokes with discarded chicken parts (Tom is a butcher, by trade). The pictures are in the artist's familiar style, but they have more personality than some of his recent books in which the figures seem merely decorative. Tom and Tommy seem to be truly interacting rather than just posing in the same frame. There is a lively yet homey look to the characters and their surroundings. Although this book does not have the depth of feeling found in some of the author's previous titles, readers are given a fond glimpse of a grandfather who is a bit of a character and who, most importantly, loves his grandson. --Karen James, Louisville Free Public Library, KY
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (June 16, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0698114485
• ISBN-13: 978-0698114487
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #509,430 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

"Tomie dePaola was born in Meriden, Connecticut, in 1934 to a family of Irish and Italian background. By the time he could hold a pencil, he knew what his life's work would be. His determination to create books for children led to a BFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and an MFA from the California College of Arts & Crafts in Oakland, California.
It drove him through the years of teaching, designing greeting cards and stage sets, and painting church murals until 1965, when he illustrated his first children's book, Sound, by Lisa Miller for Coward-McCann. Eventually, freed of other obligations, he plunged full time into both writing and illustrating children's books.
He names Fra Angelico and Giotto, Georges Rouault, and Ben Shahn as major influences on his work, but he soon found his own unique style. His particular way with color, line, detail, and design have earned him many of the most prestigious awards in his field, among them a Caldecott Honor Award for Strega Nona, the Smithsonian Medal from the Smithsonian Institution, the Kerlan Award from the University of Minnesota for his ""singular attainment in children's literature,"" the Catholic Library Association's Regina Medal for his ""continued distinguished contribution,"" and the University of Southern Mississippi Medallion. He was also the 1990 United States nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for illustration.
Tomie dePaola has published almost 200 children's books in fifteen different countries. He remains one of the most popular creators of books for children, receiving more than 100,000 fan letters each year.
Tomie lives in an interesting house in New Hampshire with his four dogs. His studio is in a large renovated 200-year-old barn.
- He has been published for over 30 years.
- Over 5 million copies of his books have sold worldwide.
- His books have been published in over 15 different countries.
- He receives nearly 100,000 fan letters each year.
Tomie dePaola has received virtually every significant recognition for his books in the children's book world, including:
- Caldecott Honor Award from American Library Association
- Newbery Honor Award from American Library Association
- Smithson Medal from Smithsonian Institution
- USA nominee in illustration for Hans Christian Andersen Medal
- Regina Medal from Catholic Library Association

"

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Relationships, April 30, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Tom (Paperback)

Tom is a beautiful tale about a boy's special relationship with his grandfather. This autobiographical story about dePaola's childhood is touching and entertaining. It is a reminder that the special moments in our lives are the little things that are happening everyday. Tom and his grandfather work together, talk together, and even get into a little mischief. I used this book in my kindergarten classroom when discussing biographies. The children loved the story because they could relate to it and could tell a similar tale of their own about someone special to them.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Gift for a Grandparent, April 20, 2001

By 

E. Smith (Albany, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tom (Hardcover)

What a wonderful way for your child to connect with his or her grandparent. A great opener for conversations and stories and a little history as well. A humorous look at what life was like for Tommy and his grandfather Tom in the the late 1930's.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An endearing family story, December 14, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Tom (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (School & Library Binding)

My three-year-old and I love this book. Tommy shares an affectionate, somewhat silly relationship with his grandfather Tom. The grandfather's love of the boy is obvious in the nutty games he plays with chicken parts. Just a little naughty, which of course appeals to a child. I was a teacher and have read many children's books. There is something dear and wonderful about all Tomie dePaola's books and this is one of our favorites.