1. Tomie de Paola Author and Illustrator

2. Tomie de Paola is a famous author and illustrator. He has written over 200 books for children.

3. An author is a person who writes books as a job.

4. An illustrator is a person who draws pictures for books as a job.

5. Tomie does his work at his home in New Hampshire.

6. Tomie knew he wanted to be an author and illustrator when he was only four years old.

7. His cousins, who were artists, told him to practice, practice, practice. Tomie did!

8. Tomie likes to write many different kinds of stories. One group of his stories tell memories of when he was a little boy.

9. This is a photograph of Tomies family when he was a little boy.

10. This is a picture of Tomies grandfather, Tom.

11. Heres a photo of Tom with Tomies mom, Flossie.

12. This is a picture of Tomies favorite art teacher, Mrs. Bowers.

13. We will learn about all of these people and more when we read Tomies memory stories.

14. Tomie also writes books about the characters Strega Nona and Big Anthony.

15. Another great series of books tell about two friends named Bill and Pete.

16. Tomies newest series is about a family of dogs called the Barkers.

17. Tomies illustrations and stories make his books very special books to read!

18. We will read many of Tomies books and learn all about his life this year in library class! Tomie Books Are Great!!

19. You can learn more about Tomie at home by going to his website.

20. We can also learn more about Tomie by listening to him tell us about himself in these special interviews. http://www.readingrockets.org/transcript. php?ID=10