Patron Saint of Ireland

Celebrating the Beloved Holiday House Author and Artist Tomie dePaola

Tomie dePaola was a cherished author and artist for nearly fifty years at Holiday House. His vast body of work encompassed folktale retellings, original stories, informative and historical nonfiction, as well as books with religious themes. Regardless of the genre, all of Tomie's creations were infused with his distinctive sense of color, design, and the joy he found in the world around him.

Tomie dePaola's acclaimed titles include The Cloud Book, The Quicksand Book, and The Popcorn Book. The Cloud Book was hailed as "a great success" by School Library Journal, while The Quicksand Book was praised for its "rare matching of humor and information" by Booklist, earning a starred review. Kirkus Reviews commended the fresh look of the updated edition of The Popcorn Book, and the starred review for Look and Be Grateful expressed the sentiment, "Thank you, Tomie."

Born in Connecticut, Tomie dePaola (1954 - 2020) knew from an early age that he wanted to write and illustrate stories. His exceptional contributions to children's literature were recognized with numerous prestigious accolades. He was a Caldecott Honor and Newbery Honor recipient, having authored and/or illustrated over two hundred beloved books, including the iconic Strega Nona, Quiet, and The Cloud Book.

Tomie dePaola's legacy was further cemented through the Children's Literature Legacy Award (previously known as the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award) from the American Library Association, honoring his "substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children." He also received the Smithson Medal from the Smithsonian Institution, the Regina Medal from the Catholic Library Association, and the Kerlan Award from the University of Minnesota, all in recognition of his "singular attainment in children's literature." Additionally, he was nominated for the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award in illustration and received the New Hampshire's Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.

Tomie dePaola's unwavering dedication to his craft and his ability to captivate young readers with his enchanting stories and vibrant illustrations have solidified his place as a beloved and influential figure in the world of children's literature.

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