Tomie dePaola author page

Tomie dePaola biography

Tomie dePaola was an American author and illustrator known for his contributions to children’s literature. He wrote and illustrated over 270 books for young readers, including picture books, folktales, and chapter books. DePaola earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York.

His work often drew on his Irish and Italian heritage, and he is recognized for his distinctive illustration style and storytelling. Among his most well-known books are Strega Nona, published by Simon & Schuster in 1975, and The Legend of the Poinsettia. DePaola also created the 26 Fairmount Avenue series, which is based on his childhood experiences.

Throughout his career, dePaola received numerous honors. Strega Nona was named a Caldecott Honor Book in 1976. In 2011, he received the Children’s Literature Legacy Award (formerly the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award) from the American Library Association, recognizing his substantial and lasting contribution to children’s literature.