Date of Birth: September 15, 1934
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: March 30, 2020
Biography
Tomie dePaola was an American writer and illustrator, best known for his work in children’s literature. Born on September 15, 1934, in Meriden, Connecticut, dePaola showed an early interest in storytelling and art. He attended the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, where he honed his skills in both writing and illustration. Over his long career, dePaola wrote and illustrated more than 270 books, captivating generations of young readers with his charming tales and distinctive artistic style. One of dePaola’s most beloved creations is the “Strega Nona” series, which tells the story of a kindly old witch and her mischievous assistant, Big Anthony. The series earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards, including a Caldecott Honor in 1976. Besides “Strega Nona,” dePaola also created a variety of other memorable characters and stories, such as “The Clown of God” and “26 Fairmount Avenue,” an autobiographical series that won a Newbery Honor in 2000. DePaola’s work is characterized by its simplicity, warmth, and gentle humor, often drawing on his Irish-Italian heritage and his experiences growing up in a close-knit family. He was not only a prolific author and illustrator but also a beloved figure in the world of children’s literature, known for his generosity and kindness.
5 Interesting Facts about Tomie dePaola
1. Tomie dePaola illustrated his first book in 1965, titled “Sound.”
2. He received the Children’s Literature Legacy Award in 2011 for his lasting contribution to the field.
3. DePaola taught art and theater at various colleges before becoming a full-time author and illustrator.
4. His book “Strega Nona” was turned into a musical that toured nationally.
5. He was awarded the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal in 2011 for his significant contributions to children’s literature.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Tomie dePaola
1. “If you hold on to the child within you, you’ll never grow old.”
2. “The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up.”
3. “Creating art is like a journey. You have to get lost to find your way.”
4. “Every day is a new day. It’s okay to start again.”
5. “Books are the keys to understanding the world and our place in it.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Tomie dePaola’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Tomie dePaola did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Tomie dePaola’s Official Website](https://www.tomie.com
2. [Tomie dePaola on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomie_dePaola
3. [Tomie dePaola’s Books on Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15991.Tomie_dePaola
4. [Tomie dePaola’s Biography on Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/writer/tomie-depaola
