Biography of Tomie dePaola

By Carly Part

Childhood of Thomas Anthony de Paola…

• Born on September 15, 1934 in Meriden, Connecticut. • Two parents, father was barber.• Drawing and dancing were childhood passions. Raised

money for family through tap dancing. • Had exceptional memory. • Worked in drama throughout high school.

Growing up…

• Scholarship to the Pratt Institute in New York, where he said he “spent four years learning how to draw everything” and “realizing other artists do exist.”

• Inspired by art galleries & Ben Shahn. • After graduating, Tomie went through what he likes to

call his “Brief Period”. Tomie joined the monastery for 6 months and got married for a year.

The Ups & the Downs

• Visited companies but artwork was rejected.• Met agent Florence Alexander, and illustrated his first

book- Science book titled Sound, by Lisa Miler. • Wrote/Illustrated first book The Wonderful Dragon of

Timlin• Lived in California briefly, but returned to New

Hampshire, where he currently resides. • Working as an associate professor at New England

College, and teaches theater design. • Has written over 200 books, & continues to visit schools.

A Reader/Writer from the start…

• Always wanted to be an artist- “Small town success”• Mother read aloud to family every night. • This brought on a love for reading and became a young,

determined reader: Learning How to Read• 1st teacher, Mrs. Kiniry, encouraged him in the arts.• Walt Disney encouraged him to keep practicing.

Current Tomie Stats!

• Tomie is not married, nor has children. • Lives in New London, New Hampshire.

• Lives his dog, Bronte. • Hobbies include cooking, gardening, painting, movies,

shopping and eating popcorn. • Currently working on a new book of New England

folktales. • “I don't mind being "that artist fella who writes books and

lives up on County Road in that big place behind the gas station."