书评
From Publishers Weekly
Kicking off a series by the same name, dePaola's effervescent
chapter book recounts some memorable moments from the author's
early years, surrounded by loving family members and friends. Fans
will recognize a few of the cast members from the author's various
autobiographical picture books. Organized as an engaging pastiche
of memories from 1938 to 1939, the story's primary focus is the
snafu-plagued construction and landscaping of the dePaola family's
"first and only house," in Meriden, Conn. Within this clever
framework, other diverting vignettes surface: during the hurricane
of 1938, dePaola's mother sprinkles holy water on a terrified
neighbor for protection; young Tomie generously shares "chocolates"
he finds hidden in the bathroom with his Nana Upstairs (they turn
out to be laxatives); and on the first day of kindergarten, when he
learns that reading is not taught until first grade, he announces,
"Fine, I'll be back next year," and heads home. DePaola
successfully evokes the voice of a precocious, inquisitive
five-year-old everyone would want to befriend. Charming
black-and-white illustrations animate the scenes and add a period
flare, including a photo album-like assemblage of the characters'
portraits at the book's start. Readers will also appreciate a
glimpse of the artist's early debut as he draws life-size images of
his family on the plasterboard walls in his new house. DePaola
seems as at home in this format as he did when he first crossed the
threshold of 26 Fairmount Avenue, an address readers will eagerly
revisit in the series' subsequent tales. Ages 7-11.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text
refers to the Hardcover
edition.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 4An autobiographical account of dePaolas
childhood, centered on the building of his familys new house during
the 1930s. Each short chapter is also a slice-of-life view of young
Tomies worldwitnessing a hurricane, a disillusioning first day of
kindergarten, a much anticipated theater trip to see Disneys Snow
White, and holiday gatherings. The authors thrill at being allowed
to draw on the walls of the new house before plastering would be a
fantasy come true for many budding artists. DePaola presents it all
with a keen understanding of the timeless concerns children share.
Filled with subtle humor and detail that children will appreciate,
the narrative is crisp and casual, making it an ideal read-aloud.
Black-and-white drawings portray family members, many of whom are
already familiar from earlier picture books. A thoroughly
entertaining and charming story.Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public
Library, WI
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text
refers to the Hardcover
edition.
From Booklist
In an attractive chapter book, dePaola describes the year before
his family moved from an apartment into their new home on Fairmount
Avenue. Starting with a vivid account of the hurricane of 1938, he
recalls an unfortunate but funny episode with a laxative,
disappointment with "Mr. Walt Disney's Snow White," and his first
day of kindergarten. Everything is seen through the eyes of
five-year-old Tomi as construction problems arise with the new
house: "My mom kept crying. My dad kept using more and more bad
words." Reminiscent of Clyde Robert Bulla's appealing chapter
books, the colloquial narrative gently meanders, introducing
family, friends, and neighbors, noting holidays, anticipating
moving day. Black-and-white sketches add a decorative touch and
will draw children into the story. In an appended note, dePaola
explains why and how he wrote this memoir and promises more. With
this charming first installment, the series is off to an auspicious
start. Linda Perkins --This text refers to the Hardcover
edition.
From Kirkus Reviews
The legions of fans who over the years have enjoyed dePaola's
autobiographical picture books will welcome this longer gathering
of reminiscences. Writing in an authentically childlike voice, he
describes watching the new house his father was building go up
despite a succession of disasters, from a brush fire to the
hurricane of 1938. Meanwhile, he also introduces family, friends,
and neighbors, adds Nana Fall River to his already well-known Nana
Upstairs and Nana Downstairs, remembers his first day of school (``
`When do we learn to read?' I asked. `Oh, we don't learn how to
read in kindergarten. We learn to read next year, in first grade.'
`Fine,' I said. `I'll be back next year.' And I walked right out of
school.''), recalls holidays, and explains his indignation when the
plot of Disney's ``Snow White'' doesn't match the story he knows.
Generously illustrated with vignettes and larger scenes, this
cheery, well-knit narrative proves that an old dog can learn new
tricks, and learn them surpassingly well. (Autobiography. 7-9) --
Copyright ?1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to the Hardcover
edition.
The Horn Book, starred review
An entirely satisfying easy chapter book that will provide an
excellent foundation for what may follow.
Publishers Weekly, starred review
DePaola successfully evokes the voice of an inquisitive, precocious
five-year-old everyone would want to befriend.
Paula Danziger, author of Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon
Everyone should read 26 Fairmount Avenue-and feel like Tomie's his
or her friend too. Fine writing-fine art-fine friend!
Patricia MacLachlan, author of Sarah, Plain and Tall
A charming, gentle, funny...His respect and reverence for both the
old and the young is clear...in his stories.
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