Tomie is overjoyed because his baby sister, Maureen, is finally strong enough to come home from the hospital. Over the next months, he is in a dance recital and he gets to go to the World's Fair. Soon, the school year is at an end. Summer is full of fun things to do, like going to the beach and celebrating the Fourth of July-but Tomie can't wait for school to start again. He hopes he'll get Miss Kiniry, the first-grade teacher he likes the best. In first grade he will finally-finally-learn to read. And maybe even get a library card of his own!
"DePaola's writing and recollective skills are so fresh that kids will feel like he's sitting right next to them, telling his tales in and out of school with disarming charisma and not a hint of nostalgia." (The Horn Book)
"More please." (Kirkus Reviews, pointer review)
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"I'm really enjoying this series. Tomie is such a precocious boy. This book had some serious stuff in with the humorous when his baby sister gets pneumonia. The trip to the World's Fair is interesting as well. My favorite part is him learning to read."
— Joy (4 out of 5 stars)
" Tomie had a littl trouble at school but in the end was really happy "
— Luke, 10/3/2012" Third in the autobiographical account of Tomie dePaola's childhood. The kids really enjoy them and the quality has been consistent. Not overly exciting, but quiet, calm fun. "
— Christina, 2/29/2012" It's fascinating to learn about the early years of one of my favorite childhood authors. "
— Brett, 2/27/2012" This is the third autobiography written by Tomie and he is only entering first grade. I look forward to more! "
— Connie, 11/12/2011" Fun short true story of author's childhood. My kids like it too. "
— Annette, 7/13/2011" i do not really remember what it is about but i remember really liking it! "
— Faye, 5/21/2011" Great read aloud to school kids. Shares the adventures and the worries of a young grade schooler with humor and a few black and white drawings in the Tomie DePoala style. "
— Susan, 2/13/2011" This was a great book to listen to - very entertaining and interesting to learn more about how dePaola began his fascination with art and drawing. "
— Melinda, 7/7/2010Tomie dePaola is best known for his books for children. He’s been published for forty years and has written and/or illustrated over two hundred books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers. He has been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, and the New Hampshire Governor’s Arts Award of Living Treasure. He lives in New London, New Hampshire with his new Airedale dog, Brontë.