A Visit with Tomie DePaola

This intimate portrait offers young readers a rare glimpse into the creative world of a beloved picture book creator, taking them inside his converted barn studio and showing how stories come to life. Children witness the artistic process firsthand as Tomie dePaola creates his distinctive illustrations, while home movie clips reveal the artist's own childhood, making the creative journey feel personal and accessible. The book naturally integrates his passion for cooking and collecting, showing how everyday experiences fuel imagination and become part of an artist's toolkit.

What makes this exploration particularly valuable is how it demystifies the creative process for children who love to draw and tell stories, showing that art grows from observation, memory, and daily life. Aspiring young artists will appreciate seeing the workspace and materials behind favorite picture books, while the warm, conversational tone makes readers feel like welcomed guests in the artist's home. This behind-the-scenes visit beautifully connects the dots between living and creating, leaving children inspired to see their own world as full of potential stories.