Here We All Are

Here We All Are (26 Fairmount Avenue)The next book in a wonderful series by Tomie dePaola, this short chapter book written especially for his chosen audience, is the part of his life when his family is completed; his baby sister is born. Parents and children will love the easy way that Tomie blends the real view points of children with the stuff that adults think is so important. Bravo.

What makes Tomie de Paola such an endearing (and enduring) children's book writer is the fact that he has never lost touch with the magic of childhood. An autobiography that embodies this quality is bound to appeal to children, especially as Mr. de Paola relates this slice-of-life story from the perspective of a young boy growing up. In this installment of the 26 Fairmount Avenue series, Tomie recounts the arrival of his new baby sister, Maureen; to this day, he is extremely close to his younger sibling. The book, with de Paola's customary gentle wit, provides young readers and writers with an admirable example of the art of autobiography. The author's charming illustrations complement the lyrical text.

This book really brings together all facets of the family that children and young readers can easily understand. I would recommend the book for all ages.

Here We All Are is the latest chapter book by Tomie dePaola about his childhood. It tells the story of Tomie and his family as they move into their new house at 26 Fairmount Avenue in Meriden, Connecticut, and the exciting things that happen to Tomie during his first year in school. Tomie is a very bright and curious little boy, but he doesn't always follow the rules his strict teacher sets out. He steals the show when the kindergartners put on a play, and often breaks into song when he is supposed to be napping. Things go better for Tomie when he begins taking dance lessons with the kind Miss Leah. The highlight of the book is the birth of Tomie's baby sister "with a red ribbon in her hair", just as Tomie hoped and prayed.Our favorite parts of the book probably were the parts where Tomie caused trouble in school without really meaning too, especially when he totally derails the class production of "Peter Rabbit". Lots of kids can relate to the experience of getting in trouble for just being themselves. Knowing that young Tomie grew up to be a successful author, artist, and dancer helps kids see that they don't have to be perfect or just like everyone else in order to do well in life. We would recommend this great book to anyone in grades K through 4. The stories in it are ones that children of that age would love to hear and would definitely be able to connect with, although it would probably need to be read aloud to kindergarten and first graders. The reading level is just about perfect for second and third grade. Fourth graders probably won't find the reading hard, but they will be able to use this book as a way to get a look into how Tomie's other stories and artwork came to be.By the way, this book is the second in a series of chapter books about Tomie's childhood. The first is called 26 Fairmount Avenue, and it is just as good. The third one should be out later this year.

My second grade son enjoyed this book so much he read it in two days. He related to the story because it was about a boy near his age and his trials and tribulations about a younger sister and school etc. Highly recommended.