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Item Barcode | Collection | Call Number | Status | Item Holds |
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Summary
Summary
Tommy has an older brother named Buddy and lots and lots of cousins. So when his mother tells him that a new brother or sister is on the way, Tommy asks her for a baby sister with a red ribbon in her hair.
But this is more than the story of Tommy and the family getting ready for the baby. At its heart is the relationship between Tommy and his Italian grandmother, Nana Fall- River, not quite understanding each other at a time when Tommy is excited about the baby yet missing his mother in the hospital. Nana is much stricter than his dear Aunt Nell, who was supposed to come and take care of the family.
Through the joy of the new baby, Tommy and Nana start to appreciate each other, so that when Mom and his baby sister come home, the moment takes on special significance.
Tomie dePaola has written many books for children, but among his most loved are those that center on experiences drawn from his childhood and the colorful extended family in which he grew up.
Author Notes
Tomie dePaola was born in Meriden, Connecticut on September 15, 1934. He received a B.F.A. from Pratt Institute in 1956, a M.F.A. from California College of Arts and Crafts in 1969, and a doctoral equivalency from Lone Mountain College in 1970.
He has written and/or illustrated more than 270 books including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, Meet the Barkers, Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs, and Oliver Button Is a Sissy. He has received numerous awards for his work including the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure. His murals and paintings can be seen in many churches and monasteries throughout New England. He has designed greeting cards, magazine and record album covers, and theater sets. His work is shown in galleries and museums.
Tomie dePaola died on March 30, 2020 because of complications he had from surgery after a fall.
(Bowker Author Biography)
Reviews (2)
School Library Journal Review
PreSAnother of dePaola's family stories. This one depicts young Tommy's anticipation of the arrival of his new sibling. In tightly framed paintings, the boy helps ready the nursery; draws and cuts paper decorations (his signature birds, hearts, and flowers); and eagerly awaits Aunt Nell's arrival. However, when his mother goes to the hospital, it is his forceful and dour Italian Nana who happens to be available for baby-sitting. Worse, because chicken pox is going around, Tommy can't even visit his mother after his sister is born. But all ends wellhe and his Nana patch up their quarrels, and he gets to hold Maureen when all the relatives have gathered. This title goes along with The Art Lesson (1994), Tom (1993), and Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs (1973, all Putnam), all tales based on dePaola's memories. As a "waiting for the baby to arrive" story, though, this one seems as sedate and old-fashioned as its late-1930s setting.Susan Hepler, Alexandria City Public Schools, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Reaching deep into the treasured memories of his own childhood, dePaola pulls out a plum. Little Tommy eagerly anticipates the arrival of a new sibling, and prays nightly for "a baby sister with a red ribbon in her hair." Household preparations proceed on course until a slight detour knocks Tommy for a loop-the arrival of his stern Italian nana instead of beloved Aunt Nell to care for him while his mother is in the hospital. This added dimension lifts the plot beyond the garden-variety "new baby in the house" scenario, and under dePaola's sure, sensitive direction, a richly textured tale unfolds. The sympathetic fellow and his big, extended family are prime fodder for dePaola's artistic talent, too-with their well-known simplicity of line and cheerful palette, dePaola's illustrations radiate warmth and affection. Don't miss the author photo on the jacket cover for a glimpse of the real beribboned sister. Ages 3-6. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved