DePaola, Tomie << duh POW luh, TOM ee >> (1934-2020), was an American children’s book illustrator and author. In some books, his name is written de Paola. DePaola gained recognition for his imaginative and colorful illustrations for children’s books, especially nursery rhymes and folk tales. He received the 1983 Regina Medal from the Catholic Library Association and the 2011 Laura Ingalls Wilder Award (now called the Children’s Literature Legacy Award) from the American Library Association for his contributions to children’s literature.
Thomas Anthony DePaola was born in Meriden, Connecticut, on Sept. 15, 1934. He graduated from Pratt Institute in New York City in 1956 with a bachelor of fine arts degree. He became a full-time professional artist and designer. His first illustrations for a children’s book were published in 1965. In 1969, he completed a master of fine arts degree at the California College of Arts and Crafts.
DePaola illustrated dozens of children’s books. He also wrote many of the books, notably Charlie Needs a Cloak (1973), Tomie dePaola’s Mother Goose (1985), and several stories about a character from Italian folklore named Strega Nona. The Strega Nona books include Strega Nona: An Old Tale (1975), Strega Nona Meets Her Match (1993), Strega Nona’s Harvest (2009), and Strega Nona’s Gift (2011). DePaola also wrote and illustrated several stories about a family of Welsh terriers, including Trouble in the Barkers’ Class (2003).
DePaola wrote the autobiographical works 26 Fairmont Avenue (1999), Here We All Are (2000), I’m Still Scared and Christmas Remembered (both 2006), and Front Porch Tales & North Country Whoppers (2007). DePaola wrote and illustrated the picture books The Song of Francis (2009), Let the Whole Earth Sing Praise (2010), The Birds of Bethlehem (2012), Jack (2014), and Look and Be Grateful (2015). He and author Jim Lewis co-wrote the “Andy and Sandy” picture book series (2016-2017) about friendship. DePaola also illustrated the series.
DePaola painted murals and other works for churches. He designed greeting cards, posters, magazine and catalog covers, record album covers, and theater sets. He also exhibited his paintings in one-man shows and group shows. DePaola died on March 30, 2020.
