from the book's front flap copy...
Barbara Elleman, a critic in her own right, explores Tomie dePaola as artist and storyteller. The result is this fascinating, highly readable account which looks first at dePaola's life, complete with family photographs, and then at the extraordinary scope of his work - autobiographical picture books, folktales, Christmas themes, religious stories, collections, and more. She explores patterns and motifs that thread through his illustrations from the beginning; discusses major influences on his art; gives a rare glimpse at his fine art and his "non-book" designs; provides an intriguing step-by-step account of the development of a picture book, BIG ANTHONY, HIS STORY, from the original draft of the manuscript to finished art.

Ms. Elleman's thoughtful narrative brings a fresh appreciation of this unique artist-author. Tomie dePaola followers and those discovering him for the first time will find this remarkable volume filled with over 200 illustrations a feast for the eye to be looked at again and again.

"Elleman delves into the life and works of one of children's literature's best-known, most-beloved creators"
BOOKLIST, starred review

"A detailed, copiously illustrated, and beautifully produced tribute to a beloved author-illustrator and celebrity"
THE HORN BOOK

"An art-filled biography"
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY