Tomie’s publisher had a Strega Nona balloon made for a children’s book event at the World Financial Center in New York City. The balloon’s next event was at the Universal Studios theme park in Orlando. The next stop was on the New London (NH) Town Green to coincide with the publication of STREGA NONA TAKES A VACATION. Tomie had hoped to see Strega Nona “rise” again. When young Chef moved into Tomie’s neighborhood, I thought, “This summer, I’ll ask Chef and his friends to help me blow up the balloon to surprise Tomie.” Tomie would have been pleased. (Bob)
REMEMBERING TOMIE on April 29, 2020
Tomie and travel agent Holly would occasionally take groups to locations, such as, Provence, Mexico, and Santa Fe. The latter trip was planned to coincide with a gallery opening of new paintings by Tomie. There was one night when Tomie made plans to go to dinner at a friend’s home instead of joining the group at a restaurant. Yet, he went to the lobby of the hotel to wish the group a nice evening. He had been seated. When he began to stand up, his pants didn’t follow his body upward. His new slider belt had fallen apart and the weight of the belt took the pants downward. Quick thinking Holly did her best imitation of a flamenco dancer and spread her skirt to give Tomie time to collect his “thoughts.” Stores were closed. John from Michigan rushed to his hotel room to retrieve a spare belt. Evening plans salvaged, and best of all, Tomie had a new story to tell… with humor, suspense, and gestures. (Bob)
REMEMBERING TOMIE on April 28, 2020
Tomie was shocked, and thrilled, in 2011, when the library in his hometown of Meriden, Connecticut, named its children’s library after him. Joan Edgerly, Meriden Public Library Board president, made the announcement. (Bob)
REMEMBERING TOMIE on April 27, 2020
Tomie got a lot of mail from children. He would reply to as many letters as he could and enclose postcards. He sent this card, with Bronte, one year. We cautioned, in fine print, that you shouldn’t drive with a dog on your lap, and encouraged the wearing of seat belts. (The car wasn’t moving during the photo shoot, so it seemed safe to not wear a seat belt.) Photo by Julie Maris-Semel. (Bob)
REMEMBERING TOMIE on April 26, 2020
Tanya Zabinski asked Tomie to write an endorsement of her book, PEACE, LOVE, ACTION! He wrote: It’s a cliche to say this is an illustrated book for our times, but it is! Tanya Zabinski has created a much-needed book for the middle-grade reader - and for teachers to use to introduce exemplary people and concepts. Stunning, woodcut-like artwork puts the frosting on the cake! Dr. Jane Goodall wrote this endorsement: PEACE LOVE ACTION perfectly embodies one of the key messages that I am always trying to get across to children around the world - that every day we live on this planet, we make some impact - and we have a choice as to what sort of difference we make. (Bob)
