1978. Tomie flew to Chicago to begin a nationwide tour promoting his new book, THE CLOWN OF GOD.
The publisher, Harcourt, was putting a lot of effort into the book’s promotion. Although there had been talk that THE CLOWN OF GOD might be recognized with a major American Library Association award (the Caldecott Medal), Harcourt might have pushed too hard. When the awards were announced in January, 1979, THE CLOWN OF GOD was not honored. Tomie was devastated and vowed to put such recognitions in perspective.
Back to Chicago where Tomie was scheduled to meet his tour-mate, Elsa, the head of children’s book marketing. Elsa had plane tickets, money, etc. - the essentials of a book tour. Yet, Elsa was nowhere to be found at O’Hare airport.
Tomie called the Harcourt children’s marketing office in panic. He reached Maria Modugno, early 20s, second week on the job. Maria was “completely baffled (and scared)” - Maria’s words - about what to do.
Maria would occasionally put Tomie on hold. We learned, years later, she put him on hold so she could burst into tears. But, I learned just this week, she was also putting him on hold so she could call her father to ask if her father could wire money to Tomie.
Tomie and Maria somehow figured out how to save the tour, and Maria became a lifelong friend with her wonderful sense of humor.
Maria eventually became Editorial Director at Harcourt, and Tomie’s editor.
The last time we saw Maria was at dinner in New York City in October, 2018. Tomie and Maria in photo after dinner.
Elsa eventually showed up after the tour was over with a broken ankle. Yet, a lot of questions remained unanswered. Elsa’s name has been changed to protect the guilty.
Thanks to Maria for confirming the details of this story and sharing the new Dad detail.
Copyright - Estate of Tomie dePaola and Whitebird, Inc.
Pray for Peace, Justice, and Equality
