Tomie, Can You Hear Me?
Y’all know Jarrett Krosoczka, right? Aside from beating out Jon Scieszka in the Hardest-Picture-Book-Creator-Name-To-Pronounce Award he happens to be the author of such ludicrously fun picture books as My Buddy, Slug, the Punk Farm duo, and his new Lunch Lady graphic novels. On top of all that, I got a message from him recently. Said he:
As you know, Mr. Tomie dePaola is turning 75! My wife Gina and I wanted to do something special for him, let him know just how much he is loved. We reached out to our children’s book illustrator friends and asked if they would make an image to honor Tomie. On September 15th, on his actual birthday, we are launching http://threekissesfortomie.blogspot.com with the first round of art. Many artists have promised art later in the year and we will continue to update the site throughout the year as we get new art in.
New amazing art is right! Check out some of the samples Jarrett passed on:
That one’s by Jarrett himself.
From Erin Etter Kono.
And Mo Willems. Naturally.
You can see even more on the blog itself. So happy birthday, Mr. dePaola! In celebration, here is the photo my boss took last week of what looks like me two seconds away from giving the traditional birthday right uppercut.
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Thanks to John Peters for the photo.
Other Rejected Titles for This Post: "The Who, What, Where, When, and Why’s Tomie"
Filed under: Uncategorized
About Betsy Bird
Betsy Bird is currently the Collection Development Manager of the Evanston Public Library system and a former Materials Specialist for New York Public Library. She has served on Newbery, written for Kirkus, and has done other lovely little things that she'd love to tell you about but that she's sure you'd find more interesting to hear of in person. Her opinions are her own and do not reflect those of EPL, SLJ, or any of the other acronyms you might be able to name. Follow her on BlueSky at: @fuse8.bsky.social
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Happy Birthday, Tomie! I can only imagine what it would be like to have talented illustrators drawing me a birthday blog…
Betsy, I’d like to know the back story of why you were about to punch Tomie. When I met Tomie in August, it was a perfectly peaceful event! hollysredbike.blogspot.com
about to “Slug My Buddy”
You mention in your birthday party post that the video Jarrett Krosoczka made(which I whole-heartily agree with you on as being the best thing every made by a mere mortal), culminating with Mr. dePaola doling out sage wisdom and defensive martial art moves, has mysteriously disappeared. What is that all about?
Ah. I asked Jarrett the other day. Apparently the copywritten music he included worried him so he just pulled the videos entirely. He may someday repost them with new music, but it won’t be anytime soon.
And in answer to your question, Holly, this is a case of interesting photographic timing. I’m fairly certain I didn’t threaten the great man (though the Stregatinis they were serving were powerful strong and there isn’t much that I DO recall from that night).
Thanks for the good morning belly laugh photo, Betsy. Maybe I will not show up for your drinks night, too afraid 🙂