26 Fairmount Avenue

This Newbery Honor book is a delightful autobiographical account of author-illustrator Tomie dePaola's fifth year, 1938, as his family moves into their new house at 26 Fairmount Avenue. Told from the perspective of a precocious five-year-old, the story is a series of charming, often hilarious, vignettes, including a memorable incident with chocolate laxative and Tomie's attempt to skip kindergarten. It offers a gentle, humorous look at childhood, family dynamics, and a specific historical period, making it an excellent choice for read-alouds or early independent readers.

Tomie's family starts building their new house at 26 Fairmount Avenue in 1938, just as a hurricane hits town, starting off a busy, crazy year. Tomie has many adventures all his own, including eating chocolate with his Nana Upstairs, only to find out--the hard way--that they have eaten chocolate laxative. He tries to skip kindergarten when he finds out he won't learn to read until first grade. "I'll be back next year," he says. When Tomie goes to see Snow White, he creates another sensation. Tomie dePaola's childhood memories are hilarious, and his charming illustrations are sure to please.