But my mom sent me these inks:
They are obviously old and are at various levels of full. They smell funny and one has a corroding cap. I was excited but perplexed when I opened them up- There were five random colors and no explanation from her as to where they came from. When I talked to her that night I asked her and she she said "Oh yeah, they were Tomie DePaola's inks."
Tomie Depaola?!
My mom is an art teacher and Tomie Depaola(for some unknown reason) gave these inks to a friend of my mom, and they sat in her closet for years until she gave them to my mom. Where my mom passed them along to me. Needless to say, I honestly feel like I have a treasure on my desk. When I touch the ridged plastic caps I feel like... well, like a baseball fan who has a baseball their hero signed. I have dreams of being a children's book illustrator- and Tomie is an icon in this arena. I played around with them today while Lili napped. They are very translucent, almost like watercolors, only they are waterproof. Thanks Mom!
Here are some biographical highlights and facts about Tomie for you:
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Tomie has been published for nearly 40 years.
Over 6 million copies of his books have sold worldwide.
His books have been published in over 15 different countries.
He receives nearly 100,000 fan letters each year.
Tomie dePaola has received virtually every significant recognition for his books in the children's book world.
Caldecott Honor Award for STREGA NONA from American Library Association (ALA)
Newbery Honor Award for 26 FAIRMOUNT AVENUE from ALA
Smithson Medal from Smithsonian Institution
Regina Medal from Catholic Library Association
Living Treasure from New Hampshire Governor's Arts Awards
3 comments:
That's pretty cool!
It was his birthday a few days ago.
When I was little, Strega Nona was the book I wanted read over and over and over.
Like a never-ending spaghetti pot.
Wow, what a find! A true treasure, for sure!
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