Teacher's Guide
 

The Life and Times of Tomie DePaola

"It's a dream of mine that one of my books, any book, any picture, will touch the heart of some individual child and change that child's life for the better."

 Scenario

 

Your school library will be the center of attention when the "Authors  Gallery" opens for students, parents and friends to enjoy. Every class will present information about an author. Do you ever wonder where authors find ideas for stories? Do they just use their imagination or do they write about things that happened in their lives? The media specialist has asked your class to create booklet biographies about Tomie DePaola, an author of children's books, who thinks about his own adventures growing up when he writes his stories.

 How does Tomie DePaola's personal life help him think of ideas for his stories?  

Task 


You will gather information about Tomie DePaola's life and books and create a booklet to share with others what you have learned about Tomie DePaola.

Product
You will create a  booklet biography about Tomie DePaola's life and how he uses his personal experiences in his stories.

Assessments


Use this checklist for your booklet biography.

Questions

How does Tomie DePaola's personal life help
him think of ideas for his stories?

Here are some questions to think about while you are researching:

  • Who are the members of Tomie's family?
  • What did Tomie enjoy about school?
  • Why did Tomie decide to become an author and an illustrator?
  • What were Tomie's hobbies?
  • Where did Tomie live as a child?
  • Did Tomie always love to draw?
  • Are all of the characters in Tomie's books based on people he knows?

Remember, you want to learn if the things that happen in his life and the people he knows help Tomie write his stories.

Gather 
Click on the letters to find information about
Tomie DePaola.

T

O

M

I

E

Search SIRS Discoverer for more information about
Tomie DePaola.

Organize


Click on the pencil and paper to organize your research notes on a planning sheet.

Conclusion

Review your checklist to make sure you have included all the information required in your booklet biography.

Display your booklet in the Library Media Center to share what you have learned about Tomie DePaola with students, parents and friends.

 

 

Reflection

Let's have a class discussion...

Do you think authors should use things that happen in their lives to write stories or should they just use their imagination? Why?

Extension

As a class activity, write a letter to Tomie DePoala and share with him how you learned about his life and books. Also, send him the booklets you made.

Tomie DePaola
c/o Penguin Putnam Inc.
Books for Young Readers
375 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014