SUBSCRIBE
SUBSCRIBE
SLJ Blog Network +
  • 100 Scope Notes
  • A Fuse #8 Production
  • Good Comics for Kids
  • Heavy Medal: A Mock Newbery Blog
  • Teen Librarian Toolbox
  • The Classroom Bookshelf
  • The Yarn
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About/Contact
  • *Best New Books*
    • Annual Best Lists
  • Reviews
    • One Star Review
    • Nonfiction
    • Toon Reviews
  • Articles
    • Authors
    • Link Du Jour
  • Covers
    • Covering the Newbery
    • Cover Curiosity
    • Unfortunate Covers
  • News
    • Books on Film
    • Morning Notes
  • Newsletter

March 31, 2020 by Travis Jonker

The Children’s Literature Community Reacts to the Passing of Tomie dePaola

March 31, 2020 by Travis Jonker   Leave a Comment

Tomie dePaola passed away yesterday. He will be remembered and missed.

Members of the children’s literature community shared their remembrances on Twitter:

SCROLL TO KEEP READING THIS POST

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Rest in peace, Tomie dePaola! pic.twitter.com/j9f33PrXYP

— John Schu (@MrSchuReads) March 30, 2020

Tomie dePaola, the children’s author and illustrator who delighted generations with tales of Strega Nona, the kindly and helpful old witch in Italy, has died. He was 85. https://t.co/zyg1am8upB

— The Associated Press (@AP) March 31, 2020

We are gutted. Tomie was joy & love personified. We will remember him for all of our days. We are mourning & crying but his laughter will live in our hearts & our ears. Here is a radio interview I conducted with Tomie:https://t.co/g5fxzxoje2
Sending 3 kisses up to the sky. pic.twitter.com/QvyT9yLg7s

— Jarrett J. Krosoczka (@StudioJJK) March 30, 2020

when "This It Not My Hat" won the Caldecott, Tomie dePaola, who I'd only met once briefly, sent me a long handwritten letter of congratulations/welcome & talked about the book & it was almost more crazy than winning the damn thing. I'll miss waving at him sheepishly across rooms.

— jon klassen (@burstofbeaden) March 30, 2020

Farewell to one of the greats. ??? https://t.co/SPuIIsMJ9M

— Minh Lê (@bottomshelfbks) March 30, 2020

Thank you for all you have given us. Rest in peace, #TomieDePaola. #ChildrensBooks #Legend pic.twitter.com/IkZiPmkblg

— Lisa Yee is in the house (@LisaYee1) March 30, 2020

My fondest memory of Tomie:

He was witness to my very first book deal at my very first SCBWI conference. (He was a keynote speaker that year) He gave me a hug and congratulated me on the spot and said, "Welcome to the club"

— Dan Santat ? (@dsantat) March 30, 2020

#TomieDePaolo was the embodiment of love & kindness. To everyone. In addition to being a legendary picture book creator. Here is an Easter Egg of Tomie that @MikeCurato illustrated into our next picture book together. There are no words for this profound loss. #RIPTomiedePaola pic.twitter.com/erqxxVtaDR

— Samantha Berger (@BergerBooks) March 30, 2020

My heart is broken, but I have nothing but gratitude for this incredible human being. Rest in Peace Tomie ?? pic.twitter.com/GZqauEmfpE

— Mike Curato (@MikeCurato) March 30, 2020

Godspeed, Tomie dePaola. Thank you. Rest in peace. ?????? pic.twitter.com/N8rjX2nRkw

— Matthew Cordell (@cordellmatthew) March 31, 2020

Just two days ago, at home: “by the end of this thing we’re all gonna be stuffing our faces with pasta like Big Anthony.”

Tomie’s work was ever-present in my life and in the life of my family. Truly a giant. https://t.co/5zF9MHPF8w

— Sean Rubin ? (@SeanCRubin) March 30, 2020

Today we lost the adored children’s book creator Tomie DePaola who passed away from a head injury. Forever joyful, he was a creator of beauty and a beloved friend. RIP you genius imp. pic.twitter.com/v8mC2O56PH

— Lin Oliver (@linoliver) March 30, 2020

One of my many joyous evening with beloved friend Tomie dePaola. He never grew old. Rest in Joy, sweet Tomie. pic.twitter.com/99jT9DHIKh

— Lin Oliver (@linoliver) March 30, 2020

May his spirit be carried into peace by the generations of hearts he filled with joy. ??? https://t.co/JUjhzihilx

— Laurie Halse Anderson (@halseanderson) March 30, 2020

Hard to say goodbye to a legend. Thank you all the warmth, words, and generosity. ? https://t.co/FMzmlt3O7z

— Jess Keating (@Jess_Keating) March 30, 2020

Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Tomie dePaola: https://t.co/NoEfFBvv3V

In addition to having an amazing body of work, Tomie was such a supporter of up-and-coming children's book illustrators. pic.twitter.com/DIG1w6ZLCT

— Debbie Ridpath Ohi (@inkyelbows) March 30, 2020

Heartbroken to learn of the passing of Tomie dePaola, a kind, sparkling, vibrant soul & a true genius. Honored to have met him a few times. Strega Nona is one of my absolute favorites. Our world has lost one of the greats. RIP Tomie, thank you for the gifts you gave us all. ? pic.twitter.com/tvEUJah2nA

— Joyce Wan (@joycewanbooks) March 30, 2020

Deeply sad to hear of Tomie dePaola's death. He was the first legit kidlit legend I met at a conference — so open and kind. He let me keep his name tag as a souvenir. His book THE ART LESSON is one of my favorite picture books. I will miss him. https://t.co/BaXf97lMhz pic.twitter.com/fs21BJ6pYo

— Jonathan Auxier (@JonathanAuxier) March 30, 2020

So sorry to hear about the loss of Tomie dePaola. He brought so much joy to so many, I wish I’d had a chance to meet him ???????? pic.twitter.com/NfCUQjIQH5

— Evan Turk (@evanturkart) March 30, 2020

RIP Tomie dePaola. He was my hero and a giant in the kidlit world. I just read Strega Nona to my class.
We met. We wrote letters to each other. I found a replacement pen for him that he had lost years ago and sent it to him. He was grateful.

I just sat and cried. Sigh. pic.twitter.com/18nY0I7UIJ

— SteveLight (@SteveLight) March 31, 2020

RIP #TomiedePaola pic.twitter.com/ROVIM1PEtS

— Gina Perry (@ginamarieperry) March 30, 2020

Such a kind and brilliant man. ?? https://t.co/wCwo0opVhk

— Katherine Applegate (@kaaauthor) March 31, 2020

Tomie dePaola was one of the greatest children storytellers whoever lived. https://t.co/CHjre3Yzvn

— (((Judd Winick))) (@JuddWinick) March 31, 2020

A legend has passed and we were lucky to know him. We will miss you Tomie dePaola. pic.twitter.com/LKUUjlu1yI

— Nancy Paulsen (@nancyrosep) March 31, 2020

Of course we did. #RIP and THANK YOU, #TomiedePaola. ??. pic.twitter.com/rG1eLaw7xF

— Ame Dyckman (@AmeDyckman) March 31, 2020

Grateful for Tomie DePaola's rich legacy. So sorry he won't be adding to it. RIP, Tomie.

— Nikki Grimes (@nikkigrimes9) March 31, 2020

Very sad to hear that wonderful Tomie DePaola has passed away. I grew up, as most of us did, reading his books, but then learned so much about bookmaking from studying them in college. He has left so many beautiful stories behind for us to treasure. Thank you, Dear Tomie. RIP?? pic.twitter.com/mX6WMIOx7o

— Lauren Castillo ? (@studiocastillo) March 31, 2020

I am heartbroken over the news that my friend and mentor, legendary children’s book author and illustrator Tomie dePaola, passed away this morning. The planet is a much lonelier place tonight without you here, you sweet genius ??????? #TomiedePaola #kidlit #illustration pic.twitter.com/wvlgC7195e

— Stephen Savage (@Savageartist) March 31, 2020

I didn't know Tomie, but he was a big influence on me, and about 7 years ago, I was lucky enough to meet him.

My grandmother had been a huge fan, and she'd gotten a lot of his books signed for me, in the late seventies and early eighties… pic.twitter.com/UaEvfNwBvS

— Laurel Snyder (@LaurelSnyder) March 31, 2020

A love story shared in memory of Tomie dePaola.

This is a story that Tomie relished in. He often asked me to tell this story at his gatherings. He beamed when I told it. So, I share it with you today.

**thread** pic.twitter.com/b0xLyaiKNt

— Jarrett J. Krosoczka (@StudioJJK) March 31, 2020

Filed under: Articles, Authors

SHARE:

Read or Leave Comments

About Travis Jonker

Travis Jonker is an elementary school librarian in Michigan. He writes reviews (and the occasional article or two) for School Library Journal and is a member of the 2014 Caldecott committee. You can email Travis at scopenotes@gmail.com, or follow him on Twitter: @100scopenotes.

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Posts

September 2022

Q&A Giveaway: A VERY BIG FALL by Emmy Kastner

by Travis Jonker

March 2020

The Glory of the Personal Pan Pizza: An Interview with Tom Angleberger about Book It!

by Travis Jonker

February 2020

Sydney Taylor Blog Tour: THE BOOK RESCUER Creators Sue Macy and Stacy Innerst

by Travis Jonker

January 2020

Looking Back, Looking Forward: The Children's Lit Community on the Turn of the Decade

by Travis Jonker

April 2018

Photo Gallery: A Visit with Deb Pilutti

by Travis Jonker

ADVERTISEMENT

SLJ Blog Network

100 Scope Notes

2023 Caldecott Jump

by Travis Jonker

A Fuse #8 Production

Fuse 8 n’ Kate: A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon

by Betsy Bird

Good Comics for Kids

Ben Mortara and the Thieves of the Golden Table | This Week’s Comics

by Lori Henderson

Heavy Medal

March suggestions: early Mock Newbery possibilities

by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

Teen Librarian Toolbox

New Reports Show a Decline in YA Book Sales and I Have Some Thoughts as to Why That Might be Happening

by Karen Jensen, MLS

The Classroom Bookshelf

The Classroom Bookshelf is Moving

by Erika Thulin Dawes

The Yarn

Newbery Medalist Amina Luqman-Dawson visits The Yarn

by Colby Sharp

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles on SLJ

Graphic Novels: Inclusivity Fuels the Continued Boom!

SPONSORED

Carole Lindstrom Turns Family History into a Song of Hope

Making a Mark on Musical History: Flack, Franklin, and Beach | Biography Spotlight

2 Middle Grade Novels That Explore Climate Change in Different Ways

Everybody Loves a Winner | Top Stories on SLJ 

Commenting for all posts is disabled after 30 days.

ADVERTISEMENT

Archives

  • Author/Illustrator Blogs

    • Erin Stead Illustration
    • Hey, Rabbit!
    • James Preller's Blog
    • MATTHEWCORDELLBLOGS
    • Mo Willems Doodles
    • The Scop
  • Book Blogs I Like

    • A Book and a Hug
    • A Fuse #8 Production
    • A Kids Book a Day
    • A Year of Reading
    • Abby (the) Librarian
    • Awful Library Books
    • Becky’s Book Reviews
    • Better Book Titles
    • Book-A-Day Almanac
    • Bookends
    • books4yourkids.com
    • bookshelves of doom
    • Bottom Shelf Books
    • Calling Caldecott
    • Caustic Cover Critic
    • Chad C. Beckerman
    • Charlotte’s Library
    • Cheryl Rainfield
    • Chicken Spaghetti
    • CHILDREN’S ILLUSTRATION
    • Collecting Children’s Books
    • Cybils
    • EarlyWord
    • educating alice
    • Finding Wonderland
    • For Those About to Mock
    • Good Comics for Kids
    • Good Show Sir
    • GottaBook
    • Great Kid Books
    • Heavy Medal: A Mock Newbery Blog
    • Hi Miss Julie!
    • Jen Robinson’s Book Page
    • Kidsmomo
    • Maria T. Middleton Design
    • Nerdy Book Club
    • Neverending Search
    • Nine Kinds of Pie
    • One Book, Two Books, Old Books, New Books
    • Out of the Box
    • Oz and Ends
    • PlanetEsme
    • Read Roger
    • Reading Rants!
    • Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast
    • sharpread
    • ShelfTalker
    • so tomorrow
    • The Children's Book Review
    • The Miss Rumphius Effect
    • Uncovered Cover Art
    • Waking Brain Cells
    • Watch. Connect. Read.
  • Library Blogs

    • ALSC Blog
    • Blue Skunk Blog
    • librarian.net
    • LISNews
    • Stephen's Lighthouse
    • Tame The Web: Libraries and Technology
    • Tame The Web: Libraries and Technology
    • Unshelved
  • Follow This Blog

    Enter your email address below to receive notifications of new blog posts by email.

    This coverage is free for all visitors. Your support makes this possible.

    This coverage is free for all visitors. Your support makes this possible.

    Primary Sidebar

    • News & Features
    • Reviews+
    • Technology
    • School Libraries
    • Public Libraries
    • Age Level
    • Ideas
    • Blogs
    • Classroom
    • Diversity
    • People
    • Job Zone

    Reviews+

    • Book Lists
    • Best Books
    • Media
    • Reference
    • Series Made Simple
    • Tech
    • Review for SLJ
    • Review Submissions

    SLJ Blog Network

    • 100 Scope Notes
    • A Fuse #8 Production
    • Good Comics for Kids
    • Heavy Medal
    • Neverending Search
    • Teen Librarian Toolbox
    • The Classroom Bookshelf
    • The Yarn

    Resources

    • 2022 Youth Media Awards
    • The Newbery at 100: SLJ Celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Award
    • Special Report | School Libraries 2021
    • Summer Reading 2021
    • Series Made Simple Spring 2021
    • SLJ Diverse Books Survey
    • Summer Programming Survey
    • Research
    • White Papers / Case Studies
    • School Librarian of the Year
    • Mathical Book Prize Collection Development Awards
    • Librarian/Teacher Collaboration Award

    Events & PD

    • In-Person Events
    • Online Courses
    • Virtual Events
    • Webcasts
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Subscribe
    • Media Inquiries
    • Newsletter Sign Up
    • Content Submissions
    • Data Privacy
    • Terms of Use
    • Terms of Sale
    • FAQs
    • Diversity Policy
    • Careers at MSI


    COPYRIGHT © 2023


    COPYRIGHT © 2023