
Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, such as moving to a new home or feeling disillusioned with the reality of starting school. This gentle, humorous memoir provides a reassuring look at how families navigate both small daily mishaps and larger life changes with resilience and laughter. Through the eyes of young Tomie, children see that even when things do not go exactly as planned, life remains full of wonder and support. Set in the late 1930s, the story follows the dePaola family as they build their dream home amidst a historic hurricane and a series of hilarious childhood misunderstandings. It is an ideal bridge for children ages 6 to 10 who are moving from picture books to longer chapter books. By sharing these vulnerable and funny memories, the author normalizes the frustration of being a 'little kid' in a 'big kid' world, making it a perfect tool for opening conversations about patience, family bonds, and the humor found in life's unpredictable moments.
Tomie and his grandmother accidentally eat chocolate-flavored laxatives, leading to bathroom humor.
The book deals with a natural disaster (hurricane) and minor childhood illnesses/mishaps. The approach is direct and grounded in a child's perspective. While there is a brief mention of Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs, the tone is secular and focuses on the warmth of multigenerational living.
A first or second grader who is feeling 'over' school or struggling with the slow pace of learning to read. It is also perfect for the child who enjoys hearing 'stories from when you were little.'
The story is safe for cold reading. Parents may want to explain what a 'laxative' is before the Nana Upstairs scene to clarify the humor, and provide a tiny bit of context on what movies were like in 1938 (the Snow White scene). A parent might see their child throwing a tantrum about school or feeling anxious about a physical move or renovation project.
Younger children (6-7) will connect with Tomie's literal interpretations and his frustration with kindergarten rules. Older children (9-10) will appreciate the historical context of the 1930s and the sophisticated humor in Tomie's storytelling voice.
Unlike many 'moving' books that focus on sadness, this celebrates the process of building and creation. It is uniquely told through the lens of one of children's literature's most beloved illustrators, making it feel like an intimate conversation.
This Newbery Honor memoir recounts a pivotal year in the life of Tomie dePaola as his family builds a new home in 1938 Connecticut. The narrative covers the construction of the house, the impact of the Great Hurricane of 1938, Tomie's disappointed first impressions of kindergarten, and various family anecdotes including a mishaps with 'chocolate' laxatives.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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