About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is standing on the threshold of big changes, whether they are starting first grade, moving to a new home, or simply feeling the nervous excitement of growing up. Tomie dePaola captures the small but monumental shifts of childhood through the lens of a single year in 1940. It is an ideal choice for validating the mix of pride and vulnerability that comes with new milestones like losing teeth or navigating school for the first time. This gentle memoir focuses on the warmth of family traditions and the security of a loving community. Through Tomie's eyes, children see that while the world changes, the support of family remains constant. It is a comforting read that normalizes the 'big feelings' associated with the holiday season and school life, making it a perfect bedtime companion for children aged 6 to 9 who are transitioning into the world of longer chapter books.
