Tomie de Paola

Meeting the Master

Many years ago when I was a kindergarten teacher, I had the good fortune to meet Tomie de Paola, one of my all time favorite authors. He did a book signing at the Reading Reptile in Kansas City. He was warm and witty, his eyes sparkled and when he laughed, I swear his tummy jiggled like a bowl full of jelly. He looked just like Santa and is a gift-giver in the very best way. He gives the gift of stories to people of all ages.

Now I’m a storyteller. I take it very seriously because I believe as Tomie does–”Only the best for children.”