MEET THE AUTHOR:
Tomie dePaola
Title of your new book:
Jamie O'Rourke and the Pooka
Describe your book in 50 words or less:
Jamie O'Rourke is the laziest man in the land. When his wife goes visiting, Jamie's friends come to have a party. They leave the clean house a MESS! But a POOKA (a spirit) comes in late at night and cleans up! LUCKY JAMIE - I won't tell you what eventually happens, because I want you TO READ THE BOOK!!! It's an Irish story.
What has been the biggest influence on your writing and artwork?
The teachers I had when I was young, when I was in art school and my editor and art director now!
What was your favorite subject in school? Why?
Reading (and of course, art!) Reading because I could find out lots of things and also feed my imagination!
Who was your childhood hero?
I had several! Mrs. Beulah Bowers - the art teacher. Miss Leah - my tap dancing teacher. And my grandfather, Tom.
What books did you read as a child?
I read all kinds of folktales and legends! I loved the greek legends!
Do you write and/or illustrate other types of books? If so, what kinds?
I do ALL kinds of books - chapter books, non-fiction, folktales, and biographical books.
If you could trade places with one extremely famous person for one day, who would it be and why?
No one. I like being me!
What message would you like to send to all children?
Fall in love with reading and with books. They can be your best friends!
Author photo by Suki Coughlin.
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