What a Year! a 26 Fairmount Avenue Book

26 Fairmount Avenue #4

by Tomie dePaola

The author relates memories from one year of his childhood, including his sixth birthday, trick-or-treating for Halloween, a bout of chicken pox, and the Christmas holiday.

Genres: Biography, Childrens, Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Autobiography, Picture Books

72 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Tomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POW-la) was best known for his books for children.

He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.

Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.

Reviews

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a Year covers Tomie's sixth birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve in the dePaola household. So many iconic moments--making a pop-eye, getting the chicken pox, dressing up (and singing) as Snow White. Classic!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite one yet, Tomie writes of such joy, enthusiasm and appreciation for his life, celebration and family. Such a great reminder to see the good, even small, things in this life.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe it! Tomie dePaola was the same thing for Halloween in first grade as I was probably 16 years later.

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Loving how pure and innocent these memoirs are. They speak of a much simpler time. He must have had an incredible memory to remember all these stories from when he was 5/6 years old!

[Chance Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story and all the fond memories!

[Agnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 4, wrapping up 1940. I loved the food descriptions in this one, including shredded wheat with hot milk (shredded wheat with pat of butter on top, sprinkled with sugar, hot milk poured over the top), and pop-eyes (slice of bread with a circle cut out of the middle, fried in butter, with an egg cracked into the hole - making this tomorrow morning!). Also liked the craft idea to place colorful fall leaves between sheets of waxed paper, then a layer of brown paper, then ironing it on both sides to melt the wax onto the leaves to keep them colorful. 🍁 The holiday traditions described are sweet and delightful.

[Rubi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a more flowing story than the others in the series as Tomie focused on his birthday and the end of the year celebrations. The family birthday traditions were cute to read about and it cracked me up when he dressed as a girl for Halloween just for the sake of more candy. Kids are so funny, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this short chapter book and totally recommend it to both dePaola fans and others

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a Year, by Tomie DePaola, published in 2002, is the fourth in his A 26 Fairmount Avene Book series, and I have to say, so far it's my favorite of the bunch.

In this book, Tomie, the main character, turns six, has a birthday, and celebrates Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve. What makes this book interesting is that it takes place in 1940. So you're introduced to a way of life that's somewhat different for modern-day readers, but also so familiar. It's a beautiful blend.

I think I'm becoming a huge fan of Tomie DePaola's as I'm getting older. I grew up only really reading Strega Nona, probably his most popular book, and bypassed all of these wonderful autobiographical books he wrote later in his life. His artwork is totally unique and the stories feel a lot like A Christmas Story, but for a younger crowd. My rating - 4/5.1

[Maris Welgat · Rating 4 out of 5]

"What a Year" by Tomie DePaola is a middle grade transitional book staring young Tomie and his year. The story starts with his sixth birthday extravaganza consisting of a special birthday cake and classroom party. Then, Tomie takes us to his Halloween trick-or-treating when him and his brother dress up as Snow White and the evil witch. Next, Thanksgiving and Christmas time arrive with special time with his family and friends. The author, Tomie DePaola is recalling his own childhood and fun memories to share with readers. There were little illustrations throughout the novel that I think is helpful in a transitional book, as children are moving from picture books to chapter. There was a humorous tone throughout the story and Tomie does get into some trouble! I think children in grades 3-5 would enjoy this story.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tomie dePaola is delightful, and his childhood is just full of warm and fuzzy moments. This episode continues his First Grade year, including his birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving, chicken pox, Christmas, and New Years. I think my favorite tidbit from this one is the fact that Thanksgiving changed from the fourth Thursday to the third Thursday, causing quite a stir. You can also follow the release of Disney movies into the popular culture via this series. An earlier episode introduces Snow White -- this one features Pinocchio.

For those looking for a similar vibe to Little House on Prairie, this also has a nostalgic tone and is full of everyday details (what shredded wheat looked like once upon a time, for example).

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tomie tells about the end of 1940, when he was in kindergarten.

Highlights by third grader:
He got chicken pox
He was in the Christmas recital for his class
He dressed up as snow white for Halloween and his brother dressed up like the wicked witch
He saw Pinocchio in the theater on Thanksgiving
He got to cook his favorite breakfast, Pop-eye, for his birthday

[Tatiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This should have been called What a Year of Holidays! Tomie's 6th birthday, Halloween, Christmas, and New Year's. Each celebration offered a quaint look into the dePaola family, as is the usual for this series. They sure lived a charmed life--it seems like a fairy tale when compared with today's world.

[Kailia]

I've enjoyed these stories a lot more than I thought I would. As these stories are based on the author's life and are narrated by him, I really liked the way the story was told. I liked hearing all the antics and memories Tomie dePaola had. This was a really great way for me to be introduced to this author and his work.

[Marissa | storiesinthemeadow · Rating 4 out of 5]

The girls loved this and were constantly asking for more. A memoir written for children by beloved author Tomie DePaola. This one takes place in Sept-Dec 1940. We discovered this book by a happy accident and were pleased to realize there is an entire series. A great introduction into memoir/autobiography for children.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. Tomie dePaola writes a memoir for children about his childhood. He talks about first grade, learning to read, getting a part in the school play, and getting chicken pox. I enjoy the illustrations, too!

[Sherica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook with my son. This was our favorite. Tomie does things my son does, but in 1930s things were looked at differently- better. I hope my son feels he's not alone.

[Paige Soule · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series. Paints quite the picture of a boys recollections during that time period.

[Em Mirra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pending.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An in-depth autobiography of the four to six year's of the life of children's author Tomie Depaolo. lively, interesting and truthful. funny and for intermediate elementary readers.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love tomie de Paola. It was fun to read this kids chapter book and remember my childhood of reading so many of the books written and illustrated by him. I love his illustrations!

[Andrus Boys]

These were lovable, laughable and great stories

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The kids and I loved listening to this series of Tomie dePaola’s childhood read by the author. He’s so engaging.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightful read in this series.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

An autobiographical series, this one gets us through his birthday and some winter holidays

[Clara · Rating 5 out of 5]

We watched an interview by Tomie dePaola and then read his 4 books. They are so cute and tell about his life from 3-6 years old. We really enjoyed all 4 books.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now I wish it were fall.

[Samantha Raising Wildflowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love Tomie Depaolavs recounts of his childhood! Short and sweet for young listeners.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just an easy, breath of fresh air ❤️ Well-deserved for me after two books that bombed.

[Kirsten Hinds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who wouldn’t enjoy an autobiography of the life of a typical 6 year old? We sure did.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying this series. it would be great for teaching about life in the 30s and 40s