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26 Fairmount Avenue #2
Here We All Are
In a wonderfully warm and funny sequel to 26 Fairmount Avenue , Tomie takes us back into his childhood home as he helps the family get ready for the new baby. Along the way are funny school experiences such as "revenge" at not getting to play Peter Rabbit in the school play because he talks too much, becoming a star at Miss Leah's Dance School, having to eat Nana Fall-River's "sewer-pipe" macaroni, and missing his mom when she goes to the hospital to have the baby. Favorite characters from 26 Fairmount Avenue as well as from his "autobiographical" picture books, Nana Upstairs , Nana Downstairs , The Baby Sister and Tom make appearances here. Another winning chapter book.Reviews for 26 Fairmount Avenue :"An entirely satisfying easy chapterbook."-- Horn Book , starred review"Effervescent...dePaola seems as at home in this format as he did when he first crossed the threshold of 26 Fairmount Avenue , an address readers will eagerly revisit in the series' subsequent tales." -- Publishers Weekly , starred review
71 pages, Hardcover
First published April 3, 2000
About the author
Tomie dePaola
447 books922 followersTomie 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 7, 2019
I always wanted a younger sibling too, and I loved this installment as a kid. I read these books for the first time after moving across the country, and I was entranced by dePaola's floorplan at the beginning of this book, and I remember trying to draw floorplans for our new house when I read these. The episodes in dePaola's life are written with such mirth and good humor that they are just as enjoyable to read in adulthood as in childhood.
September 8, 2026
Just as delightful as the first book!
September 2, 2020
I have loved books that Tomie dePaola has done even though I haven't had a chance to read the majority of them since they seem to be so hard to find. As a result this book was still quite new to be but it was still startling just given to the fact that I didn't know that he had started doing chapter books while what makes this one a particular treat is that it is a part of an autobiographical series of Tomie when he was growing up.
in Here We All Are, which is the second book of the series, we find that Tomie and his immediate family have moved from a small apartment into a big house. At this particular age he is about four years old while showing the same talent that can be found in his artistic family. At the same time, though, that he is getting used to school and a new home Tomie finds out also that he is going to be a big brother to a new baby. What a great surprise!
The story goes from there exploring the effects of the new house such as the leaking shower floor, what it means to be a troublesome yet creative child at school, the growing of his talents and of course the much anticipated arrival of a baby sister even though Mom says it could still also possibly be a boy. And with each raise of the curtain on such funny episodes in young Tomie's life I found myself laughing, shaking my hand and quite relating with this poor child's responses.
Although I have Tomie dePaola under kidlit since of the majority of his known works to me, this one could very well be used as a YA-Junior book. The writing is easy to read and follow while young Tomie is very relatable to all those kids who have just a bit too much creativity. There are some areas that may need a bit help such as the rare appearance of Italian or some of the names but these are rather easy hurdles.
Furthermore to help make this a YA-Junior book in my opinion is the fact that Tomie also includes his well-known illustration style to populate his book with well-known characters to him while providing a break to readers. Unfortunately these aren't colored but black-and-white yet they still hold the charm that dePaola's work is known for.
This is definitely one treasured find I cannot believe someone was giving away and here is to my hope that they will sell the whole series together instead of piecemeal in the future. Until then for those who enjoy Tomie dePaola's work, for those who like to see how it was like growing up in the 1930s-1940s or just a parent who needs a good read to help them orient this series may be just the one for you.
in Here We All Are, which is the second book of the series, we find that Tomie and his immediate family have moved from a small apartment into a big house. At this particular age he is about four years old while showing the same talent that can be found in his artistic family. At the same time, though, that he is getting used to school and a new home Tomie finds out also that he is going to be a big brother to a new baby. What a great surprise!
The story goes from there exploring the effects of the new house such as the leaking shower floor, what it means to be a troublesome yet creative child at school, the growing of his talents and of course the much anticipated arrival of a baby sister even though Mom says it could still also possibly be a boy. And with each raise of the curtain on such funny episodes in young Tomie's life I found myself laughing, shaking my hand and quite relating with this poor child's responses.
Although I have Tomie dePaola under kidlit since of the majority of his known works to me, this one could very well be used as a YA-Junior book. The writing is easy to read and follow while young Tomie is very relatable to all those kids who have just a bit too much creativity. There are some areas that may need a bit help such as the rare appearance of Italian or some of the names but these are rather easy hurdles.
Furthermore to help make this a YA-Junior book in my opinion is the fact that Tomie also includes his well-known illustration style to populate his book with well-known characters to him while providing a break to readers. Unfortunately these aren't colored but black-and-white yet they still hold the charm that dePaola's work is known for.
This is definitely one treasured find I cannot believe someone was giving away and here is to my hope that they will sell the whole series together instead of piecemeal in the future. Until then for those who enjoy Tomie dePaola's work, for those who like to see how it was like growing up in the 1930s-1940s or just a parent who needs a good read to help them orient this series may be just the one for you.
April 13, 2009
This is Tomie dePaola's second "26 Fairmount Avenue" book, his autobiographical series about his childhood. I loved the first one, 26 Fairmount Avenue, and read it to all of my library classes last year. Since then, I've always planned to read more of the series. I found this second book in the series to be just as readable and fun as the first. While I'm reading, I feel like Tomie dePaola is right there in the room with me telling me stories of his childhood. In this one, we learn about his experiences in kindergarten such as getting in trouble with his teacher for talking too much, stealing the show in the class performance of Peter Rabbit (even though he had the part of Flopsy and not Peter Rabbit), and finally winning the heart of his teacher with his spectacular Valentine's Day box for the class and the special Valentine he made for her. I felt for young Tomie who nearly made himself sick while waiting for his mom to come home from the hospital with his new baby sister. I look forward to reading the next in the series: On My Way.
April 25, 2020
My favorite story in this one was how much Tomie missed his mom when she was at the hospital having his baby sister and how excited he was for his baby sister. ❤️
May 1, 2020
I absolutely adore the little details of Tomie's relationship with his mom in this little chapter book.
July 11, 2018
The second book in the 26 Fairmount Avenue series, Here We All Are, continues the delightful adventures of author Tomie dePaola's childhood. This time around, young Tomie deals with the fallout of being a ham in pretty much everything he does, including the school play. He takes tap lessons, and gains a baby sister, as well. I love the wholesomeness of these stories and how each person in Tomie's life rings true.
December 8, 2013
This chapter book memoir is one of my favorite books that I have kept from my childhood. In the summer of 2002, while my mom was in the hospital with our new baby brother, Dad took me and my sister to Barnes and Noble to pick out our rewards for participating in their summer reading program. I chose this book, which explores young Tomie dePaola's excitement about having a new sibling, and I have distinct memories of reading it during downtime at the hospital. It was all perfect timing, and this book is entwined with my memories of becoming a big sister.
However, even though the book is most memorable for its emphasis on adding a third child to a family, I also identified with other elements of the book, such as Tomie's impatience with rigid adults who didn't understand his imagination. I read this multiple times throughout my childhood, and even though I enjoyed discovering the rest of the series in 2014, this book will always be my favorite.
However, even though the book is most memorable for its emphasis on adding a third child to a family, I also identified with other elements of the book, such as Tomie's impatience with rigid adults who didn't understand his imagination. I read this multiple times throughout my childhood, and even though I enjoyed discovering the rest of the series in 2014, this book will always be my favorite.
May 7, 2012
This is an interesting memoir of Tomie dePaola's childhood and the first few months in his new house. Overall, it's an interesting story and it's not too long. Our girls like the books in this series (26 Fairmount Avenue), but they certainly aren't their favorites. I think they much prefer Mr. dePaola's picture books. Still, I think this offers an interesting perspective of life in the late 1930s in the United States and his experiences growing up.
We enjoyed reading this book together and learned a lot about Tomie's kindergarten experiences. We will likely look for the other books in this series and continue our journey through the story of his youth.
We enjoyed reading this book together and learned a lot about Tomie's kindergarten experiences. We will likely look for the other books in this series and continue our journey through the story of his youth.
September 3, 2009
We just started reading this aloud last night, and it is really enjoyable! It was a prize from the library's summer reading program! I have been searching for the next stage of good-quality read alouds, but they're either too easy or too hard. This one seems just right! I will keep searching for more at about this reading level ...
Update: Sept. 7—We just finished this read-aloud today. It was just the right level for my 5 and 6 year old girls. They really liked it, and it kept my interest, too. =) Tomie dePaola is such a good storyteller! And I like how he weaves the Catholic faith into the story, because it's simply an important part of family-life. We hope to read more in this series ...
Update: Sept. 7—We just finished this read-aloud today. It was just the right level for my 5 and 6 year old girls. They really liked it, and it kept my interest, too. =) Tomie dePaola is such a good storyteller! And I like how he weaves the Catholic faith into the story, because it's simply an important part of family-life. We hope to read more in this series ...
October 19, 2010
Another great book! NEW furniture for the NEW house...all very exciting! And, a NEW baby, too! Is it another brother or a baby sister, who Tomie prays for? Read it and enjoy the anticipation, right along with Tomie.
The talkative, precocious Tomie is fun to join in kindergarten. Painting, naptime, Valentine's Day....all is remembered through Tomie's colorful talent for storytelling. I love that his stories always make me feel nostalgic...warm and fuzzy!!!
The talkative, precocious Tomie is fun to join in kindergarten. Painting, naptime, Valentine's Day....all is remembered through Tomie's colorful talent for storytelling. I love that his stories always make me feel nostalgic...warm and fuzzy!!!
November 16, 2019
rating: 3.5
best for ages 5 to 7
Connecticut
We've read many of DePaola's stories, so the kids already know something about DePaola (he's an author who illustrates his books). The memories he recounts of his childhood are ones that kids can identify with.
Quite a few names -- a family tree would be useful
best for ages 5 to 7
Connecticut
We've read many of DePaola's stories, so the kids already know something about DePaola (he's an author who illustrates his books). The memories he recounts of his childhood are ones that kids can identify with.
Quite a few names -- a family tree would be useful
February 10, 2009
This autobiography is the second for Tomie. (I feel like I know him personally. :))
June 29, 2021
Even the titles of these books make me smile.
October 8, 2022
Here We All Are, by Tomie DePaola, is the second book in the 26 Fairmont Series. It was published in 2000. I am a fan of DePaola's ever since I read Strega Nona way back when I was a child. I think he's very distinctive with his illustrations and these autobiographical tales are always a treat into the world in which he grew up and those around him that meant so much to him, and obviously had an impact on his future career as a storyteller and artist.
In this installment, Tomie is excited to learn that he's expecting a new sibling. He's hoping it'll be a girl, because he already had a brother, but his mom tells him that he'll have to wait. While waiting we the reader get an opportunity to discover things about the time and place of Tomie's childhood. Whether it's getting into trouble at school, performing in plays, the importance of food, or observations of relatives who are constantly popping in and out. This is a sweet story and a good beginner read, though there are some Italian words sprinkled throughout, they add an extra flavor to the narrative which I think people will appreciate. My rating - 3/5.
In this installment, Tomie is excited to learn that he's expecting a new sibling. He's hoping it'll be a girl, because he already had a brother, but his mom tells him that he'll have to wait. While waiting we the reader get an opportunity to discover things about the time and place of Tomie's childhood. Whether it's getting into trouble at school, performing in plays, the importance of food, or observations of relatives who are constantly popping in and out. This is a sweet story and a good beginner read, though there are some Italian words sprinkled throughout, they add an extra flavor to the narrative which I think people will appreciate. My rating - 3/5.
December 30, 2017
Utterly charming, even better than the first one (Newbery Honor book “26 Fairmount Avenue”.) Children will be riveted to the adventures of six-year-old Tomie growing up in 1930s Connecticut. Adults will find him equally entertaining and marvelous. I don’t know if some of the stories are embellished by adult Tomie, but nonetheless he was a remarkably talented boy. He is creative, outgoing, and always getting into trouble (mostly for talking). In this volume he recounts stories of Kindergarten, dance class, stage productions, and a new baby on the way. Not many little boys would wish for a baby sister but Tomie does! Read the book to find out if he gets his wish and all of the lovely adventures that took place that year.
November 12, 2018
A nice read-aloud for younger children, though I didn't like Tomie very much in this installment. From a curious preschooler he morphs into an attention-grabbing kindergarten boy who is a bit of a pain by his own account. He steals the show shamelessly during the class play, makes a scene at a christening demanding "some of the water" for himself (he was only taken because if Mummy left him home he'd scream the place down), and insists on being the centre of attention at all times. I've known plenty of kids like Tomie and never enjoyed being around them. I suppose a certain kind of child (and adult) would find his pushy antics funny, but I did not.
Also, the first few pages were too familiar from the first book.
Also, the first few pages were too familiar from the first book.
November 8, 2018
The DePaola family has moved into a house. There will be addition to their family. Will it be a baby brother or sister? While Tomie waits for his baby sibling to arrive, he goes to school and dancing lessons. He compares one teacher to the other, perfering one over the other.
This book is good for older children. It shows how different teachers are and how expectations of adults for Tomie differ from adult to adult. Tomie relays how he thinks and feels in each situation. Children will relate to Tomie.
This book is good for older children. It shows how different teachers are and how expectations of adults for Tomie differ from adult to adult. Tomie relays how he thinks and feels in each situation. Children will relate to Tomie.
December 22, 2018
If you're familiar with Tomie dePaola's picture books, then some of these stories will be familiar to you as well. Told in a chapter book format, Tomie describes the events of his life after his family has moved to a new house. Several chapters cover the birth of Tomie's little sister are similar to his picture book, The Baby Sister. There are illustrations as well throughout the chapters. This book would be great for fans of dePaola's work or for readers being introduced to chapter books.
December 28, 2024
3.5 stars. It was suggested I read this stories by someone who said that I might enjoy these if I like the American Girl series and I started to understand the connection with the two with this book - I loved the brief mentions and drawings of little devices that were used during that time period and what they did.
October 16, 2017
I really enjoy reading these books. It's a small glimpse into what life was like for the author for a month or two as a child. The traditions, food and family interactions are different from my own and I think it's good for my daughter to hear about them as well!
April 5, 2018
The entertaining continuing autobiography of Tomie DePaola when his family moved into their newly built home, his continued mishaps at school with his kindergarten teacher, and the birth of his baby sister
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April 4, 2020It’s so sad to know that he had a teacher who wouldn’t spell his name as Tomie instead of Tommy. It clearing had a huge impact on him considering this is a detail he felt like mentioning in this story.
January 14, 2022
Tomie DePaola is a genius. I absolutely love this book. The struggle with the spelling of his name Tomie vs Tommy. I love how he shows how much it gets to him, but never reacts in anger. Teachers 👨🏼🏫 should read this and learn. So, informative.
April 23, 2024
I love this series so far. This one is about Tomie continuing in school, loving in his new house with his family, and his baby sister being born. I love that it's really about the author's life and the funny things he remembers from being a young child.
September 8, 2024
Excellent. These books are quick reads and so enjoyable. Tomie dePaola is an excellent story teller and it’s so fun to learn about his life as a kid (from his perspective). Great read aloud. My son is really enjoying them.
March 6, 2026
Author Tomie dePaola shares memories of his early life including moving into a new house, dance lessons and the arrival of a baby sister. A great early chapter book and biography with dePaola's signature artwork.
June 10, 2017
This series is great for my son. He adores all the tales that encompass the book.
July 6, 2017
Pending.
June 29, 2018
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews