Parents' Guide to

26 Fairmount Avenue

By Ann Marie Sammataro, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Amusing tales from author's childhood.

Book Tomie dePaola Family Life 1999
26 Fairmount Avenue Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 7+

Based on 1 parent review

ilikebooks
ilikebooks Adult
May 22, 2009
age 7+

A book for all ages!!

26 Fairmount Avenue is a fun, must read book for all ages. Tomie dePaola writes his autobiography in a creative way with his distinct drawings known to many of his fans. Tomie, the main character in the story describes his flash back to 1938 during his childhood in Meriden, Connecticut where his family who lives on Columbus Ave decides to make a move and build a new home on Fairmount Ave. Tomie in the story explains his life experiences with the hurricane that ripped through his town, outings, with Nana, and the movie trips with his mom. Tomie is 5 at the time just starting kindergarten ready to make his move to the new home. dePaola continues to use his creative drawings which can be seen throughout 26 Fairmount Ave. This is the first book of his 5 book series. His use of flashbacks during his childhood help readers draw pictures in their mind of childhood memories they might have during that age. The use of simple words and descriptions allow readers to understand easy making it enjoyable to all. I would compare his writing styles to those of Kevin Henkes, another author who enjoys illustrating his stories to keep readers interested. dePaola's autobiographies are not like many others of that genre his are at a easier level with fun pictures. Again if you have a chance check out 26 Fairmount Avenue and you won't be disappointed.
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What's the Story?

"I guess 1938 was a special year. Not only because of the hurricane, but because it was the year we started building 26 Fairmount Avenue." Popular picture-book author/illustrator Tomie dePaola tickles reader's fancies with funny tales about his precocious childhood. Warmly drawn black-and-white illustrations bring the rich assortment of characters to life.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (1):

This debut short chapter book from an author known for his picture books is a success. Tomie dePaola has a gift for retelling his experiences with a child's perspective and innocence, creating a narrative voice young children can easily relate to. His tales are peppered with historical references and events, but with details that appeal to kids, such as his memorable account of how an umbrella-wielding child became briefly airborne. Through all the stories, dePaola conveys a real sense of community, a traditional neighborhood where family and friends pull together to help each other.

Sketches arranged to resemble a photo album in the front pages of the book portray the key people in the stories. Readers can see what the familiar characters looked like, from dePaola's mom, Floss, to Nana Fall-River to his best friend, Carol Crane.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what stories from their lives they would put together into a book.

Book Details

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