(2) K-3 Illustrated by Barbara McClintock. The title page of this heartfelt story about the death of a pet features an older man, recognizably the late author, gazing down at an empty dog bed. Two wordless illustrations follow: a single page shows dePaola looking small under an expanse of sky as a cloud in the shape of a sleeping dog floats by overhead; next, a double-page spread shows him indoors with a picture of a dog in a heart-shaped frame, the empty dog bed nearby. After this visual preamble signaling loss, dePaola's simple first-person text reflects on life with his beloved pet. In seven sections, all introduced with the titular question (eventually answered), he recalls the early days with Bronte and how their devotion to each other deepened over the pup's twelve years of life. In McClintock's mixed-media art, a pastel color palette, deft line work, and uncluttered compositions pay homage to the beloved author without being derivative. A pleasing variety of spreads, panels, vignettes, and single pages sets the story's pace and keeps young readers engaged. The moment dePaola realizes that Bronte will be "in my heart forever" is illustrated by a full-bleed double-page spread with a Bronte-shaped cloud frolicking under a rainbow. This sentimental expression of grief may not resonate with all who've lost a pet (or human), but it's comforting. The fact that the author died in 2020 adds another layer of meaning to this satisfying tribute. McClintock's appended illustrator's note adds some personal reflections.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2025

(2) PS In the briefest of board books (originally published as a board book in 1996 as Get Dressed, Santa!), Santa gets all suited up for his big Christmas Eve trip, only to discover he forgot to do something first. "Oh no! He's got to GO!" So, off comes the raiment for a trip back to the bathroom. Phew. That's the whole story, but I'm guessing toilet trainees will find it hilarious every time. DePaola was the holiday's biggest fan, and his festive Christmas colors and bouncy rounded shapes are just right.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2020

(3) PS Two children go on a magical nighttime journey accompanied by the Fog Maiden's cat. "We floated / across the grass, / dancing on the dew, / and met the elf horse." They share a meal with trolls, attend a ball with crocodiles and peacocks, and watch a play before the Fog Maiden brings them home. DePaola's unique and soothing bedtime trip, illustrated in pastel tones, is now back in print.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(2) K-3 Originally published as The Family Christmas Tree Book, this informational picture book provides (undocumented) facts about the history of and customs surrounding this Christmas symbol. In the framing story, a mom and dad share with their two kids historical tidbits about Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments; readers see the family’s progress from cutting a tree down through setting a star on top. A refreshingly low-key offering.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: December, 1980; November, 2019

(2) K-3 DePaola's The Quicksand Book, now apparently retitled Tomie dePaola's The Quicksand Book, has been dusted off and brightened up for a new generation. The information is, er, solid; the frame story is funny; and a considerable bonus is provided in the directions for "How to Make Your Own Quicksand."

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: June, 1977; July, 2019

(3) K-3 Granny Twinkle introduces breeds of cats, and some history, to a boy who comes to her house to choose a free kitten. She talks about Egyptian cat worship, exporting cats from Egypt to Europe, and cats' efforts to kill plague-carrying rats in the Middle Ages. More cat facts and an activity are appended to this new edition of the previously titled The Kids' Cat Book. Websites.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: April, 1980

(2) PS A grandfather, a girl, a boy, and their dog out for a walk notice the busyness of the natural world around them. The grandfather suggests a break from being busy and proposes a rest on a nearby bench. In the calm, the children notice the value of being quiet and still. Soft pastel shades, long gentle contours, and plenty of white space create an appropriately serene world.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2018

(2) K-3 Originally titled Big Anthony and the Magic Ring, this sequel to Strega Nona tells how Anthony once more tampers with his employer's magic and runs afoul of it. Good-humored caricaturing of people and animals and the suggestions of frenzied activity contribute to the fun.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc. | Horn Book Magazine Issue: June, 1979

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Doug Salati. When the king dies, the young prince is due to be crowned, but his older half-brother tears into pieces the Imperial Robe said to confer power upon the ruler. The story lacks logic (why didn't the older brother just take the robe for himself?), but the pencil and digital illustrations are expressively drawn and interestingly subdued in palette, looking both folkloric and sophisticated.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton

(3) K-3 The overworked baker's daughter, Bambolona, feels unappreciated at the bakery, so she goes to Strega Nona for help, who offers to teach Bambolona her magic. Big Anthony tries to trick Strega Nona into teaching him, too, and--as usual--his blunders hilariously backfire. DePaola's jovial colored-ink and watercolor-paint illustrations add warmth to this Calabria tale perfect for Strega Nona's fans.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter

(3) K-3 Could you even give a book this title in the twenty-first century? DePaola's book about a boy who can't throw a ball to save his life but who enjoys paper dolls, dress-up, and (as he discovers to his delight) tap-dancing is as fresh and necessary as ever. While the muted turquoise and beige color scheme shows its age, the feelings are still just right.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2017

(2) K-3 Andy & Sandy series. Illustrated by Tomie dePaola. In this fourth installment, Sandy proposes the friends dance together in a talent show; Andy just has to follow her lead. But when the curtain goes up, Sandy freezes, and it's Andy's turn to lead. Simple page layouts, with few words and easy-to-interpret illustrations, make the text accessible to beginning readers. Andy and Sandy are perfect fictional buddies to encourage youngsters to try new things.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2017

(2) K-3 Andy & Sandy series. Illustrated by Tomie dePaola. Sandy shows up at the playground that Andy was enjoying having all to himself, and they dance around whether and how to approach each other (When). In Adventure, the two have a playdate at Andy's house. Both books use large font, repetition, and strong picture clues to support new readers. Andy and Sandy's friendship--and this series--is off to a good start. Review covers these titles: Andy & Sandy's Anything Adventure and When Andy Met Sandy.

Reviewer: Julie Roach | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2016

(2) K-3 Andy & Sandy series. Illustrated by Tomie dePaola. Sandy shows up at the playground that Andy was enjoying having all to himself, and they dance around whether and how to approach each other (When). In Adventure, the two have a playdate at Andy's house. Both books use large font, repetition, and strong picture clues to support new readers. Andy and Sandy's friendship--and this series--is off to a good start. Review covers these titles: Andy & Sandy's Anything Adventure and When Andy Met Sandy.

Reviewer: Julie Roach | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2016

(3) K-3 Andy & Sandy series. In this accessibly written beginning reader, Sandy enthusiastically introduces Andy to the joys of sledding, making snow angels, and building a snowman. Andy is dubious at first: "Snow is very wet and VERY COLD." But in the amusing ending, the roles reverse with Sandy ready to go warm up inside with hot chocolate. DePaola's uncluttered acrylic and colored pencil illustrations showcase the wintertime fun.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 The big kids won't let Andy join them, but because they use the letters of his name in their play, Andy sees just how important he is. Reissued with a new cover, this satisfying story with clever wordplay and graphic design is terrific inspiration for those beginning to see how letters fit together to make words.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(2) PS DePaola's rouse from sleep is a gentle one, asking readers to "open your eyes, and look." The text remains quiet, moving from its opening imploration to a suggested response: "Be grateful, for everything you see." The brief handwritten text on peachy-beige paper is accompanied by the simplest of images: a child, a flower or two, one of the artist's signature doves.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2015

(3) K-3 DePaola's ecological fable from the crunchy-granola seventies retains relevance today. Michael Bird-Boy (in a feather-suit) sees his farm threatened by an ominous cloud spewed by a city honey factory. He and the factory's owner find a happy solution. Horizontal panels do a fine job of shuttling between the rural and urban landscapes. Includes a diagram of how honey is made.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2015

(2) PS Farm boy Jack wants to live in the city. Along the way, he picks up a chick, duck, goose, etc., each one declaring its own interest in city digs. Young children will like the simple pattern of the story as well as the cumulating sound effects. DePaola dresses the journey in his most sumptuous colors, with a landscape of deep greens, grays, and purples.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2014

(2) K-3 Peaceably sharing the gleanings of the autumn harvest, a dozen birds discuss the news. The blue pair has seen a couple being led to the stables; the red birds have seen an angel in the sky; the brown ones have heard the heavenly host; etc. The acrylic paintings of the birds and Holy Family (its members left unidentified) are theatrically composed on spacious spreads.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2012