WHAT A YEAR!

DePaola’s fourth volume in the popular 26 Fairmount Avenue series is as charming and engaging as its predecessors. It is 1940 and Tomie, or “Tommy,” as Miss Kiniry, his first-grade teacher, spells it, is starting first grade in style—with his sixth birthday. Tomie is bathed in the love and care of his family and community as they plan a school party the Friday before his real birthday and a surprise party of relatives and grown-up friends on his real birthday. As if this were not enough excitement for young Tomie, he has Halloween next on his agenda. Tomie, impeccably dressed as Snow White, and Buddy, decked out as the Wicked Witch, are the hit of the neighborhood. DePaola remembers all the small details of his Christmas—from the carefully constructed lists for Santa to the evening mass, to waiting for Santa and the excitement of opening presents. DePaola’s warm drawings give just the right amount of visual information without intruding on the delightful vignettes. The comforting story, large typeface, and ample space around the illustrations make this a perfect early chapter book for young readers. Those who open the loving doors of the little house on Fairmount Avenue will want to stay for a long time, at least for some of Nana’s flaming plum pudding. (Fiction. 6-9)