The Art Lesson [Hardcover]

Tommy knows he wants to be an artist when he grows up. He can't wait to get to school and have real art lessons. When Tommy gets to school and finds out that the art lessons are full of rules , he is surprised and dismayed. How the wise art teacher finds a way to give Tommy the freedom to create and stay within the rules makes a wonderfully perceptive picture book about growing up and keeping one's individuality.

Tomie dePaola is the author and illustrator of many beloved books for children, including the Caldecott Honor BookStrega Nona. Fans of all ages will be pleased to hear thatThe Art Lessonis, in fact, based on the artist's own experiences growing up, and offers a welcome glimpse into his past. This bright picture book is as covered with drawings as the walls of Tommy's parents' and grandparents' houses, and sends an inspirational message to budding artists and individualists. Break out the crayons!★ DePaola's well-honed, color drenched artwork...is warmly appealing; a deceptively simple approach underscored by pure craft . —Booklist, starred review

The perennial conflict between Individual and Authority, or between Artist and Society, lies beneath this anecdote, and it's gratifying to see the small non-conformist accommodated. Everyone can enjoy dePaola's gentle autobiographical evocation of a loving family and a happy obsession . —School Library Journal

Tomie dePaola was born in Meriden, Connecticut, in 1934 to a family of Irish and Italian background. By the time he could hold a pencil, he knew what his life's work would be. His determination to create books for children led to a BFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and an MFA from the California College of Arts & Crafts in Oakland, California.

It drove him through the years of teaching, designing greeting cards and stage sets, and painting church murals until 1965, when he illustrated his first children's book,Sound, by LlĂ`