In a striking debut, Tomie dePaola finds just the right voice for his first chapter book about his adventures during the year the family built their house at 26 Fairmont Avenue. Illustrations. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Kicking off a series by the same name, dePaola's effervescent chapter book recounts some memorable moments from the author's early years, surrounded by loving family members and friends. Fans will recognize a few of the cast members from the author's various autobiographical picture books. Organized as an engaging pastiche of memories from 1938 to 1939, the story's primary focus is the snafu-plagued construction and landscaping of the dePaola family's "first and only house," in Meriden, Conn. Within this clever framework, other diverting vignettes surface: during the hurricane of 1938, dePaola's mother sprinkles holy water on a terrified neighbor for protection; young Tomie generously shares "chocolates" he finds hidden in the bathroom with his Nana Upstairs (they turn out to be laxatives); and on the first day of kindergarten, when he learns that reading is not taught until first grade, he announces, "Fine, I'll be back next year," and heads home. DePaola successfully evokes the voice of a precocious, inquisitive five-year-old everyone would want to befriend. Charming black-and-white illustrations animate the scenes and add a period flare, including a photo album-like assemblage of the characters' portraits at the book's start. Readers will also appreciate a glimpse of the artist's early debut as he draws life-size images of his family on the plasterboard walls in his new house. 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. Ages 7-11. Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

K-Gr 4An autobiographical account of dePaolas childhood, centered on the building of his familys new house during the 1930s. Each short chapter is also a slice-of-life view of young Tomies worldwitnessing a hurricane, a disillusioning first day of kindergarten, a much anticipated theater trip to see Disneys Snow White, and holiday gatherings. The authors thrill at being allowed to draw on the walls of the new house before plastering would be a fantasy come true for many budding artists. DePaola presents it all with a keen understanding of the timeless concerns children share. Filled with subtle humor and detail that children will appreciate, the narrative is crisp and casual, making it an ideal read-aloud. Black-and-white drawings portray family members, many of whom are already familiar from earlier picture books. A thoroughly entertaining and charming story.Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Gr. 3-5, younger for reading aloud. In an attractive chapter book, dePaola describes the year before his family moved from an apartment into their new home on Fairmount Avenue. Starting with a vivid account of the hurricane of 1938, he recalls an unfortunate but funny episode with a laxative, disappointment with "Mr. Walt Disney's Snow White," and his first day of kindergarten. Everything is seen through the eyes of five-year-old Tomi as construction problems arise with the new house: "My mom kept crying. My dad kept using more and more bad words." Reminiscent of Clyde Robert Bulla's appealing chapter books, the colloquial narrative gently meanders, introducing family, friends, and neighbors, noting holidays, anticipating moving day. Black-and-white sketches add a decorative touch and will draw children into the story. In an appended note, dePaola explains why and how he wrote this memoir and promises more. With this charming first installment, the series is off to an auspicious start. (Reviewed August 1999)039923246XLinda Perkins From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.