Tomie dePaola was one of the most beloved authors and illustrators of children’s books of the last 50 years. When he died in 2020, readers of all ages mourned. While many knew him best for his Strega Nona stories, dePaola also wrote and illustrated many books about Catholic saints and feast days, as well as adaptations of Bible stories.
Sarah Mackenzie, author and founder of Read-Aloud Revival, got to know Tomie dePaola in the last several years of his life, visiting him in his studio and corresponding with him regularly. She wrote about her friendship with him in the foreword to the new book, Through the Year with Tomie dePaola, which collects dePaola’s artwork depicting saints and illustrating important feasts of the liturgical year.
In this episode, Andrew Petiprin speaks with Mackenzie about her relationship with dePaola, the lasting impact of his books and artistic vision, and how reading our way through the liturgical year, especially with young children, can bring us closer to God and to each other.
Related reading:
Through the Year with Tomie dePaola
Read-Aloud Revival with Sarah Mackenzie
“The unique and enduring illustrative art of Tomie dePaola” by Paul Senz | Catholic World Report
Lovecraft, fantasy literature, and Christ: A conversation with novelist David Pinault
Jérôme Lejeune: A Man of Science and Conscience
An interview with ”This Thing of Darkness” authors K.V. Turley and Fiorella De Maria
Fr. Fessio discusses reverence, beauty, and the Mass of Vatican II
Author interview with Fr. Daniel Moloney on his book, "Mercy: What Every Catholic Should Know"
Let's Talk about St. Therese's Parents & Family
Author Interview with Leah Libresco on her book "Building the Benedict Option"
Best Chapter Books for Kids from Bethlehem Books
Discussion about "Salt and Light: The Spiritual Journey of Élisabeth and Félix Leseur"
Author Interview with Kendra Tierney on her book, "The Catholic All Year Compendium"
Interview with authors Tom Peterson and Ryan Hanning on their book, "The WillPower Advantage"
Why did Twitter censor Catholic World Report?
Interview with George Weigel, author of "The Next Pope"
Author interview with Fr. Augustine Wetta, author of "Humility Rules"
Author interview with Dr. Richard Fitzgibbons on his book, "Habits of a Healthy Marriage"
Author Interview with Sam Guzman on his book, "The Catholic Gentleman"
Author Interview with Ian Murphy about "Dying to Live"
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Hello Heaven Podcast
Cast The Word
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
The Kingdom Power Fellowship Podcast
The Bible Recap
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)