Books › 26 Fairmount Avenue
26 Fairmount Avenue
First published 1999 · 64 pages
A hilarious and charmingly illustrated stroll through the busy, adventure-filled days of a 1930s childhood.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like sitting down with a warm, funny storyteller who is eager to share the bustling chaos of his youth. The pace is brisk and lively, mirroring a busy, crazy year that kicks off with a hurricane and a new family home. The mood is overwhelmingly charming and lighthearted, anchored by hilarious childhood misadventures from accidental laxative consumption to theatrical kindergarten protests. The prose is accessible and earnest, perfectly capturing the stubborn, wide-eyed perspective of a young boy eager to learn and explore. Accompanied by the author's own illustrations, this Newbery-honored memoir will delight young readers and anyone who appreciates a nostalgic, humorous glimpse into the everyday adventures of growing up.
- Mood
- lighthearted
- warm
- bustling
- childlike
- Tone
- hilarious
- charming
- nostalgic
- earnest
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- childhood memories · family life · growing up · everyday adventures
- The writing
- Accessible and charmingly humorous, perfectly paired with the author's own illustrations to capture a child's perspective.
- The arc
- Moves from the bustling excitement of a new home and a chaotic storm through a series of humorous, charming childhood misadventures.
- Who it's for
- Young readers and fans of classic children's literature who enjoy funny, illustrated memoirs about family life and growing up.
Content notes
- mild scatological humor
About the book
Tomie's family starts building their new house at 26 Fairmount Avenue in 1938, just as a hurricane hits town, starting off a busy, crazy year. Tomie has many adventures all his own, including eating chocolate with his Nana Upstairs, only to find out--the hard way--that they have eaten chocolate laxative. He tries to skip kindergarten when he finds out he won't learn to read until first grade. "I'll be back next year," he says. When Tomie goes to see Snow White, he creates another sensation. Tomie dePaola's childhood memories are hilarious, and his charming illustrations are sure to please.
Description from Open Library.
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