Telling Stories with Tomie dePaola
2001 · Family, Kids · 1 Season · 26 Episodes ·
The show featured children's book author Tomie dePaola and his Muppet friend Gabe the squirrel, encouraging children to make their own stories in a variety of media. In each episode, Tomie told a story featuring his storybook characters Strega Nona, Big Anthony and Bambolona. Gabe visited The Animal Band, a group of woodland creatures, including a rabbit on drums, a weasel on guitar, a penguin on bass, and a raccoon on keytar. Each episode also featured a visit with a guest storyteller or two (often people connected to the Jim Henson Company). The final segment of each episode included a child actor playing Tomie enacting stories from his book "26 Fairmount Avenue."
Episodes
1. Tales Around the TableTomie shows viewers around his studio table. Guest storytellers: Mary Sue Milliken and Sue Feniger.E22. Where Do You Get Ideas?Tomie tells us about his idea drawer. Guest storyteller: J.T. SteinyE33. What's a Story?Tomie offers two drawing - a beginning and an ending. Guest storyteller: Ed EythE44. Stories for MyselfTomie shows us his sketchbook, a visual journal. Guest storyteller: Alexandra NichitaE55. Food as StorytellingTomie fries up his famous Popeye. Guest storyteller: Mary Ann EspositoE66. That's a Story?!Tomie shows how a collection of souvenirs tells a story. Guest storyteller: Charlotte BirdE77. Getting StartedTomie suggests ways to get started. Guest storyteller: Art ClokeyE88. CharacterTomie shows how visual traits help to define a character. Guest storytellers: Bill Barretta and Pepe the King PrawnE99. SettingTomie discusses how changing the setting changes the story. Guest storyteller: John IacovelliE1010. Point of ViewTomie takes a look at perspective. Guest storyteller: John E. BarrettE1111. Performance as StorytellingTomie talks about assuming a character’s voice & mannerisms. Guest storyteller: Martie BarylickE1212. Every Picture Tells a StoryTomie talks about the story behind one of his paintings. Guest storyteller: Lotus Do BrooksE1313. Making Sense of Our World Through StoriesTomie encourages kids to draw or make up stories to deal with emotions. Guest storyteller: Jane YolenE1414. Taking a ChanceTomie tells and shows the origins of his first chapter book. Guest storyteller: Frank OzE1515. Finding Your AudienceTomie talks about how stories and artwork change when they are shared with an audience. Guest storyteller: John CarneyE1616. FunnyTomie explains the comedy rule of three. Guest storyteller: Bill LarkinE1717. ScaryTomie shows how different techniques can create a scary scene. Guest storyteller: David Barrington-HoltE1818. Moods: Happy/SadTomie shows how a few lines can change the mood of a face. Guest storyteller: Natalie McMasterE1919. HistoryTomie explains what a time capsule is. Guest storyteller: Victor FinkelE2020. MusicGabe plays guitar riffs for Tomie that correspond to different moods. Guest storyteller: Dave KinnoinE2121. Make Believe StoriesTomie is doodling. Guest storyteller: Doug ChiangE2222. Real StoriesTomie talks about how family photos can inspire stories. Guest storyteller: Chris ConnellyE2323. More Than One Way to Tell a Tale - VersionsTomie talks about the different ways you can tell a story. Guest storyteller: Savage Steve HollandE2424. More Than One Way to Tell a Tale - TechniquesTomie shows his Cornell boxes, using a different technique of art to tell a story. Guest storyteller: Sule Greg WilsonE2525. Putting Heart Into Your StoryTomie talks about putting warmth, feeling, and emotion into a story. Guest storytellers: Kermit the Frog and Rizzo the RatE2626. CollaborationTomie talks about collaboration. Guest storytellers: Stephen Holman and Josephine Huang
