Telling Stories with Tomie dePaola (2001)
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."
Seasons & Episode
Tomie shows viewers around his studio table. Guest storytellers: Mary Sue Milliken and Sue Feniger.
Tomie tells us about his idea drawer. Guest storyteller: J.T. Steiny
Tomie offers two drawing - a beginning and an ending. Guest storyteller: Ed Eyth
Tomie shows us his sketchbook, a visual journal. Guest storyteller: Alexandra Nichita
Tomie fries up his famous Popeye. Guest storyteller: Mary Ann Esposito
Tomie shows how a collection of souvenirs tells a story. Guest storyteller: Charlotte Bird
Tomie suggests ways to get started. Guest storyteller: Art Clokey
Tomie shows how visual traits help to define a character. Guest storytellers: Bill Barretta and Pepe the King Prawn
Tomie discusses how changing the setting changes the story. Guest storyteller: John Iacovelli
Tomie takes a look at perspective. Guest storyteller: John E. Barrett
Tomie talks about assuming a character’s voice & mannerisms. Guest storyteller: Martie Barylick
Tomie talks about the story behind one of his paintings. Guest storyteller: Lotus Do Brooks
Tomie encourages kids to draw or make up stories to deal with emotions. Guest storyteller: Jane Yolen
Tomie tells and shows the origins of his first chapter book. Guest storyteller: Frank Oz
Tomie talks about how stories and artwork change when they are shared with an audience. Guest storyteller: John Carney
Tomie explains the comedy rule of three. Guest storyteller: Bill Larkin
Tomie shows how different techniques can create a scary scene. Guest storyteller: David Barrington-Holt
Tomie shows how a few lines can change the mood of a face. Guest storyteller: Natalie McMaster
Tomie explains what a time capsule is. Guest storyteller: Victor Finkel
Gabe plays guitar riffs for Tomie that correspond to different moods. Guest storyteller: Dave Kinnoin
Tomie is doodling. Guest storyteller: Doug Chiang
Tomie talks about how family photos can inspire stories. Guest storyteller: Chris Connelly
Tomie talks about the different ways you can tell a story. Guest storyteller: Savage Steve Holland
Tomie shows his Cornell boxes, using a different technique of art to tell a story. Guest storyteller: Sule Greg Wilson
Tomie talks about putting warmth, feeling, and emotion into a story. Guest storytellers: Kermit the Frog and Rizzo the Rat
Tomie talks about collaboration. Guest storytellers: Stephen Holman and Josephine Huang
