The fourth in his “26 Fairmount Avenue” autobiographical series finds young Tomie DePaola awaiting his sixth birthday, in the year 1940. A classroom birthday celebration gives way to Halloween, quickly followed by Thanksgiving, and, finally, the ultimate child-event, Christmas. Tomie tops off his year by staying up until midnight on New Years’ Eve. The upbeat string of events is broken only by a bout with chicken pox. Clear and specific childhood memories generate an effervescent snapshot of the era, distinctly viewed through a child’s perspective and priorities. Tomie’s extended family, and their frequent gatherings, play a major role in his young life. (Ages 7-10)

The year 1940 is a very big year for Tomie-it's the start of first grade, and it's his first birthday in the new house at 26 Fairmount Avenue. It's also the first year that Tomie gets to go trick-or-treating with his older brother, Buddy. Then the holidays arrive, and Tomie has a part in the Christmas play. This Christmas is going to be great! But disaster strikes when Tomie gets the chicken pox. Will he be cured in time for the Christmas pageant? Join Tomie dePaola once again as he takes us back to his childhood and allows us to share the holiday season with his family and friends.