Telling Stories with Tomie dePaola (2001)
Synopsis
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."
Creator
Tomie DePaola
Network
Hallmark Channel
Episodes
Tales Around the Table
Tomie shows viewers around his studio table. Guest storytellers: Mary Sue Milliken and Sue Feniger.
Where Do You Get Ideas?
Tomie tells us about his idea drawer. Guest storyteller: J.T. Steiny
What's a Story?
Tomie offers two drawing - a beginning and an ending. Guest storyteller: Ed Eyth
Stories for Myself
Tomie shows us his sketchbook, a visual journal. Guest storyteller: Alexandra Nichita
Food as Storytelling
Tomie fries up his famous Popeye. Guest storyteller: Mary Ann Esposito
That's a Story?!
Tomie shows how a collection of souvenirs tells a story. Guest storyteller: Charlotte Bird
Getting Started
Tomie suggests ways to get started. Guest storyteller: Art Clokey
Character
Tomie shows how visual traits help to define a character. Guest storytellers: Bill Barretta and Pepe the King Prawn
Setting
Tomie discusses how changing the setting changes the story. Guest storyteller: John Iacovelli
Point of View
Tomie takes a look at perspective. Guest storyteller: John E. Barrett
Performance as Storytelling
Tomie talks about assuming a character’s voice & mannerisms. Guest storyteller: Martie Barylick
Every Picture Tells a Story
Tomie talks about the story behind one of his paintings. Guest storyteller: Lotus Do Brooks
Making Sense of Our World Through Stories
Tomie encourages kids to draw or make up stories to deal with emotions. Guest storyteller: Jane Yolen
Taking a Chance
Tomie tells and shows the origins of his first chapter book. Guest storyteller: Frank Oz
Finding Your Audience
Tomie talks about how stories and artwork change when they are shared with an audience. Guest storyteller: John Carney
Funny
Tomie explains the comedy rule of three. Guest storyteller: Bill Larkin
Scary
Tomie shows how different techniques can create a scary scene. Guest storyteller: David Barrington-Holt
Moods: Happy/Sad
Tomie shows how a few lines can change the mood of a face. Guest storyteller: Natalie McMaster
History
Tomie explains what a time capsule is. Guest storyteller: Victor Finkel
Music
Gabe plays guitar riffs for Tomie that correspond to different moods. Guest storyteller: Dave Kinnoin
Make Believe Stories
Tomie is doodling. Guest storyteller: Doug Chiang
Real Stories
Tomie talks about how family photos can inspire stories. Guest storyteller: Chris Connelly
More Than One Way to Tell a Tale - Versions
Tomie talks about the different ways you can tell a story. Guest storyteller: Savage Steve Holland
More Than One Way to Tell a Tale - Techniques
Tomie shows his Cornell boxes, using a different technique of art to tell a story. Guest storyteller: Sule Greg Wilson
Putting Heart Into Your Story
Tomie talks about putting warmth, feeling, and emotion into a story. Guest storytellers: Kermit the Frog and Rizzo the Rat
Collaboration
Tomie talks about collaboration. Guest storytellers: Stephen Holman and Josephine Huang
Cast
Details
Original Title
Telling Stories with Tomie dePaola
Status
Ended
Seasons
1
Episodes
26
Production
Jim Henson Television
