Here We All Are
#2 of 8 in 26 Fairmount Avenue Series
on Goodreads (595)
What’s inside...
Children's author-illustrator Tomie De Paola describes his experiences at home and in school when he was a boy.
Character compass
Tomie Depaola
Buddy Depaola
Florence Depaola
Joseph Depaola
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the story and why?
How do you think Tomie felt when his family celebrated his achievements?
Can you relate to any of Tomie's adventures or experiences?
What did you learn about Tomie's family and culture?
If you were in Tomie's place, what would you have done differently in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Actively listen to your child’s responses, providing affirmations and gentle prompts to encourage deeper reflection.
Relate the discussion to your child’s personal experiences to make the conversation more relevant.
Use the illustrations in the book as visual aids to help explain the context or prompt further discussion.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to keep the conversation flowing and to explore themes more thoroughly.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Family and Community Values
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of family and community through the interactions between the characters and their participation in local events.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and contribute to their own communities and value family relationships by participating in family gatherings or community events.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Cultural Heritage
Explanation: Tomie DePaola incorporates Italian-American traditions into the story, celebrating cultural heritage.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to take pride in and explore their own cultural backgrounds and to respect and learn about others' cultures through festivals, food, and family stories.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The characters in the book often face challenges, whether small or large, and demonstrate perseverance to overcome them.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by not giving up easily when facing difficulties in school work or during play, learning resilience and determination.
Example Lesson: Importance of Storytelling
Explanation: The narrative weaves in various stories told by the characters, illustrating the significance of storytelling in human connections.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to share their own stories with family and friends, fostering communication skills and deepening bonds.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: Tomie DePaola's colorful illustrations and imaginative scenarios inspire creativity.
Real-World Application: Children can engage in artistic activities such as drawing, painting, or crafting, inspired by the expressive illustrations in the book.