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)