
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."
Country: US
Language: En
Runtime: 30
Season 1:

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 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