About
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."
Cast
Tomie DePaola
as himself
John E. Kennedy
as Gabe the Squirrel / Big Anthony / Raccoon
Bill Barretta
as Strega Nona
Julianne Buescher
as Bambolona / Wesel
James Murray
as Rabbit
Alison Mork
as
Isaiah Griffin
as Tomie in "26 Fairmount Avenue"
Seasons
Episodes
Season 1
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
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