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Dad Diary

 Restless, endlessly creative, Tomie dePaola would sometimes borrow from religion to tell a new story.


His mother, an Irish Catholic, urged Tomie to write about Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, and this ultimately became a major assignment for Tomie.

Many of us think of Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland, but dePaola gives us more. His little drama has Patrick kidnapped from the mainland and taken off to Ireland -- to live as an enslaved person. One day, Patrick spots a boat that could transport him back to his family. The captain rejects Patrick -- too dangerous! -- but a group of baying hounds won't allow the ship to leave. "We like that human over there." Patrick wins a victory through the intercession of the hounds.

In later life, Patrick attempts to convert various Irish people to Christianity. "If your God is so great," says a compatriot, "why are we all starving?" And Patrick's God instantly produces a large heap of succulent hogs. When a friend learns of an anti-Patrick assassination plot, the friend dresses in disguise; he gives his own life so that Patrick can continue with his crusading work.

This is all lively and shocking, and the illustrations (particularly the animal portraits) are enough to brighten a rainy morning. The book is available online, through the Libby app.

















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