Little Tommy wants to be an artist when he grows up, so he is thrilled to learn that he'll have art lessons each week in first grade. But when art class isn't what Tommy expected, he and the teacher work out a compromise that allows him to continue working toward his dream.
--"DePaola's well-honed, color drenched artwork...is warmly appealing; a deceptively simple approach underscored by pure craft". -- Booklist, starred review"The perennial conflict between Individual and Authority, or between Artist and Society, lies beneath this anecdote, and it's gratifying to see the small non-conformist accommodated. Everyone can enjoy dePaola's gentle autobiographical evocation of a loving family and a happy obsession". -- School Library Journal
