Tomie’s publisher had a Strega Nona balloon made for a children’s book event at the World Financial Center in New York City. The balloon’s next event was at the Universal Studios theme park in Orlando. The next stop was on the New London (NH) Town Green to coincide with the publication of STREGA NONA TAKES A VACATION. Tomie had hoped to see Strega Nona “rise” again. When young Chef moved into Tomie’s neighborhood, I thought, “This summer, I’ll ask Chef and his friends to help me blow up the balloon to surprise Tomie.” Tomie would have been pleased. (Bob)
