October, 2018. Tomie spoke at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. Maria Russo, Children’s Book Editor at the NEW YORK TIMES, would soon join him on stage to interview him. I have two vivid memories. One, as I waited with the next family in line for the book signing, the mother slipped me a note that said her daughter had selective mutism. I was able to show Tomie the note before he interacted with the family. Tomie spoke with the family and girl as if nothing was unusual. The girl said only a few words to Tomie, but… she SPOKE a few words. It was obvious the parents were happy when they left. Two, there were a greater number of emotional folks at this book signing than at other signings. That is, mothers, fathers, single adults who had tears in their eyes, and even cried, because meeting Tomie brought back significant childhood memories of the importance of his books to them, or the importance of his books to their families. It was common at autographings for Tomie to be referred to as “a family friend.” (Thanks to Laurent Linn for the photograph.) (Bob)
