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When I saw Where Are You, Bronte? available for preorder, I was surprised. Tomie dePaola, beloved by generations, passed away in 2020—how could there be something new from him? My curiosity only deepened when I noticed the cover. It bore all the hallmarks of Tomie’s signature charm, yet the artwork was credited to Barbara McClintock. This was a mystery I had to understand.
Tomie dePaola has been part of my family’s story since my children were very small and we first met Strega Nona. Barbara McClintock entered our lives about ten years ago when I discovered Dahlia through Purple House Press. Over the years, both of these creators have become dear favorites—not just to me and my children, but to the patrons in our library. The pairing of these two artists is an unexpected gift.
And this book is just that—a gift. Deceptively simple at first glance, Where Are You, Bronte? is layered, poignant, and quietly profound. McClintock has not only honored dePaola’s final manuscript but infused it with tenderness and reverence. In her note at the back of the book, she shares her own story—how she came to know Tomie in his later years, and how deeply honored she felt to illustrate his last completed work. Her illustrations are a seamless continuation of his style, and yet they breathe with her own grace and elegance. The result is a book that feels like a love letter—not just to Bronte, Tomie’s beloved dog, but to Tomie himself.
The story follows Tomie and Bronte through the seasons of life, from the vibrant energy of puppyhood to the gentle slowing of old age. It hit me in a tender place. This spring, we lost our own sweet dog, Sam, to bone cancer—he would have turned seven on the very day this book was released. As I read, I felt an ache of recognition in the way Tomie gently tells Bronte’s story, and in the care McClintock brings to every scene. It’s a beautiful tribute to a well-loved dog and a friendship that ran deep.
There’s nothing I didn’t love about this book. It’s quiet and strong, joyful and aching. The illustrations are flawless. The story is rich.
I would recommend Where Are You, Bronte? to anyone who has ever loved a dog, lost a dog, or wanted to console someone who has. And of course, it’s a must-read for those who love dePaola and McClintock. It’s a comforting, gentle treasure—a final gift from one of the greats.