The story of four generations of an Italian American family, beginning with an immigrant who came through Ellis Island with big dreams, a small shovel, and his parents' good advice: "Work hard, but remember to enjoy life, and never forget your family." Now, many years later, the man's great-grandson, Dan Yaccarino, tells how he succeeded, and how the little shovel has been passed from father to son - along with the good advice. It's a story that captures the experience of so many American families. One that will have kids asking their parents and grandparents, where did we come from? Tell me "our" story.
All The Way to America tells the story of the author's Italian family through the generations – from his great-grandfather who came to America from Italy on a boat – all the way through four generations to the author’s own children. The story is one most families can relate to, since America is a land of immigrants. The pictures display earth tone colors with the occasional pop of a vibrant green or red, and uniform lines create the patterns in the surrounding scenes. The various shades of orange that make up the backgrounds creates a consistent warm feeling that is maintained throughout the pages.
The story has many casual references to historically accurate details, such as when the author’s great-grandfather, Michele, arrives from Italy through Ellis Island; how many immigrants created their own sections of town, such as “Little Italy” where they lived together; and that young children often had to leave school early to help their family work to make a living. It is fun and educational to use this book as a starting point to explain to your child about their family history. The story also depicts each generation giving the next generation the same excellent advice: work hard, enjoy life, and love your family.
Dan Yaccarino is not only known for his children's books, but also his Parent's Choice Award-winning animated TV series Oswald and Emmy-winning Willa's Wild Life, character designs for The Backyardigans as well as his many illustrated toys, games, and other children's products. His bold, stylized illustrations have added wit and energy to the work of such prestigious authors as Margaret Wise Brown, Jack Prelutsky, Kevin Henkes and Patricia MacLachlan.
Dan's internationally recognized art style has earned him a large following in Japan, exhibits in New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Rome, and a visit to the White House. Dan's books have been translated into many languages and have inspired ebooks, children's musicals and video adaptations. People all over the world enjoy Oswald, Dan's animated television series about the wonderfully whimsical world of a lovable octopus, which Time magazine chose as one of the top six shows to watch on cable. Animation Magazine hails him as "an American original." Dan's work has been recognized with a host of prestigious awards including the Bologna Ragazzi, The New York Time 10 Best Illustrated, ALA Notable and the Parents Choice Award.
Dan lives with his wife and their two children in New York City and creates his quirky characters in his studio full of vintage toys.