The show featured children's book author Tomie dePaola and his Muppet friend Gabe the squirrel, encouraging children to make their own stories in a variety of media. In each episode, Tomie told a story featuring his storybook characters Strega Nona, Big Anthony and Bambolona. Gabe visited The Animal Band, a group of woodland creatures, including a rabbit on drums, a weasel on guitar, a penguin on bass, and a raccoon on keytar. Each episode also featured a visit with a guest storyteller or two (often people connected to the Jim Henson Company). The final segment of each episode included a child actor playing Tomie enacting stories from his book "26 Fairmount Avenue."
Episodes
Tomie shows viewers around his studio table. Guest storytellers: Mary Sue Milliken and Sue Feniger.
Runtime: 30m
Tomie tells us about his idea drawer. Guest storyteller: J.T. Steiny
Runtime: 30m
Tomie offers two drawing - a beginning and an ending. Guest storyteller: Ed Eyth
Runtime: 30m
Tomie shows us his sketchbook, a visual journal. Guest storyteller: Alexandra Nichita
Runtime: 30m
Tomie fries up his famous Popeye. Guest storyteller: Mary Ann Esposito
Runtime: 30m
Tomie shows how a collection of souvenirs tells a story. Guest storyteller: Charlotte Bird
Runtime: 30m
Tomie suggests ways to get started. Guest storyteller: Art Clokey
Runtime: 30m
Tomie shows how visual traits help to define a character. Guest storytellers: Bill Barretta and Pepe the King Prawn
Runtime: 30m
Tomie discusses how changing the setting changes the story. Guest storyteller: John Iacovelli
Runtime: 30m
Tomie takes a look at perspective. Guest storyteller: John E. Barrett
Runtime: 30m
Tomie talks about assuming a character’s voice & mannerisms. Guest storyteller: Martie Barylick
Runtime: 30m
Tomie talks about the story behind one of his paintings. Guest storyteller: Lotus Do Brooks
Runtime: 30m
Tomie encourages kids to draw or make up stories to deal with emotions. Guest storyteller: Jane Yolen
Runtime: 30m
Tomie tells and shows the origins of his first chapter book. Guest storyteller: Frank Oz
Runtime: 30m
Tomie talks about how stories and artwork change when they are shared with an audience. Guest storyteller: John Carney
Runtime: 30m
Tomie explains the comedy rule of three. Guest storyteller: Bill Larkin
Runtime: 30m
Tomie shows how different techniques can create a scary scene. Guest storyteller: David Barrington-Holt
Runtime: 30m
Tomie shows how a few lines can change the mood of a face. Guest storyteller: Natalie McMaster
Runtime: 30m
Tomie explains what a time capsule is. Guest storyteller: Victor Finkel
Runtime: 30m
Gabe plays guitar riffs for Tomie that correspond to different moods. Guest storyteller: Dave Kinnoin
Runtime: 30m
Tomie is doodling. Guest storyteller: Doug Chiang
Runtime: 30m
Tomie talks about how family photos can inspire stories. Guest storyteller: Chris Connelly
Runtime: 30m
Tomie talks about the different ways you can tell a story. Guest storyteller: Savage Steve Holland
Runtime: 30m
Tomie shows his Cornell boxes, using a different technique of art to tell a story. Guest storyteller: Sule Greg Wilson
Runtime: 30m
Tomie talks about putting warmth, feeling, and emotion into a story. Guest storytellers: Kermit the Frog and Rizzo the Rat
Runtime: 30m
Tomie talks about collaboration. Guest storytellers: Stephen Holman and Josephine Huang
