Intermediate Physics for Medicine and Biology: April 2025

Friday, April 4, 2025

Tomie De Paola


Sound, written by Lisa Miller, illustrated by Tomie De Paola

Children’s book author Tomie De Paola died five years ago last Sunday. I fondly recall reading De Paola’s books to my daughters Stephanie and Kathy when they were growing up. But how could Tomie De Paola possibly intersect with Intermediate Physics for Medicine and Biology? Well, you might be surprised! The first book that De Paola illustrated was Sound, written by Lisa Miller. It was part of the “Science is What and Why” series published by Coward–McCann, Inc.

Each book in the Science is What and Why series introduces fundamentals of physical science using a simple, attractive approach specifically designed for young boys and girls. Straightforward, lively language and distinguished illustrations which are a practical extension of the text present scientific facts as fascinating and exciting as the realm of the imagination.

As Gene Surdutovich and I work on the 6th edition of IPMB, I think we should strive for “straightforward, lively language and distinguished illustrations.”

De Paola’s drawings in Sound have much more charm than the figures in Chapter 13 of IPMB, which is about Sound and Ultrasound. Yet, his book covers topics that Russ Hobbie and I also discuss, such as the wavelength, frequency, and amplitude of a sound wave, and echos. I can’t help but think of De Paola as a kindred soul.

Sound appeared early in De Paola’s career; it was published in 1965. He continued illustrating books about science (I need to read The Popcorn Book), but he is best known for his children’s stories. Many of his books were autobiographical. I loved reading The Art Lesson and Tom with my girls. Although I’m not particularly religious, I thought his best work was The Clown of God.

Now, with my first grandchild due this summer, I’m looking forward to rereading many of De Paola’s books. I can’t wait.