Author, painter, sculptor, prize-winning designer and director of animated films
Mordicai Gerstein visited the Lower School Wednesday, Oct. 4.
“Each year, students are treated to a visit by a guest author or illustrator in order to encourage them in their creative process and instruct them in diligence,” said Ann Glass, Lower School librarian. “I always try to find someone who appeals to students of all ages."
In preparation for the visit, fourth- and fifth-graders read Gerstein's new novel, "Old Country," and third-graders read his novelette, "Fox Eyes." Third through fifth grade also participated in a “Celebrate Mordicai Gerstein Day” Sept. 29 during which they rotated through classrooms and enrichments, reading stories by Gerstein and doing projects. Grades pre-K through second also spent time preparing for the author’s visit. Since the beginning of the school year, they have been reading his picture books and doing activities.
"Mr. Gerstein was deeply touched that so many students were familiar with so many of his books," said Glass. "He really encouraged our students to dream big and work hard. He stressed that we all know stories and that we all have imagination. We just need to use it and write it. He pointed out that everything in the room, including the ceiling tiles and rug design, had started with someone’s imagination."
The students were impressed with Gerstein as well.
“Mr. Gerstein was amazing," said fifth-grader Rostam Zafari. "He is one of the best writers and he really wants us to use our imagination."
Classmate Indra Sofian agreed, "My new idol imagines really well!"
Gerstein left the Lower School several of his signed sketches. Glass said the library will frame and hang them as a reminder of his visit.
Born in Los Angeles, Gerstein attended the Chouinard Institute of Art before moving to New York City, where he lived and worked for 25 years making animated films for television. In 1971, Gerstein collaborated with author Elizabeth Levy to create the “Something Queer is Going On” series of mystery books for Delacorte Press. He began writing and illustrating his own books in 1980, many of which have won awards in children’s literature.
Gerstein’s books are wide-ranging in subject, style and the age groups addressed, from contemporary fantasy and Biblical retellings, to biography and absurd alphabets, for preschoolers, high schoolers and even adults. He is the 2004 Caldecott Winner for his book “The Man Who Walked Between the Towers.”
Gerstein lives in western Massachusetts with his wife, Susan Yard Harris, who is also an illustrator, and their daughter, Risa.
Past guest authors/illustrators visiting the Lower School have included Patricia Reilly Giff, David Winsniewski, Robert San Souci, Jack Gantos, Lynn Cullen, Mike Lester, Carmen Agra Deedy, Helen Lester and Jane Kurtz.
