NewsUpper SchoolStudent LifeFaculty/StaffPre-K to 8ServiceAcademics
Author Jane Kurtz visits Lower School
Jan 9, 2006 11:24 AM
By Tannika King - Faculty
Jane Kurtz, best known as the author of children’s books such as “Fire On the Mountain” and “Only A Pigeon” visited the Lower School Thursday, Jan. 12.
“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. I chose Jane because I fell in love with her book the 'Storyteller’s Beads.' I met her at a children lit conference and found her to be genuine and gentle. She has a quiet, poetic, lovely way of writing.
"I hope the students were able to realize and remember the beauty that there is in Africa - that the continent is much deeper and broader than safaris and AIDS and war and famine," she continued. "There is much to be treasured in Ethiopian tradition and the time honored pastime of storytelling."
Kurtz spent most of her childhood in Ethiopia, where she moved at the age of 2. She grew up in the small town of Maji, and since there were no televisions, radios, or movies, her memories include climbing mountains, wading in rivers by the waterfalls, listening to stories, and making up her own. When Kurtz returned to the United States for college, she had trouble relating to others about her childhood home. Nearly 20 years later, she found a way – through her children’s books. Now, she often speaks in schools and at conferences, sharing memories and Ethiopian culture.
“It has been a healing and inspiring experience to reconnect with my childhood and also be able to help people know just a little of the beautiful country where I grew up,” said Kurtz.
“Fire on the Mountain” and “Pulling the Lion’s Tail,” published in 1994 and 1995, respectively, are retellings of folk tales she learned as a child. Two years later, she and her brother, Christopher, wrote “Only A Pigeon” upon his return home from teaching in Ethiopia. Since these initial projects, Kurtz has published approximately one book per year, and while many are set in Ethiopia, several take place in areas such as North Carolina, South Dakota, Ghana and the Sudan. Her contemporary projects have included picture books, a novel, and resources for educators.
Kurtz won the distinctive Society of Children’s Book Writer’s and Illustrator’s Golden Kite Award in 2000 for her book “River Friendly, River Wild.” She also has the unique distinction of being one of 14 authors invited by Laura Bush to the special inaugural celebration of reading in January 2001. Kurtz’s childhood background has also served her well in her efforts to promote literacy in Ethiopia. She was invited to serve on the board of directors of the Ethiopian Books for Children and Education Fund (EBCEF), an organization dedicated to placing books into the hands of Ethiopian families. Proceeds of “Only A Pigeon” directly benefit the EBCEF.
Kurtz currently lives in Kansas with her husband, Leonard Goering.
Darlington third- through fifth-graders also celebrated Jane Kurtz Day Monday, Jan. 9. Students split into groups and participated in various activities relating to the author's books. 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 and Helen Lester.
“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. I chose Jane because I fell in love with her book the 'Storyteller’s Beads.' I met her at a children lit conference and found her to be genuine and gentle. She has a quiet, poetic, lovely way of writing.
"I hope the students were able to realize and remember the beauty that there is in Africa - that the continent is much deeper and broader than safaris and AIDS and war and famine," she continued. "There is much to be treasured in Ethiopian tradition and the time honored pastime of storytelling."
Kurtz spent most of her childhood in Ethiopia, where she moved at the age of 2. She grew up in the small town of Maji, and since there were no televisions, radios, or movies, her memories include climbing mountains, wading in rivers by the waterfalls, listening to stories, and making up her own. When Kurtz returned to the United States for college, she had trouble relating to others about her childhood home. Nearly 20 years later, she found a way – through her children’s books. Now, she often speaks in schools and at conferences, sharing memories and Ethiopian culture.
“It has been a healing and inspiring experience to reconnect with my childhood and also be able to help people know just a little of the beautiful country where I grew up,” said Kurtz.
“Fire on the Mountain” and “Pulling the Lion’s Tail,” published in 1994 and 1995, respectively, are retellings of folk tales she learned as a child. Two years later, she and her brother, Christopher, wrote “Only A Pigeon” upon his return home from teaching in Ethiopia. Since these initial projects, Kurtz has published approximately one book per year, and while many are set in Ethiopia, several take place in areas such as North Carolina, South Dakota, Ghana and the Sudan. Her contemporary projects have included picture books, a novel, and resources for educators.
Kurtz won the distinctive Society of Children’s Book Writer’s and Illustrator’s Golden Kite Award in 2000 for her book “River Friendly, River Wild.” She also has the unique distinction of being one of 14 authors invited by Laura Bush to the special inaugural celebration of reading in January 2001. Kurtz’s childhood background has also served her well in her efforts to promote literacy in Ethiopia. She was invited to serve on the board of directors of the Ethiopian Books for Children and Education Fund (EBCEF), an organization dedicated to placing books into the hands of Ethiopian families. Proceeds of “Only A Pigeon” directly benefit the EBCEF.
Kurtz currently lives in Kansas with her husband, Leonard Goering.
Darlington third- through fifth-graders also celebrated Jane Kurtz Day Monday, Jan. 9. Students split into groups and participated in various activities relating to the author's books. 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 and Helen Lester.
