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Mordicai Gerstein facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Mordicai Gerstein (born November 24, 1935 – died September 24, 2019) was a talented American artist, writer, and film director. He is best known for creating and illustrating many wonderful children's books. He also illustrated the popular Something Queer Is Going On mystery series.

About Mordicai Gerstein

Mordicai Gerstein was born in Los Angeles, California. He loved to tell stories through his art and writing. One of his most famous works was the Something Queer Is Going On series. He illustrated these comic mystery books for author Elizabeth Levy from 1973 to 2003.

His Famous Book

In 2004, Gerstein won the prestigious Caldecott Medal. This award is given for the best picture book illustrations in the U.S. He won it for his book, The Man Who Walked Between the Towers. Gerstein both wrote and illustrated this amazing book. It tells the true story of Philippe Petit. On August 7, 1974, Petit walked on a high wire between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. This incredible event happened high above New York City. Gerstein created this book after the sad events of September 11, 2001. It was a way to remember the beauty and wonder of the Twin Towers.

Other Projects

Besides books, Mordicai Gerstein also directed TV shows. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, he directed four holiday specials for NBC TV. These shows were based on the popular Berenstain Bears book series. One of the most well-known specials was The Berenstain Bears' Christmas Tree. It first aired on December 3, 1979. Mordicai Gerstein lived in Northampton, Massachusetts for many years.

Books by Mordicai Gerstein

Mordicai Gerstein wrote and illustrated many books himself. Here are some of them:

  • Moose, Goose, and Mouse (2021, with Jeff Mack)
  • I Am Hermes! (2019)
  • The Boy and the Whale (2017)
  • I Am Pan! (2016)
  • The Sleeping Gypsy (2016)
  • The Night World (2015)
  • You Can't Have Too Many Friends! (inspired by Drakestail; 2014)
  • The First Drawing (2013)
  • How to Bicycle to the Moon to Plant Sunflowers (2013)
  • Dear Hot Dog (2011)
  • A Book (2009)
  • Minifred Goes to School (2009)
  • Leaving the Nest (2007)
  • The White Ram: A Story of Abraham and Isaac (2006)
  • Carolinda Clatter! (2005)
  • The Old Country (2005)
  • The Man Who Walked Between the Towers (2003)
  • Sparrow Jack (2003)
  • What Charlie Heard (2002)
  • Fox Eyes (2001)
  • Queen Esther the Morning Star (2001)
  • The Absolutely Awful Alphabet (1999)
  • Noah and the Great Flood (1999)
  • Victor (1998)
  • The Wild Boy (1998)
  • Stop Those Pants! (1998)
  • Jonah and the Two Great Fish (1997)
  • Behind the Couch (1996)
  • Bedtime Everybody! (1996)
  • The Giant (1995)
  • The Shadow of a Flying Bird (1994)
  • The Story of May (1993)
  • The New Creatures (1991)
  • The Sun's Day (1989)
  • Beauty and the Beast (1989)
  • William, Where Are You? (1989)
  • The Mountains of Tibet (1987)
  • The Seal Mother (1986)
  • Tales of Pan (1986)
  • The Room (1985)
  • Roll Over (1984)
  • Prince Sparrow (1984)
  • Follow Me! (1983)
  • Arnold of the Ducks (1983)

Books He Wrote for Others

Gerstein also wrote two books that were illustrated by his wife, Susan Yard Harris:

  • Daisy's Garden (1995)
  • Anytime Mapleson and the Hungry Bears (1990)

Books He Illustrated for Others

Mordicai Gerstein also brought stories to life by illustrating books written by other authors. Some of these include:

Awards and Recognition

Mordicai Gerstein received several important awards for his work:

  • 2004: Caldecott Medal for The Man Who Walked Between the Towers
  • 2004: Boston Globe–Horn Book Award in the children's book category for The Man Who Walked Between the Towers
  • 2006: Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children's Video
  • 2006: National Jewish Book Award in the Illustrated Children's Book category for The White Ram: A Story of Abraham and Isaac
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