Gerstein's best known children's book is probably The Man Who Walked Between the Towers, which he both wrote and illustrated, and for which he received the Caldecott Award in 2004. The book tells the story of Philippe Petit, a French funambulist who, on August 7, 1974, walked a tightrope wire stretched between the two towers of the World Trade Center. The story is accompanied, of course, by beautifully rendered illustrations.
Another older but still popular book by Gerstein is The Mountains of Tibet. It tells the story of a Tibetan woodcutter who, at the time of his death, is given the choice between remaining in heaven or returning to a new life. The words I found most used in reference to the story were "gentle" and "tender." You can read what two people had to say about it by clicking on the title link above.
My personal favorite of the books Gerstein has illustrated is one that came out just last December. It's How to Paint the Portrait of a Bird, written by Jacques Prevert and exquisitely illustrated by Gerstein. The story is one in which reality mingles with a child's imagination, and Gerstein's whimsical illustrations capture the magic perfectly. Just glance through the pages and you'll fall in love--I did!Gerstein has also written and/or illustrated a slew of other books. You can check out the full list on his website, here. Other well known titles include Leaving the Nest and Three Samurai Cats.
We invite you to join us in welcoming Mordicai Gerstein to the Little Book House on October 24th!
