Mordicai Gerstein

Mordicai Gerstein was a painter, sculptor, cartoonist, prize-winning designer and illustrator of animated films, as well as one of the most celebrated picture book illustrators of our time. His awards included the prestigious Caldecott Medal (The Man Who Walked Between Towers), the National Jewish Book Award (The White Ram), the Sydney Taylor Gold Medal (Shalom’s Treasures), many New York Times Best Illustrated Book citations (Wild Boy; I am Pan; the Mountains of Tibet), and numerous other honors from the Horn Book, School Library Journal, Bank Street College of Education, and the American Library Association.

In Memoriam (November 24, 1935 – September 24, 2019)

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear friend and Caldecott winning artist, Mordicai Gerstein. Mordicai will be remembered for his warm heart, joyful and kind nature and of course, his extraordinary illustrations. Our sympathy goes out to his wonderful wife of thirty-five years, Susan Yard Harris, and his children; Aram, and Risa Faye.

On a personal note, I will miss our monthly lunches discussing poetry, fiction, and children’s book industry gossip; along with stories about our shared passion: the many bicycle trip adventures we each enjoyed. Mordicai was one of the first illustrators to join R. Michelson Galleries, and one of the kindest, gentlest men I have ever met. May his memory be a blessing.
-Rich Michelson

Read Mordicai’s obituary in the

Read Julie Danielson’s (Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast) moving tribute to Mordicai in The Horn Book here.