Eric.A Kimmel author page

Eric.A Kimmel biography

Eric A. Kimmel is an American writer of children’s books. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1946, graduated from Lafayette College in 1967, and completed a doctorate in education at the University of Illinois in 1973. Before his university career, he worked as a teacher and librarian in New York and the United States Virgin Islands. He was formerly Professor of Education at Portland State University.

Kimmel has written close to 150 books for children. His work includes Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman, The Chanukkah Guest, illustrated by Giora Carmi, and Gershon’s Monster, illustrated by Jon J Muth. He has also written Anansi stories such as Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock, Anansi Goes Fishing, Anansi and the Talking Melon, Anansi and the Magic Stick, and Anansi’s Party Time.

His books draw on storytelling, folklore and traditional tales. The Gingerbread Man, illustrated by Megan Lloyd, is his retelling of the classic chase story for young children. The McElderry Book of Greek Myths is adapted by Kimmel and illustrated by Pep Montserrat. The Erie Canal Pirates, illustrated by Andrew Glass, is an original picture-book tale connected to the Erie Canal.

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins received a Caldecott Honor and a Sydney Taylor Honor. The Chanukkah Guest and Gershon’s Monster received the Sydney Taylor Picture Book Award. Kimmel is also a five-time winner of the National Jewish Book Award and received the Sydney Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Jewish Libraries. Days of Awe, illustrated by Sarah Green, was published on 17 September 2024.