Gerald McDermott author page

Gerald McDermott biography

Gerald McDermott was an American author and illustrator known for his work in children’s literature, particularly picture books that draw on folklore and myth from various cultures. He studied at the Pratt Institute in New York, where he developed his skills in art and design. McDermott’s books often feature bold, vibrant illustrations and retell traditional stories from around the world.

His first book, Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti, was published in 1972 and is based on a West African folktale. This book was named a Caldecott Honor Book in 1973. McDermott continued to explore global folklore in his subsequent works, including Arrow to the Sun: A Pueblo Indian Tale, which won the Caldecott Medal in 1975, and Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest, published in 1993.

Throughout his career, McDermott wrote and illustrated numerous books that introduced young readers to myths and legends from diverse cultures. His distinctive artistic style and commitment to cultural storytelling have made his works widely used in educational settings. In 1975, he received the Caldecott Medal for Arrow to the Sun: A Pueblo Indian Tale.