Gerald McDermott (1941–2012) was an American author, illustrator, and filmmaker best known for his children’s picture books inspired by folktales and world mythology. He was born on January 31, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, where he began studying art at a very young age, taking classes at the Detroit Institute of Arts as a child. McDermott went on to attend Cass Technical High School and then received a National Scholastic Scholarship to study at the Pratt Institute in New York City, where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1964.
Early in his career, McDermott worked as a graphic designer and created animated short films based on traditional stories. His first children’s picture book, Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti, was published in 1972 and was adapted from one of his films. He went on to write and illustrate many books drawing from cultures around the world, including The Magic Tree, Arrow to the Sun, and a series of trickster tales. Arrow to the Sun won the Caldecott Medal in 1975, and Anansi the Spider and Raven: A Trickster Tale From the Pacific Northwest received Caldecott Honors.
McDermott’s work is notable for its bold, colorful style that blends modern design with imagery rooted in traditional art forms. His picture books often retell stories from various cultural traditions, making myths and folklore accessible to young readers. He continued working in children’s literature throughout his life and died on December 26, 2012, at the age of 71.
Amazon | Gerald McDermott
