There is no Frigate like a Book
To take us Lands away
~ Emily Dickinson
| THOMAS F. YEZERSKI |
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Thomas F. Yezerski was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1969. His family lived in four different eastern Pennsylvania towns and Tom attended three different elementary schools. Being shy and switching schools a few times led him into the wonderful world of books, which he never left. Tom took his first art lessons during the third grade. During high school, he studied drawing at The Barnstone Studios, in Coplay, PA. Besides reading and drawing, Tom played xylophone in the high school band, and he earned the rank of Eagle Scout by building a wigwam. Tom earned his B.F.A. in Illustration in 1991, at Syracuse University. After college, Tom built his portfolio, wrote mediocre stories, and swept floors. His first art job was as a textile designer. Tom started writing about his family heritage in 1994, and in 1998 that story became his first published book, Together in Pinecone Patch.
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Author Visits Thomas F. Yezerski’s presentation is designed for 10 to 300 students, grades K to 6, from 40-60 minutes. The length of the presentation may be adjusted to fit your schedule. Older students may also find the program entertaining and informative. Tom adjusts the program by grade. Tom asks children about their own reading, writing and drawing. Tom talks with them about a kid (himself) who used to like the same things they do, showing pictures of himself as a boy as well as drawing and writing from the early days. Children love to see the sequence of drawings from kindergarten to college as Tom got better and better with practice. Tom then explains the process of writing, illustrating and publishing a picture book, going from having no idea what to do all the way to publicizing the finished book. Children will see Tom’s “story web,” “sloppy copies” and how a sketch is developed into a finished drawing. They will relive the drama of publishers’ rejection letters and understand that an editor has the same job as their teachers. Tom’s visit will encourage reluctant writers, who will see he faces the same challenges they do. Aspiring authors will see ways to get even better. Everyone will be inspired. Click here for more information and fees Visit Tom at www.thomasfyezerski.com
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| Mrs. Muddle's Holidays |
Not My Dog Written by Colby Rodowsky Illustrated by Thomas F. Yezerski Farrar, Straus & Giroux |
Perfect Puppy Written by Stephanie Calmenson Illustrated by Thomas F. Yezerski Clarion Books |
Rose and Riley Written by Jane Cutler Illustrated by Thomas F. Yezerski Farrar, Straus & Giroux |
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| Spy in the Sky Written by Kathleen Karr Illustrated by Thomas F. Yezerski Hyperion Books For Children |
Together in Pinecone Patch Written and illustrated by Thomas F. Yezerski Farrar, Straus & Giroux |
Mimmy and Sophia Written by Miriam Cohen Illustrated by Thomas F. Yezerski Farrar, Straus & Giroux |
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Check your library for more books written and illustrated by Thomas F. Yezerski: A Full Hand, written and illustrated by Thomas F. Yezerski (FSG) .......................................................................................................... |
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Honors and Awards
A Full Hand
- NAIBA Book Award - New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association
- Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award
- NCSS-CBC Notable Children’s Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies ( National Center for the
Social Studies/Children’s Book Council)
Mimmy and Sophie
- CCBC Choices - Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Mimmy and Sophie All Around The Town
- Best Books of the Year - School Library Journal
- New York City Book Award - New York Society Library
Not My Dog
- The Horn Book Honor List
- ALA Notable Book - American Library Association
- International Book Awards Honor Book - Society of School Librarians
- Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award
- Parent’s Guide Children’s Media Award
Queen of the World
- Best Children’s Books of the Year - Bank Street Books
Together in Pinecone Patch
- Children’s Books of Distinction - Riverbank Review
- SCBWI Books For Children Dealing With Crisis and Tragedy – Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators