Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1969, from a young age Thomas Yezerski loved the art of illustration. He took his first art lessons in the third grade, became an Eagle Scout at 14 and played xylophone in the school band--these passions reflect in Tom's work and his school visits, where he teaches kids that their current interests can translate into a wonderful career, life and intellect. In fact, Tom says, if you're a kid who loves drawing or writing, you are already an artist. He stuck with his passion for drawing, earning his B.F.A. in illustration from Syracuse University in 1991.
His author and illustrator work focuses largely on family, as well as meticulously researched stories from out of the past, with beautifully "soft and inviting" illustrations that introduce a unique world to readers. In addition to gripping the reader, his author/illustrator work always challenges kids with new perspectives of the world. His first book, Together in Pinecone Patch, combined his beautiful illustration with a unique perspective on human understanding, telling of two immigrant children who eventually unite in a world of struggle.
In his work, Tom assumes the intelligence of his readers with elegant wording that still remains clear and easily understood. He carries this philosophy over into his school visits, where he makes sure never to talk to the kids, but with them. He engages their interest and delivers, as one teacher put it, "the most inspiring, comprehensive, and understandable presentation that I have ever witnessed."
Selected Reviews of Thomas's Books
Together in Pinecone Patch
Thomas F. Yezerski
Two children, a girl from Ireland and a boy from Poland, climb aboard immigrant boats bound for America. Their paths cross in the bleak coal-mining town of Pinecone Patch, Pennsylvania. Here in America, the land of freedom and opportunity, the two children and their families meet prejudice, poverty, and grueling lifestyles. That these two children; the girl from Ireland and the boy from Poland, can transcend their surroundings, histories, and ethnic prejudices to make better lives for themselves is a tribute to the real American spirit and the glorified immigrant experience. Here is a picture book for everyone. Even young children will be entranced by the story; while older readers will be historically enlightened and romantically satisfied. Large, realistic, gray-hued illustrations by the author complete this admirable package. 1998, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.00. Ages 6 to 12. Reviewer: Judy Katsh (Children's Literature).
A Full Hand
Thomas F. Yezerski
Nine-year-old Asa makes his first full hand as a mule driver on his father's canal boat. They depart before dawn, beginning one of the most eventful days of his young life. First coal must be poured into the barge's open holds. Next, the mysteries of a lock must be negotiated. An aqueduct is crossed, and the boat halved in two to use the inclined plane to top a mountain to the water on the far side. Then a ferocious thunderstorm strikes, and Asa loses his runaway mules--but saves his father from drowning. The boat is damaged, but can be repaired. An inn brings solace for the night. Yezerski has a particular vision as writer and illustrator--an almost Zen-like calm inhabits his worlds even in the midst of crisis. His characters are kind, and his research wonderful. Here he has recreated the old Morris Canal of Pennsylvania and New Jersey beautifully. It is a good story and a fine introduction to a lost way of life. 2002, Farrar Straus Giroux, $16.00. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr (Children's Literature).
Mimmy and Sophie: all around the town
Thomas F. Yezerski
Cohen and Yezerski team up, as they did for Mimmy and Sophie (1999), to relate six more vignettes in the life of the two sisters who live in Brooklyn during the Depression. The girls find buried treasure in the form of a can of Cracker Jack toys half buried under an alley bush, visit Coney Island and, unbeknownst to their parents, earn some money tap dancing on the boardwalk, get separated from each other at a Shirley Temple matinee, and shed their winter stockings. The quiet stories are permeated by sisterly squabbles and love, especially when they are challenged by a too-bossy neighbor child or the younger Sophie becomes lost at the movies. Yezerski's ink wash and line art are generously featured throughout each chapter and flesh out period details of Cohen's timeless stories and any new reader who appreciates gentle, loving family stories will enjoy this easy chapter book. 2004, Frances Foster Books/Farrar Straus Giroux, $16.00. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Tom visits schools to engage children and to help them realize and become the sort of person they want to be. By discussing his passion for writing and illustrating, he builds in the children an understanding of what it is to be passionate about a life goal, and to be succesful at reaching it.
Tom can work with all different sizes of group, ages and expected attention spans of the children. The ranges of his program are 10 to 300 students, grades K to 6, from 40-60 minutes.
- Tom tells his story, and asks the children about their own reading, writing and drawing interests.
- He discusses the path to success in art or in any passion, and teaches them that they are already on their way there.
- Goes into more detail about the process of writing and illustrating, and showcases his draft work.
- If time allows, a Question and Answer session will follow.
When you request a visit, Tom will send a media kit including a photo of himself, bios for younger and older kids, information about his books, guides for teachers to use his books in the classroom, worksheets, author visit guidelines, book ordering information, and a contract. Please try to book his visit 3 months in advance. For a more detailed look at his presentation and what the school should provide for his program, visit this link. His pricing is as follows:
- $1200 for a full-day visit, including 4 presentations.
- $1500 for a full-day visit over 80 miles from Rutherford, NJ, or 10 miles from South Whitehall, PA (includes all expenses except airfare).
- $800 for a half-day visit, including 2 presentations. A half-day visit must be concurrent with a full-day visit and finished by noon.
To learn more about Thomas Yezerski and his publications please visit www.thomasfyezerski.com.
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