Gerald Hausman, born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1945, grew up in New Jersey and Massachusetts. He graduated from college in New Mexico and continued to live there for two decades. During that time, he had a summer residence on the island of Jamaica where he and his wife, Loretta, founded a school for creative writing. Mr. Hausman has lived in Bokeelia, Florida since 1994. In addition to his many books about Native America, Gerald Hausman has written extensively about animal mythology. His work as a folklorist has earned him many national and international honors. Gerald's most recent award is from the Florida Magazine Association for his column "Pine Island Soundings" about life on a barrier island.

Gerald Hausman is a frequent storyteller at college writers programs and at young authors conferences. Recently, he performed at the Young Authors Conference in Kaiserslautern, Germany as a guest of Department of Defense Dependent Schools. His lively presentations, complete with a myriad of sound effects, have earned him praise from storytellers, speakers, writers, and listeners. Here is what some listeners have said about Mr. Hausman's live storytelling.....

"Gerald Hausman belongs to the fine tradition of literary naturalists. He steals bits of nature and plants them in type, building each column image by image until we see and feel the world the way he sees and feels it. The images invariably build to meaning, like the best poetry, and the meaning is tied to a sense of place. However glorious Pine Island may be, these columns reap a second harvest."
-The Florida Magazine Association's Citation for Best Column 2005

"Gerald Hausman displays a deeper understanding of the natural world than most writers of our generation."
-Joseph Bruchac, Native American Storyteller

"He awakens, not only the poet's skill and sensitivity, but also our own nature, power and inherent divinity..."
-Dr. Michael W. Fox, Vice President 
The Humane Society of the United States

"Your students are indeed fortunate to have someone in their midst who can communicate enthusiasm for learning - the greatest lesson a school could ever teach."
-Fred Rogers/Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood

"Your message arrived today just as I was sharing The Boy With the Sun Tree Bow with my part-time assistant. We were both -- he for the first time, me for the third/fourth viewing -- totally charmed, touched, deeply impacted by the story. You indicated in your original note that it was still something of "a work in progress" -- but, it seems to me, a beautifully complete work of art. I find myself getting deeply emotional with each viewing -- all right, somewhat teary-eyed! So much power in your words -- with so much supportive imagery in the animation. Extraordinary!"
-Robert D. San Souci, author of many award winning books including Fa Mulan and Sukey and the Mermaid.

To view Gerald Hausman's animated film, The Boy With the Sun Tree Bow, produced by The University of Washington's animation Capstone Program, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W_YdvTvZkw