Author/Photographer
Stryker Ostafew
Author of four grade K-3 picture books
Writer of Canadian Wild Poetry
Nature Photographer
Teaching Coach
Education/Certifications
MA English/Creative Writing
NYS Teaching Certifications PreK-12, 7-12 English
NYS Admin Certifications: SBL, SDL
K-12 Educator for 19 years
Growing Up
Stryker was born in British Columbia, Canada . As a child he also lived in the Northwest Territories on Great Bear Lake and in a small village north of the arctic circle named Inuvik. He grew up hunting, fishing, and hiking in the wilderness and grew to love the outdoors with a passion. He moved to New York for college and eventually got his teaching certifications and his Masters degree in English. His thesis, entitled "Canadian Wild," is a collection of poetry about his experiences in the outdoors. Readers can see his poetic roots in his children's books. The amazing photography he and his wife and co-author Marilyn do for the book's illustrations also involve exploring the outdoors. He continues to add to his writing collection and helps students with writing as he teaches in Williamsville, NY. On a warm summer day you may find Stryker with Marilyn out and about in nature, teddy bears in-hand.
Author
Marilyn Ostafew
Author of four grade K-3 picture books,
Reading specialist, Natural Childbirth Instructor,
& Special Education Teacher
Education/Certifications
MS Elementary Reading
NYS Teaching Certifications Elem Ed., Spec. Ed.
NYS Fingerprinted/DASA/Hazard Comm/S.Harr
3rd & 4th grade teacher
Growing Up
Marilyn was born in the Thousand Islands region of New York State. She grew up on a dairy farm there and later in Alexander, NY. She met Stryker while in college and went on to homeschool their three children for many years. She also taught preschool, was a Natural Childbirth teacher, and currently is an elementary teacher in Brockport, NY. On a warm summer day you may find her with Stryker out hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, or exploring nature.