The Power of Art

For me, David Small was one of the most memorable keynotes of the SCBWI conference last weekend (you may recognize him after taking at look at this book cover, but he's published over 50 books). He's an award-winning childrens book author and illustrator, and during his talk he shared a book trailer for his new graphic novel Stitches...

Stitches is David's memoir about the lost childhood that haunts him and a throat surgery that left him voiceless for almost a decade. This survival story, as told in both drawings and text, is a reminder that art is a powerful and necessary form of expression. And when there are no words, images can fill in the indescribable space of emotion and experience. Donna Jo Napoli spoke about the 'protected' and 'unprotected' child and why all books – the dark, the honest, the uplifting and hope-filled – are necessary for all of them. I don't believe in censoring books for our children. I believe, as Richard Peck says, "If you don't find yourself on the page early in life, you'll go looking for yourself in all the wrong places."

A book – no matter the genre, format, language – holds power. A power given to its creator during innovation and execution, and the gifts of understanding, compassion, escape, experience, growth, hope, and knowledge that it offers the reader. I could go on and on about the power of art and of this book in particular, but I'll step aside and show you the book trailer. It's a little long at eleven minutes, but if you have the time, I encourage you to sit back, watch, and listen. This is a life reality check. I will never forget David Small's story – disclaimer, this video made me cry – and I feel honored to have been an attendee at his keynote.

Five Scenes from David Small's "Stitches" from Stitches: A Memoir... on Vimeo.

After watching the video, David Small shared about what happened after his throat surgery. I hope you'll check out his website to learn more, and support this wonderful author/illustrator by purchasing his books and sharing them with your friends and family.

Read the New York Times review of Stitches.

Read more buzz.

Learn more about the book.

Buy Stitches.

 David signing my copy of Imogene's Antlers...

He was gracious enough to take a photo with me. I was a little starstruck.

{top image captured during his SCBWI LA keynote. The illustration shown is of a happy-go-lucky children's book seller giving him a hug at a store appearance.)

Comments

[Gina]

thanks for posting this jodi! i finally got a chance to watch it. definitely inspiring, moving, beautiful :)