David Small, originally from Detroit, discovered his artistic talent early on, earning the moniker "the kid who could draw good" among his peers in school. Surprisingly, he never envisioned a career in art, as it came effortlessly to him. However, at the age of 21, a pivotal moment came when a friend pointed out that the doodles David made on telephone pads surpassed his written work. This revelation prompted him to switch his academic focus to Art, setting him on a path he would never deviate from.
After completing his Master of Fine Arts degree at the Yale Graduate School of Art, David embarked on a journey of teaching art at the collegiate level. Simultaneously, he curated film series and contributed satirical sketches to campus newspapers, showcasing his multifaceted creativity.
An illustrator who learned through practice and experience, David's works transcended linguistic barriers, inspiring animated adaptations and musical interpretations. His accolades include prestigious awards such as the 1997 Caldecott Honor for illustrating "The Gardener," written by his spouse, Sarah Stewart, and the 2001 Caldecott Medal for "So, You Want To Be President?" by Judith St. George. Reflecting on his Caldecott recognition, David humorously recounted losing his voice during the ceremony, humorously remarking, "Having been turned from a frog into a prince by the American Library Association, before their eyes that night, I turned back into a frog."
David's literary achievements span a spectrum of honors, including The Caldecott Medal for "So You Want To Be President?" (2001) and The Caldecott Honor for "The Gardener" (1998). His works have also received distinctions such as being named a National Book Award Finalist for "Stitches" (2009) and "The Underneath" (2008). Additionally, he has been recognized with Christopher Awards, ABBY Awards, and featured selections on Reading Rainbow for over a decade. Through his artistry, David Small continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his poignant illustrations and compelling narratives.
Visit his website: www.davidsmallbooks.com
TIMESTAMP:
00:01 - Introduction: David Small's Background and Achievements
01:16 - Pivotal Career Moment: Transition to Illustration
02:42 - Early Success in Children's Books: Influence of Imagine's Antler
04:05 - Impact of Awards: Prizes and Recognition
05:22 - Proud Achievement: National Book Award Finalist
05:58 - Adaptations of Work: Seeing Stories Come to Life
06:36 - Discussion of Latest Book: "The Werewolf at Dusk and Other Stories"
07:17 - Inspiration Behind the Book: Surrealist Short Stories
08:43 - Illustrating Surrealist Stories: Challenges and Themes
09:26 - Reception of the Book: Reviews and Success
10:00 - Conclusion: Thanking David Small
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Hi, I'm Christopher. Unban Coolies is a heartfelt initiative aimed at advocating for diverse books in all public schools and libraries.
The inspiration behind this advocacy comes from a cherished children's book called COOLIES, where I found a deep connection with the characters, seeing aspects of myself reflected within their stories. The disheartening realization that COOLIES was banned in some school districts, hit me hard, igniting a desire to take action. In my research, I discovered other beloved classics sharing the same fate, such as The Diary of a Young Girl, Dragonwings, Beloved, The Catcher in the Rye, To Kill a Mockingbird, Where the Wild Things Are, Animal Farm, Beloved, The Bluest Eye, I Am Jazz, Lord of the Flies, and many others.
On this platform, all perspectives are welcomed and encouraged to engage in meaningful discussions. It is my sincere hope that through these dialogues, we can find valuable and lasting solutions that foster an inclusive literary landscape for everyone. Together, let's champion the power of diverse voices and create a world where books reflect the richness and beauty of our diverse human experiences.
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