Stitches: A Memoir by David Small

A graphical autobiography - that's what you'll find when you read David Small's Stitches: A Memoir. David Small is the author and illustrator of award winning children's books. I'm sure you've read Imogene's Antlers - that's one of his. For many years I've savored the illustrations he's created and enjoyed the books he co-wrote and illustrated with his wife, Sarah Stewart. I met her at a conference a few years ago and enjoyed her book talks very much. Because they make their home in southwest Michigan, I feel like a neighbor. It saddened me to read of David's young life and the troubles he endured in this memoir.

A graphical book is told through images and when the illustrator is an award winner, you can be sure that many feelings are conveyed in the eyes of the character's faces. He was a sickly, lonely boy and his parents did little to help him. Perhaps that is why he turned his attention to the solitary pursuit of drawing.

You'll be drawn to the story of David Small when you take a moment to carefully look into the eyes he's drawn. Give this one a try. It's worth your time.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm