David Small

David Small – Life, Art, and Literary Legacy

Explore the biography of David Small (born February 12, 1945) — American writer, illustrator, and graphic memoirist. Learn about his early life, major works (like Stitches), awards, style, and enduring impact.

Introduction

David Small is an American author and illustrator renowned for his work in children’s literature and graphic memoir. Born on February 12, 1945, Small combines visual artistry with narrative insight—often weaving humor, introspection, and imaginative detail. His most lauded works include So You Want to Be President?, which garnered the Caldecott Medal, and Stitches: A Memoir, a powerful graphic autobiography. His art has appeared in The New Yorker and The New York Times, and his influence spans decades of children’s literature and illustration.

Early Life & Education

David Small was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Edward Pierce Small Jr. and Helen “Elizabeth” (Murphy) Small.

Small attended Cass Technical High School in Detroit.

He earned a B.F.A. (Bachelor of Fine Arts) from Wayne State University in 1968, and later an M.F.A. (Master of Fine Arts) from Yale University in 1972.

Teaching, Early Career & Transition to Full-time Art

After completing his graduate studies, Small entered academia. He taught art at the State University of New York, Fredonia (beginning in the 1970s), and later at Kalamazoo College in Michigan.

During his academic career, he also experimented with writing/illustrating picture books. His first book, Eulalie and the Hopping Head, which he both wrote and illustrated, was published in 1981.

Major Works & Achievements

David Small’s body of work encompasses picture books he both wrote and illustrated, collaborations as illustrator for texts by others (including his wife, Sarah Stewart), and a deeply personal graphic memoir.

Works as Author-Illustrator

Some of his notable self-written/illustrated works include:

• Eulalie and the Hopping Head (1982)

• Imogene’s Antlers (1985)

• Paper John (1987)

• Ruby Mae Has Something to Say (1992)

• Hoover’s Bride (1995)

• Fenwick’s Suit (1996)

• George Washington’s Cows (1997)

• Home After Dark (2018)

Illustrations for Other Authors

Small has illustrated many books written by other authors, including:

• Works by his wife, Sarah Stewart, such as The Gardener (1997), The Library, The Journey, The Friend, and The Quiet Place.

• So You Want to Be President? (text by Judith St. George) — this book won the 2001 Caldecott Medal, in recognition of Small’s illustrations.

• One Cool Friend by Toni Buzzeo — this earned Small a Caldecott Honor in 2013.

• Other authors include Jonathan Swift (Gulliver’s Travels), Burr Tillstrom, Arthur Yorinks, Beverly Cleary, Kathi Appelt (The Underneath), and more.

Stitches: A Memoir

One of Small’s most acclaimed works is Stitches, a graphic memoir published in 2009. Stitches, he recounts his childhood health struggles (including treatments involving radiation), family alienation, and his decision to run away as a teenager to become an artist. New York Times best seller, was named among the top books of 2009 by Publishers Weekly and Amazon, and was a finalist for the National Book Award.

Style, Themes & Influence

Illustrative Technique & Aesthetic

David Small often uses watercolor, ink, and pastel chalk in his illustrations, delivering expressive line work and emotional shading.

Recurring Themes

• Identity, trauma, and healing: As seen in Stitches, Small explores how illness, family silence, and personal voice intersect.

• Humor and quirkiness: Many of his children’s stories lever whimsical concepts or playful absurdity (e.g. antlers, hopping heads).

• Historical imagination: Works like George Washington’s Cows reflect a playful take on historical narrative.

• Collaborative storytelling: His synergy with Sarah Stewart as illustrator/author extends their reach into sensitive, warm, domestic, and imaginative subject matter.

Influence & Recognition

Small’s work bridges the children’s literature world and the graphic memoir / literary art world. His ability to convey emotional depth via illustration encourages later illustrators to see the picture book as more than mere decoration. His recognition includes:

• Caldecott Medal (2001) for So You Want to Be President?

• Caldecott Honors, for The Gardener (1997) and One Cool Friend (2013)

• Honors such as Christopher Awards, New York Times recognitions, and being named to “Outstanding Book” lists.

• His archives (artwork, manuscripts, sketchbooks) have been acquired by Western Michigan University Libraries.

Lessons & Legacy

• Art as confession: Small’s Stitches demonstrates that visual storytelling can serve as catharsis, turning private pain into shared empathy.

• Versatility matters: Small’s ability to shift between playful picture books and serious memoir shows the creative range possible in illustration.

• The power of collaboration: His partnership with Sarah Stewart underscores how complementary talents (writing + illustration) can yield enduring works.

• Persistence through adversity: His early health struggles and academic-to-artist transition highlight resilience and the importance of following creative instincts.

• Encouragement for visual voices: Many emerging illustrators see Small as a model for using image and narrative together meaningfully.