This quote is a simple statement reaffirming David’s love for illustration which began at the age of 6 years old. “From the moment I picked up a pencil, I knew exactly what I wanted to do!”
A 1974 graduate of New Albany High School, David began pursuit of his dream to illustrate comic books by attending the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon & Graphic Design in New Jersey. However, an introduction to the field of advertising design and illustration offered a more exciting path he would follow for ovet 30 years.
Published in 2011 David’s first book, There’s A Crazy Dog Under the Palace!, followed by the 2015 sequel Who Ate the Gelato?!, gave him the opportunity to change direction once more, fulfilling a childhood dream to write and illustrate children’s books. With the stories and art based on his rescued black lab Jasmine and set in Palermo, Sicily, David found a wealth of material, allowing him to develop a series of books which culminate in the third and final chapter, Topo and the Second Chance Circus!, which published in Summer 2021.
The first book title stems directly from an Italian limerick taught to young children which inspired the series! Coupled with intense love and pride for his Sicilian heritage and family, David decided all of his children’s books should be published in English and Italian versions. This makes him one of the few authors creating bilingual books in the central Ohio region!
“These are books of discovery for many young children, as they learn about the ideals of friendship, second chances, and just being yourself. And in today’s day and age, that seems more important than ever!”