‘When I wished I was alone’

There’s a very good chance you’ve seen Dave Cutler’s work before—on the cover of Time, Business Week, Forbes, The New York Times, Newsweek and other publications. An artist and illustrator with a highly recognizable style, Cutler’s artwork has even appeared in Epcot’s Millennium Village and the United Nation’s lobby.

He has received various design and illustration awards and established a reputation as an innovative conceptual artist, creating images that capture and illuminate concepts for clients ranging from publishers to organizations and retail outlets.

Recently, Cutler, the father of two children, decided to try something new: writing and illustrating his first children’s book. Targeted to children ages two through eight, “When I Wished I was Alone” explores a child’s anger-amplified wish to be left alone.

Retreating to his bedroom and flumping petulantly onto the bed, the child wakes to discover that his wish has come true. He is stranded on an island without a single soul around. As he discovers one beautiful thing after another, he begins to realize that he has no one with whom to share his wonder and joy.

A growing sense of isolation and a longing for his lost family members help to fuel the child’s eventual return home. But, the experience effectively reminds him of his love for his family. The book delivers tender and clear messages about the dangers of indulging anger and the drawbacks of isolating oneself.

As you might expect, the story is brought vividly to life by Cutler’s delightful illustrations. Wispy stars in a night sky become luminous birds in flight over the head of a very small child stranded on a lonely island. The faint faces of family members float cheerfully by in colorful planet-shaped orbs. Silvery strings begin to rain from the sky, ultimately helping the child find his way back home.

In another first, GreyCore Press of Pine Bush, New York, has launched its new children’s line, GreyCore Kids, with the publication of this book. And in a real-life example of how a group of people is often more effective than a solitary individual, several forces came together to make this publishing project possible. Cutler created the new logo for the line and a second publisher, Client Distribution Services, is partnering with GreyCore Press in the release of the book.

GreyCore Kids will publish Cutler’s second children’s title, “When I Wished I was Perfect,” in 2004. For those who fall in love with the vibrant illustrations, some images will be available in limited editions at davecutlerstudio.com. Visit GreyCore books at greycore.com and Client Distribution Services at cdsbooks.com.