Author Laban Carrick Hill’s artful, free-flowing narrative describes how Dave, an African American potter who lived in slavery, might have created his famous and beautiful pots in this picture book that illuminates an artist known only by his first name. Dave’s work is identifiable by his signature. He also often wrote short poems on the sides of his pottery. Dave’s words provide a window into what his life was like, and Hill includes supplemental information that discusses and analyzes Dave’s various writings and the few facts that are known about his life. Bryan Collier uses earthy tones in his watercolor and collage illustrations to depict the textures of the clay and Dave’s intense concentration as he throws a pot on the wheel in a volume that provides a captivating look at an incredible nineteenth century artisan. (Ages 6–10)

To us
it is just dirt,
the ground we walk on...
But to Dave
it was clay,
the plain and basic stuff
upon which he formed a life
as a slave nearly 200 years ago.

Dave was an extraordinary artist, poet, and potter living in South Carolina in the 1800s. He combined his superb artistry with deeply observant poetry, carved onto his pots, transcending the limitations he faced as a slave. In this inspiring and lyrical portrayal, National Book Award nominee Laban Carrick Hill's elegantly simple text and award-winning artist Bryan Collier's resplendent, earth-toned illustrations tell Dave's story, a story rich in history, hope, and long-lasting beauty.