Dawn Bonker
Chapman University’s College of Educational Studies and Chemers Gallery in Tustin will celebrate the release of President Jim Doti’s latest children’s book, Jimmy Finds His Voice, Thursday, March 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Chemers Gallery in the Enderle Center, 17300 17th St., Suite G, Tustin.
Illustrated by artist Lisa Mertins, Jimmy Finds His Voice is the true life story of President Doti’s childhood struggle with a speech impediment. Along with Mertins’ gentle watercolor illustrations, the book tells the story of how Jimmy finds the courage to ignore school bullies and overcome his fear of taking on a speaking part in the school play. Kirkus Reviews called the book “A charming story with delightful pictures ideal for reading together.”
Books and original illustrations will be available for signing and purchase. A portion of all sales will benefit Chapman’s Communication Sciences and Disorders program. The event is open to the public.
This is President Doti’s second children’s book. His first, A Christmas Adventure in Little Italy, also illustrated by Mertins, recounted a childhood tale of a boy and his dog, set against the backdrop of a 1950s-era Italian-American neighborhood.
