Children’s author publishes 10th title

Filmmaker-turned-children’s-book-writer Jonathan Stutzman ’09, recently published his 10th book, “Bear is a Bear.” Illustrated by Caldecott Medal winner Dan Santat, the story follows the life of a young girl and how her relationship with her stuffed bear changes as she grows up.

For most children, stuffed animal play is their first practice in storytelling,” said the film major. “It was the same for me. Each had a name, a voice, interests, jobs, etc., and I spent many, many hours creating adventures and coming up with stories for them. It was a great exercise with imagination.

How did he become an author? While working as a filmmaker and studying at Temple University for his master’s in film, his girlfriend—now wife—had asked for help on her children’s book project for a class. Soon, Stutzman fell in love with children’s literature and all of its processes—from researching and reading thousands of picture books to attending live storytime events for kids.

Although he stepped away from filmmaking to become a full-time children’s author, he says him film degree comes in handy when visualizing book ideas. “Film is a visual medium and so is a picture book. There’s a lot of crossover between the two in the storytelling mechanics. All storytelling, no matter the form, is about communicating. Whether that’s an idea, a theme, a feeling. Most importantly, I just want to be able to create and tell stories. It doesn’t really matter how,” he said.

He says creative writing also relates very closely to his faith and finds inspiration in scripture. “We have a Creator speaking a story into life: the cosmos. I think it’s something inherent in the atoms of all living things, this passion to create,” he said. “Every creative breath I take stems from my faith and derives from who I am as a person. There’s a lot of chaos and brokenness out there, but I’m grateful that I have a chance to use my creative gifts to maybe help spark some flicker of laughter, love and light in the lives of children who might need it.”

In the coming year, he plans to publish a new book, “The Mouse Who Carried a House on His Back,” with award-winning illustrator Isabella Arsenault, finish a novel and share some current film projects. 

— Molly McKim ’23