Menu
Former Sikeston man has 'Good Things to Share'
SIKESTON - You could say it took a change of heart for J.T. Cummins to write and illustrate "Good Things to Share."
Cummins left Sikeston at age 19 to study animation at California Institute of Arts on a full scholarship from the Walt Disney Company, but his work has been far from cute and cuddly over the years. An interest in special effects blossomed into a two-decade career during which he contributed work to films such as "The Thing" and "House" as well as writing and directing his own cult horror film, "The Boneyard."
The combination of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and two open heart surgeries two months apart to correct a defective heart valve compelled Cummins to offer something more positive, however, than horrific effects.
"I think there's too much of that stuff out there," said Cummins. "After 9-11, I couldn't look at the world the same way and the heart surgery kind of compounded that. I took on a 'do no harm ethic.'"
While recuperating from the operations, Cummins began doodling - something his sister Barbara Myres of Sikeston remembers from their childhood. "James is very talented, he's always been very creative," said Myres. "When he was in kindergarten, he was drawing the cartoon character 'Underdog.'"
"Drawing and art have always been a big part of my life," Cummins confirmed. "I never gave up the art - that's a part of special effects."
The doodles eventually resulted in "Little Doodle," the cartoon baby featured in the book wearing a distinctive lopsided heart shirt.
"It originally started as a book of proverbs, common sayings," Cummins said, "then it turned into an ABC book for awhile."
In the end, Cummins decided to write his own text on the value of sharing everything from love and hugs to treats and toys.
Cummins said he enjoys the "immediate reaction" from people as they read his book. "They like it or they don't like it."
Most of the reactions have been positive, however, Cummins said.
"It's doing real well - I think it came out at the right time. People are looking for positive things," he said. Today Cummins will be back at LAC+USC Medical Center in Los Angeles where he was operated on, this time for a book signing-fund raiser. Money from the event will go to the hospital's health scholarship fund to provide financial assistance to underprivileged medical students.
"LAC+USC was there for me when I needed help," said Cummins, "In my own small way, this is my attempt to say, "Thank you.'"
In addition to autographing copies of his book, Cummins will visit the Children's Ward and Cardiology Department.
"This book was a turning point for me," said Cummins. "I worked for the film industry for 20 years, and in 20 years I have never done anything as fulfilling as this book. When people look at the book and they smile it makes me feel good."
And while special effects for horror flicks is "on the back burner for now," Little Doodle fans can expect Cummins to share more of him in the future.
"We'd love to do more books with the character," Cummins said. "He fills a niche I think - kind of nostalgic and sweet and has an innocent quality."
On the Net: http://www.littledoodle.com