The biggest advocate for your cause is yourself. I can get rejected nine times but when I get the acceptance on the tenth try I was the one pushing and asking those ten people/companies
As part of my series about “authors who are making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing David Bradley.
David Bradley is an author who uses relatable characters to help children manage social and emotional intelligence. His book series, centered around the adventures of Big Head Bob, spans three books in seven languages and celebrates diversity while empowering readers to navigate difficult situations positively. The series has reached over 20,000 students through customized curriculum coursework, virtual school visits, and live readings. David has been recognized by the Los Angeles Children’s Book Festival and Nevada Arts Council and has received awards such as the 2021 Crystal Bookmark by The Las Vegas Book Festival & Readers Favorite Five Stars Awards.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory through the below questions? When you were younger, was there a book that you read that inspired you to take action or changed your life? Can you share a story about that?
Reading The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein with my mother resonated with me due to its powerful message of selflessness conveyed through simple yet powerful drawings. The poignant story of a boy and a tree explores a full range of emotions, making it a truly impactful and meaningful read.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I had never written, edited, illustrated, published, or marketed a book before. When I self-published ‘The Adventures of Big Head Bob — Transform Weakness into Strength,’ every step was marked by mistakes. Despite the challenges, I cried tears of joy when I received the final printed book after 6 months of hard work. However, upon closer inspection, I found many errors and felt a lot of anger. It took another three months to finalize the book. After the initial happiness and disappointment, I couldn’t help but laugh at myself; after all, this was meant to be a fun arts and crafts project for my nephew. It was a humorous reminder not to get too emotionally invested, as nothing is truly final until it’s in stores or on shelves. And even then, there’s always room for improvement 🙂
Can you describe how you aim to make a significant social impact with your book?
The whole series was based on a character I had drawn when I was young. I brought it to life when my brother had his first baby three months into the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal was for Joaquín to have positive content. I realized through social media and how so many other people identified with the story it was not just for Quini but for everyone. It’s a story I cherish for its transformative power.
The significance of my work and its approach lies in its social impact. What initially began as a single book has evolved into a three-book series, complemented by coloring books, activity books, over 1,000 virtual and in-person school visits, events, music, poetry, 150+ YouTube videos, merchandise, and more.
Central to Big Head Bob’s message is the empowerment of embracing one’s unique ‘Big Head’ difference and turning it into a positive, intertwined with themes of inclusion and effective communication. Collaboration is fundamental, and our dedication to providing ample free content ensures accessibility for everyone. A pivotal aspect of BHB is the integration of mental health awareness with various artistic expressions, embodying the essence and the significant social impact we aspire to achieve through our books. Additionally, our first book is available in Spanish, French, Japanese, Mandarin, German, and American Sign Language, accessible on platforms such as Amazon, YouTube, and TeachersPayTeachers.com.
Can you share with us the most interesting story that you shared in your book?
The first page of the first book is a very real memory of me wanting to be like everyone else. “Big Head Bob was crying in his bed. Sobbing to his mother about his big Bob head. “People treat me like an unwanted toy. I wish I could just be a normal boy.” When I was in elementary school one year I had to miss gym class a few days a week to have special one-on-one tutoring due to my reading comprehension not being where it needed to be. While I am so thankful to those tutors (look at me now! I’m an author!) Gym was my FAVORITE class and when my friends would ask why I missed I was too embarrassed to say. I’d go home and lie in my bed and cry to my mom and say I wish I could be like everyone else and just be a normal boy.
As I started writing the book, my family thought of funny scenarios about having a big head like sinking in the ocean while SCUBA diving, or sitting in the front row of a movie theater. Getting a header in soccer and then I realized hey maybe he wants to be just a normal kid like everyone else and those funny scenes are actually a bit sad. That’s how I came up with the first book. I pulled from real memories like how meditation has helped my life and career. On one of the first pages in every book I write, Based on a true story…
What was the “aha moment” or series of events that made you decide to bring your message to the greater world? Can you share a story about that?
I shared a bit of my story on instagram/facebook to my friends and when I published in February of 2020 a teacher, during the pandemic, asked me to read in a virtual class. The school then tweeted it out. Other schools asked me to come. A friend gave the book to Jennifer Love Hewitt and she shared it and at some point a teacher asked if she could put my information in her Facebook Group and Teacher Board. I didn’t know what that meant but of course I was happy to design a flyer and BOOM…I got invited into over 150 Kindergarten through fifth grade school classrooms around the US and Canada in a few days time.
When the next wave of the pandemic hit and schools went back to Zoom/Meet/Teams I got an additional 300 plus emails. I was doing this Monday to Friday full time, not ever asking for money. In my 200th class, I was told to take a payment from a school because they had a budget and I should be paid for my time. That was a big lightbulb where I realized I could do this as a full time job. That school district ended up doing a successful 6,000 student event with me all on the computer in two sessions on one day. That was magical. I read the books and showed them how to make illustrations and cartoons. We asked questions and watched some funny Big Head Bob videos and songs that I produced.
Without sharing specific names, can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
Yes, this experience nearly brought me to tears in front of a crowd of 400 people. During a presentation I gave at a local school in Las Vegas last year. I aimed for interactive experiences where kids could participate by voting, asking questions, and making suggestions. When I asked if anyone had questions, a courageous student inquired if I would write about more serious topics in the future. While some were surprised, I took no offense and asked the student what he would like to read about. He mentioned death or disfigurement, eliciting sighs from the audience. Intrigued, I explained that Bob’s distinctive features could be seen as a form of disfigurement, and I promised to consider his request.
The following year, I returned to the school and inquired about the student. I was delighted to learn that he was still there, now in 5th grade and excited for our visit. Towards the end of my presentation, I called on him and proudly announced my new book, ‘The Adventures of Big Head Bob — The Bob Squad — A story about inclusion’ featuring characters like Blinky the one-eyed cat, inspired by his story. When I handed him the microphone, he shared, ‘The reason I asked that question is because I have a disabled brother who is low-functioning autistic. I’m autistic too, so I sometimes feel like Big Head Bob — standing out in the crowd. Big Head Bob helped me accept myself, and I also want to thank my friends…’ At that moment, I realized the profound impact of this project and its message. Not only will this student remember a moment of freedom, honesty, and bravery, but so will 400 other students and faculty members who witnessed this heartfelt exchange. I was grateful the school posted the entire visit but I clipped that specific instance. (See the video HERE)
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
I feel that everyone is doing their best and at the same time can always do more. While I like to give more than ask for help, this project has helped me let down my ego, deal with constant rejection as well as just raising my hand and saying HELP!
Mental health can be more of a primary focus for the community, society and politicians. More money can be allocated to these types of outlet programs for children and young adults. Leadership programs can continue to be developed but sometimes what I see lacking is marketing. Sometimes there are these great programs or events but not enough people know about it. I feel that’s my strength, promotions, marketing, executing tasks and having fun during the whole process.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
Leadership is stepping up when a group is silent or confused, guiding them towards a positive direction. It also involves setting boundaries and leading by example with kindness, without causing harm to others. This can be difficult when delivering bad news or during hectic times. In my case, as I discuss the Big Head Bob college internship program, I’ll choose myself as an example of a leader.
During my eight-year career at Wynn Resorts, I had the opportunity to oversee our intern program for a period. This experience taught me valuable lessons about what works and what doesn’t in such programs. Since joining Handshake (the platform for working with college students), I’ve collaborated with over 40 students from many top universities, engaging them in tasks aligned with their majors and interests in a ‘choose your own adventure’ paid internship format.
Given the diverse directions Big Head Bob is heading in, I prefer collaboration and task assignment from my extensive to-do list. Rather than dictating tasks, I work alongside students, seeking their advice and input on decisions. While I have my ideas, I value others’ perspectives and guidance, always aiming to lead them towards the next stage of their lives.
My time at Wynn, Bellagio, and Aria allowed me to learn from exceptional professionals in their fields, and I’m eager to pass on that knowledge and mentorship. This, to me, is the essence of leadership.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
While I don’t wish anything to change because I’m happy with how everything has turned out thus far, It would have been an easier or quicker journey potentially if the following five things were told to me.
1. The biggest advocate for your cause is yourself. I can get rejected nine times but when I get the acceptance on the tenth try I was the one pushing and asking those ten people/companies
2. Learn the design programs adobe illustrator (it will save a lot of time and money vs constantly sending back and forth changes). I think the example there is self explanatory.
3. If you’re selling an item like a sticker at $1.65 per sticker you can compare other companies and find one that charges $0.08 a sticker. My next order will be about $400 for about 5,000 stickers. See the collection (HERE)
4. Ask if schools and after school programs have a budget instead of doing 800 class visits for free. Don’t decline on any free visits but always ask because you’ll be surprised! Most of my classes are and always will be voluntary. However, It allows me to continue my career when schools have budgets or buy items, especially books! I just reinvest anyway.
5. Double check references and if any red flags pop up it’s okay to pass on an opportunity at the moment. A guy found me on Upwork and said I would raise $100–200,000 on Kickstarter because what I have is so amazing. Most people are excited about Big Head Bob and he answered all of my questions in detail. He had lists of contacts to send this to and that was what I needed. He took me off the platform and I paid (which is a big no no) and I raised $7,500 and he raised ZERO. Yes he brought in zero dollars and after a long while returned half of the money to me. Since he advised I set the goal at $15,000 I didn’t get to keep any money I raised. I didn’t properly check his references and ignored the small red flags and it took a lot out of me. As with everything, I’m happy we both went through that because we learned from it. Well, at least I did!
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
During my time at Wynn, in the busy season I worked six days and three nights a week, balancing between fun and stress. To cope, I began exercising more and stumbled upon an unexpected lesson during a yoga class.
In that class, a ticking clock drove me crazy, and I would strategically sit far away to avoid hearing its constant sound. However, one day, a busy class led me to be right in front of the clock, facing my anxiety head-on. It was during a meditative yoga session when the instructor spoke about transforming weaknesses into strengths. The next statement was that we would practice breathing exercises, inhaling for six seconds and exhaling for six seconds. An aha moment had occurred and it clicked for me. I could use the ticking as a tool to count my breaths, turning it into a source of calm and focus. To this day I have an old ticking clock next to my bed that my brother Neal got for me. The difference now is I put the battery back in!
This experience became a mantra for me and eventually inspired the title of my first book. Don’t you love it?
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Adam Sandler is my hero, both in my childhood and now. He’s not only entertained the world with his humor, music, and acting skills but also embodies the essence of being a good human being. My dream is to play basketball with him and collaborate on projects together. Of course I’d want my brothers Neal and Bryan to be there. We could play 2 on 2. Perhaps he could even lend his voice to Big Head Bob in our upcoming television series!
I had the incredible opportunity to meet him after one of his shows in Las Vegas. When I expressed my admiration, telling him how I used to listen to his CDs with friends at summer camp, he humorously replied, ‘Oh, so I taught you all the dirty words, huh.’ It was a perfect response from the Sandman!
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Social Impact Authors: How & Why Author David Bradley Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.