John Parra is an award-winning artist, illustrator, author, and educator, best known for his Latino themed children’s picture books. His work on, Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos, was named a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book of the Year. He regularly speaks as a visiting artist at schools and literary conferences across the country, advocating art and reading education. His new book, Growing an Artist: The Story of a Landscaper and His Son, is his debut as both author and illustrator and has received numerous starred reviews. John currently lives with his wife, Maria, in Queens, New York.  To learn more visit: https://www.johnparraart.com/

Awards
– Three American Library Association’s Pura Belpré Honors, Two Golden Kite Awards from The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, A New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book of the Year, and a Christopher’s Award.

3 Fun Facts

1. I play guitar
2. favorite color is green
3. My mom is a retired school teacher who also use to be a Catholic nun.