In Conversation with an award-winning illustrator, designer, teacher, and fine art painter – John Parra
Happy Saturday listeners!
What better way to teach kids about art than with colorful picture books? In a brand new episode of the Reading with Your Kids Podcast, we have an interview with an award-winning Children’s Books Illustrator – John Parra!
John Parra is the award-winning illustrator of a growing number of Latino-themed picture books and other illustration work. He is joining us to talk about his latest book One Is a Piñata: A Book of Numbers.
We were delighted to speak to him on various topics including his artwork, his experience on working with so many children’s books authors, how he brings stories to life, ideas and perspectives, techniques and inspiration!
One Is a Piñata: A Book of Numbers
One is a rainbow. One is a cake. One is a piñata that’s ready to break! In this lively picture book, a companion to the Pura Belpré–honored Green Is a Chile Pepper, children discover a fiesta of numbers in the world around them, all the way from one to ten: Two are maracas and cold ice creams, six are salsas and flavored aguas. Many of the featured objects are Latino in origin, and all are universal in appeal. With rich, boisterous illustrations, a fun-to-read rhyming text, and an informative glossary, this vibrant book enumerates the joys of counting and the wonders that abound in every child’s day!
About John Parra
John Parra is an award-winning illustrator of books for young readers, including Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos by Monica Brown, named a NY Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book, and Marvelous Cornelius, by Phil Bildner, which won the Golden Kite for Picture Book Illustration. Other awards include the ALA Pura Belpré Honors and The Christopher’s Award. In 2015 John was invited by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NY to present a special event about his work. His art can also be seen at U.S. Post Offices on six NEW Forever Stamps titled: Delicioso. Released this spring, John’s most recent book, One is a Piñata: A Book of Numbers, with author Roseanne G. Thong, displays a fun-to-read rhyming text, with rich illustrations, and an informative glossary, enumerates the joys of counting.
To learn more visit: https://www.johnparraart.com/
In this episode, we discuss
- Introduction to children’s books illustrator, John Parra
- His brand NEW book, One Is a Piñata: A Book of Numbers
- Can you tell us a little more about what lead you to become an illustrator
- Can you share a little more about the work you have done? What projects have you been most proud to have worked-on/created?
- How do you approach a manuscript for illustration? Where do you find inspiration for new stories and characters?
- How long does it take you to illustrate a book?
- With so many lauded picture book and other illustration projects under his belt, can you tell us what you are working on at the moment?
A big Thank you to John Parra for doing this Interview! We’re so cheerful to pass on his AMAZING books to all our listeners and we hope you’ll check out more of his books in the future!
If you haven’t already done so, listen to this episode & feel free to share it by using the social media buttons at the bottom of this page. We would LOVE if you could leave us a review on iTunes.
We’d also love to hear what you think about the podcast and any suggestions on what you’d like to hear in future episodes. Feel free to connect with us on our social media, or email us anytime by contacting us.
Have great Saturday listeners!
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