Artist Biography

John Parra is an award-winning illustrator, fine artist, designer, author, and educator, celebrated for his vibrant, Latino-themed children's picture books. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has received numerous prestigious accolades, including three Pura Belpré Honors from the American Library Association, two Golden Kite Awards from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, two Christopher Awards, and the esteemed 2023 Américas Award. His original artwork has been featured in exhibitions across the United States and internationally, with many pieces held in private collections.

In addition to his artistic achievements, Parra is a passionate educator. He has taught at the Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard, California, and frequently serves as a visiting artist at schools and literary conferences, advocating for the power of art and literacy education.

Parra's creative journey began in Southern California, where he was deeply influenced by his Hispanic heritage. The rich visual and cultural traditions of Mexican murals, Latin folk art, Baile folklórico dance costumes, Día de Muertos celebrations, home-cooked meals, and family memories all shaped his distinctive artistic voice. These influences are woven throughout his work, creating illustrations that explore themes of identity, tradition, and imagination.

Among his most celebrated works is Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos, written by Monica Brown, which was named a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book and earned a Pura Belpré Honor for Illustration. It was also recognized as a Smithsonian Best Book of the Year. Other notable titles include Green is a Chile Pepper: A Book of Colors (written by Roseanne G. Thong), The Power of Her Pen: The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne (written by Lesa Cline-Ransome), Eloísa’s Musical Window (written by Margarita Engle), and Spanish is the Language of My Family, co-authored with Michael Genhart, which explores themes of language, culture, and identity. Parra’s author and illustrator debut, Growing an Artist: The Story of a Landscaper and His Son, received widespread acclaim and numerous awards.

Beyond books, Parra’s illustrations have graced major commercial projects for clients including Target, United Airlines, Hitachi, PBS, and National Geographic. His work has also appeared on six U.S. Forever Postage Stamps titled Delicioso, and his MTA Artcard poster Birdhouse Subways was displayed across New York City's subway system. He was invited by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to share his artistic journey and creative process in a special event.

Parra’s upcoming picture book, This Moment is Special, celebrates themes of Día de Muertos, mindfulness, family, and culture.

A graduate of Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, John Parra currently resides in Queens, New York, with his wife, Maria.

Wikipedia: John Parra (illustrator)