John Parra, author/illustrator, wins 2nd Christopher Award

Queens, N.Y.-based author and illustrator John Parra has been honored with a second Christopher Award for his book, Growing an Artist: The Story of a Landscaper and His Son (Ages 7 and up, A Paula Wiseman Book/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers). It is one of 12 books for adults and young people as the Christopher Awards program marks its 74th year. Parra won his first Christopher Award in 2012 for illustrating “Biblioburro,” by Monica Brown.

Described as a love letter from sons to their fathers, “Growing an Artist” follows Juanito and his landscaper father from house to house where Papi prunes, weeds, mows and transforms overgrown yards into beautiful spaces. Meanwhile, Juanito sketches anything that catches his eye from a nest full of baby birds to a nursery with row upon row of plants and flowers. As Papi works on his house, Juanito’s classmate pretends not to see him. But Papi feels pride in owning his own business and in a job well done. Readers learn if Juanito gets to turn his artistic eye toward landscape design—just like his papi.

John Parra is an award-winning illustrator, fine artist, designer, author, and educator best known for his art illustrated, Latino themed, children’s picture books. “Growing an Artist” is his first as both author and illustrator. In addition to his Christopher Awards he has received many others some of which include: Three American Library Association’s Pura Belpré Honors and Two Golden Kite Awards from The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Parra’s original artwork has also been showcased and displayed in numerous gallery and museum exhibitions throughout the United States and abroad, with many paintings now residing in private collections. He has taught art at the Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard, CA and regularly speaks as a visiting artist at schools and literary conferences across the country, advocating art and reading education.

His Hispanic roots and heritage provided a rich cultural palette of inspiring imagery and customs. Mexican murals and papier-mâché piñatas, folk art, science and nature dioramas, pop and surrealism, regional cuisines, music and dance costumes, family characters and memories are all visual influences seen in his work. His designs can be seen on six U.S. Forever Postage Stamps titled: Delicioso, and his MTA artcard poster, Birdhouse Subways, is currently displayed throughout NYC subways.

Christopher Awards were also given to creators of 10 TV/Cable shows and feature films.

The Awards celebrate authors, and illustrators as well as writers, producers, and directors whose work “affirms the highest values of the human spirit” and reflects the Christopher motto, “It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.” Christopher Awards were also given to the creators of 10 TV/Cable shows and feature films.

Tony Rossi, The Christophers’ Director of Communications, said, “The stories we’re honoring acknowledge that the struggles we endure in life coexist with beauty and hope when we work together, despite our differences, to add love and healing to our world.”

The Christophers, a nonprofit founded in 1945 by Maryknoll Father James Keller, is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition of service to God and humanity. The ancient Chinese proverb—“It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness”— guides its publishing, radio, and awards programs. More information about The Christophers is available at www.christophers.org.