John Parra is an award-winning, bestselling artist, illustrator, author, and educator celebrated for his vibrant, Latino-themed children’s picture books. His work on Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos was named one of the New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Books of the Year. John’s art has also been featured in prominent public projects, including his MTA Art Card Birdhouse Subways, which was displayed across New York City’s subway system, and six U.S. Forever postage stamps in the Delicioso series.
A passionate advocate for art and literacy education, John regularly speaks as a visiting artist at schools and literary conferences nationwide. In addition, he was invited by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to present a special event about his career and creative journey.
John’s highly anticipated new illustrated picture book, ¡Viva Valenzuela! Fernandomania Erupts in Los Angeles, beautifully celebrates LA Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela—the rookie who became a symbol of Mexican American pride and a hero to Latinos everywhere.
John resides in Queens, New York, with his wife, Maria.