John Parra (he/him/his)

John Parra

John Parra is an award-winning, best-selling artist, illustrator, author, and educator, celebrated for his vibrant, Latino-themed children’s picture books and distinctive commercial artwork. His recent titles include the inspired biography "¡Viva Valenzuela!: Fernandomania Erupts in Los Angeles," which tells the story of legendary Mexican baseball pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, and "This Moment Is Special: A Día de Muertos Story," a heartfelt exploration of mindfulness through family and tradition. He lives and works in Queens, New York.

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Awards: Pura Belpré Award, New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book of the Year Award, The Christophers Award, SCBWI Golden Kite Award, Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award, and the Américas Award

Communities: Hispanic or Latinx

Researching & Writing Engaging Nonfiction

Nonfiction that engages readers goes far beyond facts to tell stories and raise critical life-changing issues. Four authors share their strategies for researching and writing books about climate change, space exploration, basketball, and baseball.

Education Room 351 (Seats 46, Wheelchair accessible)  
Sat, Mar 14, 11:30 am - 12:25 pm
Children
Signing area: Signing Area - Children (following presentation)  

Panelists: Anne Broyles, Cynthia Levinson, Kadir Nelson, John Parra
Moderator: Janelle Mathis

John Parra Shares "Viva Valenzuela"

John Parra shares his new picturebook, "Viva Valenzuela" about the great LA Dodgers pitcher, Fernando Valenzuela

Story Blanket Tent (Seats 12)  
Sat, Mar 14, 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Children

Panelist: John Parra
Moderator: BAAC Will Fill 1

Illustrator Studio: Acrylic Techniques

John Parra will share his techniques for creating acrylic paintings on gessoed illustration board, from transferring the initial sketch to completing the final artwork. He will conduct a live painting demonstration of his illustration process, including sketch transfer, masking areas for painting, and working with acrylic paint on gessoed board. These techniques are featured in his latest children’s picture book, Viva Valenzuela.

Education Room 437 (Seats 65, Wheelchair accessible)  
Sun, Mar 15, 10:00 am - 10:55 am
Children
Signing area: Signing Area - Children (following presentation)  

Panelist: John Parra
Moderator: Ray Martens
Sponsor: Session made possible courtesy of The William and Mary Ross Foundation

Books:

¡Viva Valenzuela!

Fernandomania Erupts in Los Angeles
Children
Calkins Creek/Astra Books for Young Readers
March 2026
ISBN 9781662680274
40 pages
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This Moment Is Special

A Día de Muertos Story (Day of the Dead)
Children
Simon and Schuster
July 2025
ISBN 9781665948241
40 pages
Buy now