John Parra is an award winning illustrator, fine artist, designer, and educator, best known for his art illustrated Latino themed children's books such as Gracias / Thanks and Waiting for the Biblioburro. For his books he has received many awards and honors including: The Golden Kite Award from The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), The Pura Belpré Honor's Award and Notable recognition from The American Library Association (ALA) / REFORMA, The International Latino Book Award: Best Interior Children's Book Illustrations from Latino Literary Now, and The Christopher's Award from The Christopher's Inc. organization. His illustration clients have included National Geographic, United Airlines, Jeep/Daimler Chrysler, PBS, Boston Children's Hospital, and New York's El Museo del Barrio, along with a number of book publishing houses. Parra's original artwork has also been showcased and displayed in numerous gallery shows and museum exhibitions throughout the United States and abroad. He has taught art at the Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard, CA and regularly speaks at primary schools, college universities and literary conferences across the country advocating art and reading education. To learn more visit:http://www.johnparraart.com/http://www.goodreads.com/johnparra http://www.johnparraart.com/Store.htmhttp://www.facebook.com/#!/john.parra.14