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“Parra incorporates Spanish words and phrases into the text and touches on the importance of Latin American migrant workers to the landscaping industry. It’s an underappreciated job that requires creativity and demanding physical labor. An early scene delicately depicts Juan’s growing recognition of such prejudice: Juan waves to a classmate who is neighbors with one of Papi’s clients, but the boy “looks away and pretends not to see me,” and Juan’s “heart sinks.” … a love letter to sons and their fathers, to work done with one’s hands and to making the world more beautiful, no matter what tools are used to do so.”
– BookPage, Starred Review 

Growing an Artist: The Story of a Landscaper and His Son

Written by John Parra
Illustrated by John Parra
Published by Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books

Today is a big day—the first time Juanito gets to help his papi on the job as a landscape architect! Throughout the day, Juanito sketches anything that catches his eye: a nest full of baby birds, a nursery with row upon row of plants and flowers, and more. Father and son travel from house to house, pruning, weeding, mowing, and turning overgrown and chaotic yards into beautiful spaces.

A few of the clients don’t appreciate Papi’s hard work, like Juanito’s classmate who pretends not to see him. But Papi always feels pride in owning his own business and in a job well done. And at the end of the day, Juanito may get the chance to turn his artistic eye toward landscape design—just like his papi.

Look for the Spanish version, Cultivando a un artista: La historia de un jardinero paisajista y su hijo.

Primary ISBN: 9781534469273
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented: ,

Themes: , , , , ,

Setting: United States

Character’s New Arrival/New American Status: 2nd Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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