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

Parra’s autobiographical picture book reflects on how working in his father’s landscaping business nurtured his identity as an artist. Stylized acrylic-on-board illustrations capture a series of remarkably detailed outdoor environments as budding artist Juanito joins Papi and coworker Javier, all portrayed with brown skin, in maintaining a yard, visiting a sprawling nursery, and stopping at the city dump to drop off debris for mulching (when the truck bed tips, “All three of us look at one another and shout: ‘¡Híjole!’ ”). Juanito’s sketch pad is close by throughout, and he learns that everything he experiences feeds his imagination: his proudly entrepreneurial father, an overgrown yard, a nest of baby birds, and even a classmate’s dismissal all become driving forces “to tell the stories of hardworking, passionate people who make the world more beautiful.” An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8. (May)