  | Growing an artist : the story of a landscaper and his son Author: Parra, John | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
Today Juanito is accompanying his father who is in the landscaping business, and he takes his sketchbook along to draw anything that catches his eye, and gets to help his father plan an entire garden--and then help plant it.
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| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: LG Reading Level: 3.30 Points: .5 Quiz: 518915 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (03/15/22)
Booklist (05/01/23)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 05/20/2022 K-Gr 2—Sincere and lively with illustrative detail, Parra's story reveals how his personal sense of creativity and esteem for hard work grew during his childhood experiences with his papi's landscape company. Readers follow young Juanito for a full day as he accompanies his father to work for the first time. As he readily sketches and helps Papi with landscape work, readers meet the role models in Juanito's childhood world—not just Papi but also long-time employee, Javier, from Mexico. This story offers teachable moments about the different but equally important roles that create a thriving community. The wood texture of Parra's illustrations shows a mix of multi-sized, acrylic elements, while the greenery and blocky layers of straight and curved edges appear like a refreshing mosaic of solid shapes and color. In an author's note, Parra delves deeper his father's life story. VERDICT In a reflective nod to his youthful days spent with his father, Parra presents a balanced, intricate illustrative style to convey his earnest appreciation for hard work, lessons, and creative influence. —Rachel Mulligan - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 05/01/2023 Juanito brings his sketchbook along as he accompanies his father to his landscaping job, connecting with his father’s creative and entrepreneurial profession as well as with his Spanish speaking skills. Alex, his classmate, sees them doing landscaping work in his yard and behaves rudely, causing Juanito to feel uneasy. He is soon distracted from turmoil when he finds himself submerged in using his artistic skills to design a landscape himself. Based on Parra's childhood experiences, the story explores pride, family, and the many places where creativity can shine. Juanito never thinks less of his father for holding a blue-collar job, instead appreciating his father's determination, expertise, and ingenuity. In return, Juanito's father recognize his son's artistic talents and encourages him to pursue his art. Parra's warm and expressive paintings, featuring stylized figures in an inviting sense of setting, prove that his father's support most certainly paid off. The back matter includes an author’s note and a blueprint of Juanito's landscape design. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.
