Artist Profile -- Todd Parr, Children's Author

One of my favorite authors, who I wish was around when I was a kid, is Todd Parr.  I almost think of him as a modern-day Dr. Seuss, whose books for children hold just as much joy for adults.  The publisher notes say that his books are intended for 3-6 year olds, but I find that much too limiting. Younger children understand the concepts of love, kindness, and feeling good, while older kids can use the books as the starting points for more mature discussions.

Image Credit:  ToddParr.com

Todd uses bright colors and humor in his books about a wide range of topics, from talking about love, to the various shapes and sizes that families come in, being scared, and finding joy in being who we are, no matter how different we may seem.  

It says something about Todd that his bio includes his favorite color (blue) and his favorite food (mac & cheese) along with a photo of himself and his beloved dogs.  Before he tells readers that he's the author of close to 40 books and creates short films for Sesame Street, he points out that he likes to paint and draw but failed art class.

Image Credit:  ToddParr.com

Todd's books have won a whole host of awards, including Reader's Choice awards, the National Parenting Publications Award, and Scholastic's Parent & Child Magazine's Teacher's Picks.  He's also been on the NY Times best selling author list. On his website, he also offers an 8-page guide for parents and teachers filled with ideas and activities to use with several of his best-selling books.

Here at Boheez, we carry (mostly) the hardcopy versions of Todd's books because we believe they hold up better to the frequent page turning and passing on that happens to favorite reads.  We also think that a hardcover book just makes a more thoughtful gift -- and that's what we're all about.