Concepts like the ephemeral nature of life and the permanence of death can sound like pretty heavy topics for a children’s book… but what if they’re not? What if, instead, they act as encouragement to appreciate the everyday blessings and moments shared, and a comfort that those who have left us always remain in some way? John Parra’s new picture book, This Moment Is Special: A Día de Muertos Story, explores these notions in a story inspired by Día de Muertos. We recently had a chance to sit down with John to discuss his artistic influences and the joy to be found in remembrance.
About John Parra
John Parra is an award-winning illustrator, designer, author, and educator. For his children’s illustration work, he has received three American Library Association Pura Belpré Honors. His books include Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos, written by Monica Brown, which earned a New York Times Best Illustrated Book designation; Green Is a Chile Pepper, written by Roseanne Thong, which received the Américas Book Award; Spanish Is the Language of My Family, written by Michael Genhart, which received seven starred reviews and the Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award; Hey, Wall, written by Susan Verde; The Power of Her Pen, written by Lesa Cline-Ransome; and his authorial debut Growing an Artist, which was the recipient of the Christopher Award and the Américas Award.
Thank you so much for joining us, John! Let’s get started.
For those unfamiliar with the traditional celebration of Día de Muertos, would you please briefly explain the holiday and how it ties into This Moment Is Special?
Día de Muertos is a vibrant and meaningful celebration observed throughout Mexico, Latin America, and beyond, where families and friends come together to honor and remember loved ones who have passed. The event, held annually on November 1st and 2nd, carries a festive yet reflective tone, blending joyful remembrance with elements of rich cultural tradition. The imagery is uniquely striking, featuring colorful calaveras (skulls & skeletons) in elaborate costumes, the warm glow of marigold flowers, and home altars called ofrendas that are carefully arranged with old photos and personal mementos to welcome the spirits of the departed.
The celebration also includes traditional foods, drinks, and music, creating an atmosphere of both reverence and festivity. It is a time to cherish the lives of those who have passed and to reflect on the preciousness of life itself and remember how every moment is special.
What inspired you to explore the concepts of life and death this way with young readers, as a meditation on mindfulness and memories?
The idea behind This Moment is Special has been with me for as long as I can remember, emerging from a blend of childhood memories — shared times with family and friends, moments at significant events, or simply being in places that felt uniquely magical. In those instances, I always felt a quiet recognition of how rare and precious they were. They left me with a deep sense of gratitude for the people around me and a lasting reverence for the world I belonged to.
I felt these reflections would resonate deeply when woven into the rich tapestry of Día de Muertos, the Day of the Dead celebration that honors and remembers those who have passed and cherishes our loved ones’ legacies. At its heart, the story asks: What is a life, if not a collection of cherished moments and unforgettable memories?
This Moment is Special also serves as a gentle reminder of our power to shape our own lives and the lasting impact we have on others, one meaningful moment at a time.
You’ve said before that your work is deeply influenced by your Hispanic heritage. Other than the overall Día de Muertos theme, was there anything especially personal that you included in the art or story of this book?
Many of the scenes in the book were drawn from some of my most vivid and valued memories — sharing special meals with family, nervously giving a school presentation, or playing guitar with my band in a burst of energy were all personal experiences that I wanted to share.
As I reflect on life, I find that my favorite moments are often centered around a few, yet deeply meaningful things: family, friends, food, music, travel, nature, laughter, gratitude, and creativity. These simple, but profound experiences have shaped who I am and continue to inspire me in my work.
Last year, there was some discourse on social media about whether ofrendas were a tradition that non-Mexican people should observe. What are your feelings on this?
One of the beautiful aspects I cherish about Mexican and Latino communities is the deep sense of shared culture. Whether it’s through food, music, art, or community events, there’s a welcoming spirit that encourages connection, education, and the celebration of our traditions. We have an open heart to share who we are with those who are genuinely interested in learning. In return, when respect is shown by those seeking to understand, it creates a space where I believe everyone can participate and honor our culture.
You mention on your website that one of your other passions is education, and you love visiting schools to advocate for literacy and the arts. Do you have a favorite memory or interaction with a student or young fan?
While most of my school visits are to younger students, one particular high school presentation and workshop I did in Virginia a few years ago has stayed with me. A wonderful librarian organized a group of high school volunteers — some passionate about writing, others about drawing, with about half of them recently arrived from El Salvador. The program brought us together to guide and help the students create their own children’s book stories. Every single one of them worked incredibly hard, and we were amazed by the thoughtful and beautiful stories they shared, many with themes of migration. Their stories and artwork were scanned and uploaded, then bound into books.
Four months later, we returned to the school for a special presentation when the books were ready. You could see how proud both the students and their parents were of what they had achieved. The project even earned recognition in the Washington Post.
At the event, a mother and her daughter approached me with something deeply moving to say. The mother shared that when her daughter first came to this country, she saw herself only as an immigrant. But after the workshop, she now saw herself as a writer. With tears in our eyes, we exchanged heartfelt thanks. It was one of the greatest compliments I have ever received, and I will be forever grateful for that moment.
What advice would you have for authors and illustrators trying to make a career in publishing, especially those from marginalized communities?
This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes by comedian and actor Steve Martin: “Be so good they can’t ignore you.” When you dedicate the time and effort to craft an exceptional portfolio or create a series of outstanding manuscripts, the next steps become much easier. I often encourage emerging authors and illustrators to study the work of those they admire and ask themselves if they see their own creations standing alongside them.
It’s important to ensure that your work has focus, a clear voice, and reflects what is uniquely yours — what you care about, what you like, and what inspires you. Bringing stories from your own community is an excellent way to establish that distinctive voice, connecting through art and narratives that resonate with our shared humanity. It’s this individuality, this special quality, that editors and art directors are actively seeking. It’s what makes you stand out and what they want to invest in.
We always love to ask children’s authors about their favorite reads from childhood. Is there a book or series that you particularly enjoyed as a young reader?
My mom was a schoolteacher for over 35 years, and her love for books was contagious. She often read to my brothers and me when we were young, and one of my favorite stories was The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. I could vividly imagine myself stepping into the world of Narnia, living the adventures alongside its characters. When I discovered it was just one book in a series, I eagerly went to my local library to devour the rest. I was captivated by the tales of adventure and magic, and the powerful themes of bravery, friendship, love, and loyalty. With characters of my age facing incredible challenges, I felt deeply connected to their anthology of journeys.
Lastly, in honor of This Moment Is Special, what is one of your favorite “quiet moments” that makes you stop and appreciate life?
A quiet moment that always fills me with awe and gratitude is when I look up at the night sky and see the stars and constellations. In that stillness, I feel both incredibly small and profoundly alive.
A massive thank you to John for taking the time to share his work and insights with us! Be sure to find him online at JohnParraArt.com and follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. And, of course, don’t forget to preorder This Moment Is Special and add it to your family’s reading list!
To check out more of our exclusive talks with authors, check out our entire One-on-One Interview series!
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