《声音》启明星专刊 VOICES for Daystar Academy VOICES Fall/Winter Edition 2018 | Page 12

UP CLOSE
“BE WHO YOU ARE”
A Conversation with noted American
Children’s Author Todd Parr
By VOICES Editor
I
n late September, Daystar Academy’s Early Learning
Center had a special opportunity to host an afternoon
with celebrated American children’s author and
illustrator Todd Parr. Some of his most well-known
titles “It’s Okay to Be Different” and “The Peace Book”
are staples in many Kindergarten classrooms including
ours, and promote wonderful messages of inclusion and
love. Was school initially a little difficult for you?
His visit is part of our ongoing effort to always provide
wonderful, added learning experiences for our students!
During that time, VOICES had a chance to catch up with
Mr. Parr, and hear his insights. Below is our conversation.
Enjoy! How did you overcome your challenges?
Can you share a little bit about your background?
I grew up in Rock Springs, Wyoming. A very small town.
I had a very difficult childhood. I never seem to fit in.
As much as I wanted to fit in I knew I wanted to be my
own unique self.
Daystar Academy Fall/Winter Edition 2018
Yes, school was always difficult for me. I had Dyslexia,
it made learning very difficult, especially since it was
never diagnosed. I was held back in second grade due
to my reading level. Plus, I was always trying to be like
everyone else. It wasn’t until high school that I found
enough confidence to start enjoying school.
Determination, my grandmother, father and a lot of
denial.
In the early days, you were a flight attendant. How
did you transition from that to become a children’s
book author?
I started painting again with that job. I later decided
to put my art on products such as t-shirts, and other
clothing. I would attend trade shows since I had free