《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