Todd Parr – Todd
Todd Parr is the author and illustrator of more than 60 books for children, including the New York Times bestselling The I Love You Book, The Earth Book, and The Thankful Book. He has inspired, empowered, and entertained millions of children around the world with his bold images, unique sense of humor, and inclusive storytelling. His books have received numerous awards and are available in 20 languages. He is the co-creator of the popular Daytime Emmy®-nominated animated TV series ToddWorld with Gerry Renert of SupperTime Entertainment, and several short films for Sesame Street have been based on Todd’s work.
A flight attendant before becoming a full-time author/illustrator, Todd published his first book, The Okay Book, in 1999. Todd devotes time to numerous philanthropic causes supporting pet adoption, children’s hunger, health, and literacy. He is a reader and fund-raiser for The Ronald McDonald House, and he has served on the board of directors for the Virginia Children’s Book Festival. Todd’s corporate collaborations include Best Buy, Stouffer’s, and the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, among others.
The Wyoming native lives in California with his adopted pit bulls and enjoys cooking. He is often found whipping up macaroni and cheese, tacos, and grilled cheese recipes, which he regularly shares with fans. For more information on Todd, visit his Facebook or Instagram.
Philanthropy
Todd actively supports multiple charities and organizations like the San Francisco Marin Food Bank. Todd currently serves on the board of directors for the Virginia Children’s Book Festival.
You can read more about who and what Todd supports here!
Questions for Todd
WHY DON’T YOU USE PUNCTUATION IN SOME OF YOUR BOOKS?
I started out as an artist. I painted large canvases with messages at the top. I never used punctuation in my original artwork so I didn’t think I needed to use it when I first started writing and illustrating children’s books. I was wrong. I realized I was setting a bad example. Now I make sure all of my books have the correct spelling and use punctuation in all of my books. But I do make a lot of mistakes, and that’s how I learn. Love, Todd
Teachers, does your class have a question for Todd?
You can send him an e-mail from the form on the contact page!
Here’s a few of the questions Todd receives:
Where does Todd live?
Where did Todd get his dog from?
I wonder why he loves mac and cheese?
I wonder why his favorite color is blue?
I wonder where he gets his dog food?
I wonder where Todd gets his groceries?
What is his mom’s name?
I wonder if Todd has a brother?
I wonder if Todd has a baby sister?
Todd’s Dogs
Todd and Pete!
Todd with Bully, who features in some of Todd’s very first books!
Todd loves animals, especially dogs. He currently has two pit bulls named Pete and Jerry. They are adopted from Berkeley Animal Care and Rescue in Berkeley, California. Todd is especially fond of the pit bull breed because so many need good homes. Like with any animal, you have to be an educated and responsible owner. Pit bulls are very loyal dogs that just want to be loved. Not everyone can adopt an animal, but there are lots of ways to help.
Here are some places that you can donate to:
ASPCA, The Best Friends Animal Society (Instagram), The American Pitbull Foundation
Todd on Instagram
Follow Todd!