StoryMakers | Todd Parr
Teachers Rock! is the new picture book from New York Times best-selling author and illustrator Todd Parr. The book is a celebration of teachers and all the wonderful things they do for students. Children spend many of their waking hours in classrooms, so teachers have a huge impact on their lives. Teachers Rock! contains many real life scenarios; Parr shows teachers buying their own supplies, making sure children wipe their noses, and a few unexpected moments.
Parr grew up in Wyoming where he remembers having a wonderful classroom experience. While he was appreciative of many of his teachers he cites Mrs. Judson, his fourth grade teacher, with being the one who encouraged most of his creativity. As an adult Parr studied art; however, he didn’t do well because he preferred a style all his own. Todd Parr’s work is highly relatable to children because of the bright colors, imperfect lines, and simplicity. Parr told StoryMakers host Rocco Staino that his ultimate goal is to continue writing books that help children feel good about themselves, embrace their feelings, and understanding of others.
Do you have a favorite teacher? Let us know who that person is, and why they’re so special, in the comment section below.
We’re giving away three (3) bundles of Todd Parr’s picture books. Each bundle includes a copy of Teachers Rock!, It’s Okay to Make Mistakes and The Goodbye Book. The giveaway ends at 11:59 PM on May 3, 2016. Enter now!
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ABOUT TEACHERS ROCK
Teachers Rock!
Written and illustrated by Todd Parr
Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Teachers are amazing! They teach you new things, make you laugh, and help you meet new friends. They always encourage you to do your best. They make the classroom a great place to be!
From admiring the way teachers foster creativity in the classroom to how they ensure all children’s needs are met, Todd Parr offers an ode to everything teachers contribute to the world. Bursting with positivity about school and the people who make it special, this book is sure to become a classroom and at-home favorite.
ABOUT TODD PARR
Todd Parr is the author and illustrator of more than 30 children’s books. Todd moved to San Francisco to pursue a career as an artist, then took a detour as a flight attendant, before becoming a full-time author and illustrator. Todd draws in a style that’s highly relatable to children.
Todd acknowledges his supportive family — including a grandma who introduced him to Dr. Seuss books — as being a strong influence in his work. He is able to write stories about kindness and love because of his upbringing. Todd’s books have been translated into more than 14 languages. In 2005 Todd received a Daytime Emmy nomination for his preschool television series ToddWorld.
Todd’s favorite color is blue, and he loves macaroni and cheese.
Todd loves hearing from fans of his books. Go ahead and contact him, here. You can send him a note and pictures too!
Bonus: Actress Sandra Bullock is a big fan of Todd’s Family Book. She reads it aloud to her children Louis and Laila before bedtime.
CONNECT WITH TODD PARR
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
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StoryMakers
Host: Rocco Staino | Executive Producer: Julie Gribble
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I still have fond memories of my math teacher, Mr True, and “you yahoos”. He was great.
Hmm, now I’d like to know more about Mr. True!
I loved my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. McClish. She actually wrote in cursive on my report card. I hope you go to college and become a teacher. I was the first one in my Mennonite family to go to college and become a teacher/librarian. Mrs. McClish believed in me and saw my career talents at such an early age.
That’s such a wonderful story! Teachers can be life changers.
I have fond memories of many of my elementary school teachers. My husband is a retired teacher and it is so wonderful when his old students contact him on FB and tell him how he inspired them.
Same here, Donna. I’m still in touch with a few teachers and have great memories of the ones I don’t see anymore. Great teachers will always be sought out by former students. Hooray for Facebook!
What a warm fuzzy….I’m a teacher AND a school librarian. Authors are truly my rock stars. I love seeing this.
Thanks for all you do, Linda! Your students are twice as lucky to have you in their school. Teacher librarians DO rock!
I fondly remember my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Glover. She’d take us outside and read The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe to us. She helped me learn to love reading.
Thank you for sharing, Sarah. Your teacher had excellent taste in books!
My 5th grade teacher Mr. Revicky was great because he wasn’t serious all the time. If he made a mistake, he’ll own up to it instead of pretending he hadn’t. Teachers rock!
Teachers definitely rock when they show kids they’re human like everyone else. It wasn’t in the curriculum but Mr. Revicky’s candor taught his students a very valuable lesson. Thanks, Earl!
Mr. Dzirkalis was probably my favorite teacher because he taught me that if you wanted something bad enough and really worked at it, you could accomplish anything
It seems as if Mr. Dzirkalis was right on the money. That sounds like a child-friendly version of S.M.A.R.T goals. Thanks for sharing, Gloria!
Mrs. Cellars, my teacher in the third and forth grade, helped me to go from an insecure, struggling kid to a student with self-worth and determination.
Bri, that is so touching. I’m so very happy you had someone like Mrs. Cellars in your life. Kids who’re feeling insecure need positive role models who can help them see their worth. So many teachers help children find their strength.
My niece, Bethany Jewell, is my favorite teacher. She teaches 2nd grade in Flint, Michigan, and is the mommy of the amazing Easton!
I bet you’re her favorite aunt, Mary! Thanks for shouting out your niece, Bethany and grand nephew. Please let her know we thank her for all she does for her students!
I am fortunate to have had many great teachers. I think a favorite is Mrs Rubin, my first grade teacher who encouraged us to love books and to be great readers. I am a children’s librarian because of her influence.
I think my favorite was the librarian in elementary school. She really got me interested in books.
I became a teacher bc Mrs. Roth taught me to love learning when I was in 2nd grade!!
my 3rd teacher in elementary school was nice and she was so helpful