“Let people be who they are.”
"Let people be who they are. Be good. Celebrate families. Empower people to just be themselves..."
New York Times Bestselling and award winning author and illustrator Todd Parr has created a bright and beautiful world with his art and books with kindness and empathy at the forefront. He makes the world a kinder place with the words he writes in his books and the way he shares his writing and brings his cheerful art into the world. His books send reassuring messages to readers include love, acceptance, individuality, inclusivity, helping others, and celebrating the differences that makes each unique. Children and their families will leave his books feeling they never need to feel unlovable or alone. He’s written over 50
children’s books including The I Love You Book and The Earth Book. His books have been translated in eighteen languages and are available all over the world. His animations have appeared on Sesame Street.
HIGHLIGHTS:
His journey of being a unique kid, learning with dyslexia, repeating the second grade, getting made fun of, being told “you’re no good” by his art teacher, and struggling in school to eventually writing it’s okay to be different.
Becoming a flight attendant was the best thing he could have done for himself as it gave him confidence in himself.
Todd did designs for Macy’s and other department stores and sold greeting cards, before becoming a beloved children’s author 21 years ago. He’s has the same publisher for 21 years and he’s created over 50 books.
He is appreciative of Megan Tingly for seeing something in him that he didn’t see in himself.
He wrote The Goodbye book after he lost his mom at an early age and he began to understand it’s such a hard thing to talk about when a loved one dies.
Todd’s grandma naturally said “Because you’re a good boy Todd” and it was a given that the people around him are kind and he is kind.
Todd’s been to Brazil, China, all over to read his books to children and share his message. Kids in Iran have said on social media we love your books and the message of peace.
He thought about how he wanted to write to kids from the heart, help kids to have fun learning to read through humor and unpredictability, and feel better about themselves.
Families Without Borders asked him to be a part of their coloring book to raise funds for families torn apart after seeking asylum and he quickly signed on to their project.
He collaborated with Target’s House at St. Jude for families staying there who had children in treatment. Elephants symbolize longevity and taking care of each other. It made him proud to see how amazing it was and how many good people there are in the world that are making a difference for other people.
He’s more focused now on taking care of himself first and as long as he does that then he’s able to help the people that he helps.
Todd is making a difference by visiting schools because he believes it’s an important part of growing up and doesn’t want kids to miss out who don’t have the luxury to afford his stipend.
Growing up with no LGBT books vs. seeing it books now normalizing all lifestyles is a stark difference.
He finally has a kindness book which is awesome because that is what he tries to do with all of his books!
We all have kindness in us and he’s happy to remind us in the book that is for 4-6 year olds through adults to help them and remind them to be kind.
People assume kind people have an ulterior motive.
It’s not easy to put yourself out there and be kind because you become very vulnerable to the world and that’s a very big target that people are somewhat threatened by.
It’s so simple. Let people be who they are. Be good. Celebrate families. Empower people to just be themselves. And to be kind to people you don’t have to accept everything and you don’t have to understand everything. Just treat others with kindness. The End. Love, Todd!
Tune In to the Clare Kindness podcast: Get the warm- fuzzy feel-goods with iTunes or Spotify.
