GRADE 3
Growing an Artist written and illustrated by John Parra
AT A GLANCE In this autobiographical story, the author recounts the first time he helps his dad, who owns and runs a landscaping business, on the job. The budding artist sketches what catches his attention, from flowers and trees to a face in a window. He learns how to mow grass, select plants at a nursery, and develop relationships with clients. The creative work of transforming overgrown yards into special spaces inspires Juanito to create his own design for a client. With his dad’s support, Juanito develops his ideas and honors the stories of landscapers who make the world more beautiful. Genre/Text Type: Autobiography/Picture Book Strategy Focus: Connect Events Social-Emotional Focus: Social Awareness INTRODUCE THE BOOK Display the front cover to the students. Invite them to think about what it might mean to grow an artist. Then tell the students that the book is about the author’s first day helping his dad at his business as a landscape contractor. Ask: What important lessons do you think the author might learn about himself, his dad, and the landscaping profession? Let’s read to find out! DURING READING As you read the book, pause to discuss the questions below. Encourage students to turn and talk with partners or share their thinking with the whole group. pp. 2–5 Juanito joins his papi for work. Why do you think this is a big day for Juanito? As Juanito, Papi, and Javier drive to work, they sing along to songs on the radio. How do you think they are feeling this morning? (make inferences, analyze character)
Rising Voices Theme Thinking Beyond Today
Note to the Teacher • Read-Aloud Tip Read with
enthusiasm to capture Juanito’s wonder, curiosity, and excitement. • Language Support Explain to students that landscaping is a business that makes homes, businesses, and public spaces beautiful by designing and decorating them with flowers, trees, lawns, and other plants. Landscape contractors must have a thorough knowledge of plants. • Background This story is based on the author’s childhood. John Parra began accompanying his father to the family business at the age of seven. Years later, John studied illustration and fine art at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. Though he did not pursue a career in landscape design, he is now an award-winning artist and illustrator of children’s books. Vocabulary contractor (p. 3) someone hired to do a job nursery (p. 12) a place where plants are grown and sold hydraulics (p. 17) a mechanical system powered by water passionate (p. 29) having strong feelings
pp. 6–9
Juanito helps with landscaping at Mrs. Tarbe’s house. How does Papi help make Juanito feel better after his encounter with Alex? (key ideas and details) Juanito talks to Papi during lunch. What event do you think sparked Juanito’s question? Why do you think the author included this conversation in the story? (connect events, author’s purpose)
pp. 10–11
pp. 12–17 The group takes their yard waste to the city dump. What happens to the yard waste at the city dump? What specific sights and sounds make this trip exciting for Juanito? (summarize, visualize) pp. 18–25 Juanito helps design the Carrolls’ yard landscaping. How is Mr. and Mrs. Carroll’s yard different from the ones that Juanito saw earlier? How does seeing the Carrolls’ yard lead him to helping design the new landscape? (compare and contrast, connect events) pp. 26–30 As Juanito reflects on his memorable day, he vows, “I will use my art to tell the stories of hardworking, passionate people who make the world more beautiful.” In the Author’s Note, you find out that this story is based on the author’s real life. Even though he did not become a landscape architect like his father when he became an adult, John Parra was inspired by his father to use creativity in his career. What impressed you most about John Parra and the way he shared his story? In what ways are you like Juanito? (make connections)
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