Latino children’s book illustrators

If you ask me, it's a great time to be interested in Latino children's books, mostly because there's a strong talent pool - one  that includes John Parra. John is a tall, quiet guy whose beautiful, award-winning work is well-known in publishing circles. Luckily for the rest of us, it will also be on display and for sale next Saturday at La Casa Azul, a new indi bookstore in Harlem that celebrates Hispanic authors, artists, and readers.  The show is called Infinitas Gracias (Infinite Thanks). I'll be there to ooh and ah with all his other fans. Mark your calendars and join us. 103 Street, between Park and Lexington.Take the No. 6 John was nice enough to put down his paintbrush and talk to us  about his work. You are a long, long way from California, where you grew up. How did you end up in Queens? Has living in t New York impacted your artists' palette in any way? I ask because I'm from Queens, and I find that the city creeps into my books and stories pretty often, which I love.  I moved to New York in 2000. I actually drove across the country from California. It took about a week and was a great adventure. The main reason for the move was to do more illustration work in publishing and advertising here.  Plus I always had it in my mind that I would really like to live in New York.  I think the city has influenced my work a bit…