A Beautiful Picture Book Celebration of Fernando Valenzuela
Written by Nathalie Alonso | Illustrated by John Parra
I wanted to take a moment to highlight ¡Viva Valenzuela!: Fernandomania Erupts in Los Angeles, written by Nathalie Alonso and illustrated by John Parra.
This is such a vibrant and heartfelt picture book. Nathalie Alonso tells Fernando Valenzuela’s story in a way that feels lively, accessible, and full of heart. She captures not only the excitement surrounding his rise, but also the deeper meaning behind it. On the surface, this is a book about a baseball legend, but it is also a story about community, pride, representation, and the way one person’s journey can mean so much to so many others.
What especially stands out to me in this book is John Parra’s artwork. His illustrations bring so much warmth, movement, and feeling to the pages. There is an energy in his art that fits this story so well, and every spread feels full of life. He does such a beautiful job of capturing both the excitement of Fernandomania and the heart behind it.
John’s illustrations do more than simply accompany the text. They help tell the story. They give readers a sense of the emotion, pride, and celebration surrounding Fernando Valenzuela’s impact. There is something so expressive and inviting about the way John illustrates a scene, and it makes this book feel especially memorable.
What makes his work here feel even more meaningful is knowing the personal connection behind it. John shared with Jackie and me on our podcast that even with a full schedule, he felt he had to say yes to this project because Fernando Valenzuela was one of his favorite players. I love knowing that, because I think it adds another layer to the book. You can feel that care in the artwork.
There is something really special about seeing an illustrator take on a project that clearly means something to him. That connection comes through in a genuine way, and it adds extra depth to an already meaningful story. John Parra’s art feels both celebratory and heartfelt here, and it helps make the book shine.
I also appreciate how Nathalie Alonso and John Parra work together so well in this book. The storytelling and illustrations complement each other beautifully, creating a picture book that feels rich with emotion and purpose.
¡Viva Valenzuela! is a wonderful choice for readers who enjoy picture book biographies, sports stories, and books that celebrate history, culture, and community. It is lively, beautifully illustrated, and filled with heart.
This is one of those books that feels joyful and meaningful at the same time, and John Parra’s illustrations are a big part of what makes it so special.
Visit https://Johnparraart.com