Greetings, My Fellow Neighbors: I'm John!
I'm an award-winning children's author who helps families face loss with compassion, courage, and hope through storytelling. I'm also the founder and owner of PR From The Heart, a leading publicity firm in the KidLit community. As I also love to help children connect to the love and joy of reading, you can watch me every week on The Children's Books Spotlight Series (one of the longest-running podcasts in the world of children's literature) and every month on The Neighborly Reviews Bookcast (alongside David Newell, who played the beloved Mr. McFeely on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood).
In celebration of the launch of my new children's book, Walking Each Other Home–Zachary's Mission: A Hospice for Children, I’m excited to bring my author/school visits and speaking engagements to classrooms and events nationwide.
Walking Each Other Home—Zachary’s Mission: A Hospice for Children
How do you say goodbye?
For Zachary, it’s unimaginable. His doctor says it’s cancer…words that barely make sense to an 8-year-old whose life is just beginning.
Zachary is scared—until a powerful dream gives him a special mission: to create a place for kids just like him.
Join Zachary, his loving family, and the Earth Angels as they help him make his dream a reality. Together, they navigate loss and heartache, discovering that unconditional love lasts forever.
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The Critical Acclaim For Walking Each Other Home—Zachary's Mission: A Hospice for Children Is Pouring In!
"Beautifully written and deeply touching, Walking Each Other Home—Zachary's Mission: A Hospice for Children is a heartfelt and inspiring story that gently explores courage, compassion, and the power of love. Through Zachary’s journey, it offers comfort, hope, and purpose to families facing life’s toughest challenges. This profound and moving book is sure to leave a lasting imprint on every heart it touches."
Anita Moorjani
New York Times Best-Selling Author of Dying to Be Me
"I am pleased to recommend Walking Each Other Home—Zachary's Mission: A Hospice for Children to parents, educators, and caregivers who wish to help children understand and process life’s bigger questions. With John’s guidance and care, young readers will be inspired to find their own purpose and embrace life’s journey, no matter where it may lead."
Tony Buttino Sr.
Emmy Award-Winning Co-Creator of Reading Rainbow; Co-Author, Creating Reading Rainbow: The Untold Story of a Beloved Children's Series
"Walking Each Other Home—Zachary's Mission: A Hospice for Children is a must-read for anyone seeking a story that connects to the heart of human connection. The message is clear: even in the darkest times, love is a light that guides us forward."
John Parra
Award-Winning Artist, Illustrator, & Children's Book Author
Meet The Earth Angels
Zachary isn’t alone on his mission—God blessed him with four Earth Angels.
Jane
The Loving Grandmother
Dennis
The Beloved Italian Restaurant Owner
Georgeanne
The Animal-Loving Storyteller
Patrick
The Reiki Master
Latest News
Hop aboard the trolley and join me for the Walking Each Other Home—Zachary’s Mission: A Hospice for Children National Book Tour. From media appearances and author talks to story times and book signings, stay tuned for the latest news.
An Autumn Remembrance: Special Story Time & Book Signing This Saturday, October 4th @ Barnes & Noble Loma Theatre
For all my friends and neighbors in San Diego, I invite you and your little ones to join me at Barnes & Noble Loma Theatre in Point Loma for the kickoff of the autumn leg of my National Book Tour.
This is your opportunity to hear a live reading of this touching story starting at 11AM and to receive personally signed copies of Walking Each Other Home—Zachary's Mission: A Hospice for Children.
All children in attendance will receive a special Walking Each Other Home bookmark and coloring sheets.
A portion of all book sales will help raise awareness and support my dream—the creation of a children’s hospice in San Diego—ensuring every child’s life, no matter how short, leaves a lasting legacy of love.
As we honor those we've lost along the way, let’s celebrate compassion, connection, and the healing power of stories together this autumn season.
A Career Highlight: Sharing My Story at Mall of America!
I was thrilled to be part of Building A Culture Of Reading In Your Classroom | Turning Pages, Changing Lives 2025—one of the largest children’s literacy events in the country. A heartfelt thank you to Mall of America for giving me this incredible opportunity!
Missed it live? Watch the official event recap video and the full panel discussion from Building A Culture Of Reading In Your Classroom to experience this unforgettable celebration of reading and literacy.
Celebrating a Milestone: ChristLit Kid Award Winner!
I'm blessed to announce that Walking Each Other Home—Zachary's Mission: A Hospice for Children has received the prestigious 2025 ChristLit Book Award.
Renowned worldwide, the ChristLit Book Award honors authors who thoughtfully incorporate themes of faith into stories that inspire and connect readers across generations.
This powerful story was born from my commitment to supporting grieving families and helping children gently navigate the realities of loss, love, and legacy.
My journey to this achievement was shaped by a promise made to my grandmother—a promise that fueled my mission and transformed doubt into purpose and hope.
This award is more than recognition—it’s a celebration of resilience and a timely reminder that no one has to walk alone.
Following In Fred Rogers' Footsteps: A Heartfelt Conversation On Grief & Compassion With WTAE's 4 The Record
There’s been a quiet but powerful presence walking beside me on this path I’ve chosen to walk. The spirit of Fred Rogers has been with me for some time, gently guiding the way. The way he spoke to children—with authenticity, honesty, and empathy, especially about life’s hardest truths—has deeply influenced how I show up in the world.
While visiting Pittsburgh, the city that our favorite neighbor called home, I had the opportunity to sit down with Lily Coleman on WTAE's 4 The Record to share the profound influence that Mister Rogers has had on my life, my journey as a publicist and children's author, and my new book, Walking Each Other Home—Zachary’s Mission: A Hospice for Children. Together, we explored how his legacy of compassion and connection continues to guide my mission and how we can support those who are moving through loss with love, presence, and purpose-driven care.
As I move forth in my mission of supporting grieving families, I carry his wisdom close to my heart. It reminds me that even in the darkest moments, we can meet one another with tenderness, truth, and hope.
Free Coloring Fun: Unlock 5 Printable Coloring Pages From Walking Each Other Home—Zachary's Mission: A Hospice For Children By Subscribing To My Official Newsletter
These beautifully illustrated pages bring Zachary’s courageous journey to life, inspiring creativity, reflection, and meaningful conversations. Perfect for kids, families, and classrooms, this fun and engaging activity promotes themes of love, hope, and compassion. Subscribe now to receive your exclusive coloring pages!
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