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Art Teacher Lindsay Parker Illustrates Book

By Kate Merritt
This Spring, JTD will add a new book to the school library, My Extra Mom, written by Gina Grad and illustrated by beloved JTD art teacher Lindsay Parker!
 Lindsay explains her involvement in this project, "I have been close friends with Gina Grad for almost 20 years and we have long talked about doing a creative project together. In recent years, she was married and became a stepmom to a stepson, currently in 2nd grade, who is a very important part of her life. During it all, I have been a sounding board and resource for her when it comes to the trials, tribulations, and joys of step-parenting. I myself have a stepmom with whom I am very close and feel strongly about giving these special “extra parent” relationships the positive spotlight they deserve."

When Gina shared with Lindsay her idea of creating a book for children and adults that would concentrate on what a healthy “modern family” can look like, Lindsay was simultaneously excited and surprised to find there isn’t more out there already geared at both kids and parents on this important topic.

"I was extra elated when Gina asked me to do the illustrations! She was a big promoter of the children’s book I wrote and illustrated in 2014, Fiona Von Finnigan, Fairy Tale Fixer, and said she loved the playful aesthetic of that work. We spent a good amount of time fine-tuning exactly the look and feel Gina wanted for My Extra Mom and then I set out to fulfill that vision."

Starting with hand drawings and switching to a digital format for the final product, the main characters are based on Gina and her stepson and the illustrations set them in a colorful, whimsical world with just a dash of Mid-Century Modern.

Lindsay shares that "I am thrilled to be a part of this project and hope it serves as a useful guide and source of celebration for families everywhere!" 

Visit Amazon or Barnes & Noble to purchase a copy of My Extra Mom.

Start a discussion!

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  • Alex Cabalu
    3/22/2023 @ 3:32 PM
    This is awesome; great work, Lindsay!

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The John Thomas Dye School


11414 Chalon Road
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone: (310) 476-2811
The John Thomas Dye School admits students of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.

Located In Los Angeles, CA, John Thomas Dye is an independent school for grades K-6. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.