Michael Paraskevas facts for kids

Michael Paraskevas, born in 1961, is an American artist. He draws pictures, creates cartoons, and produces animated shows. He is famous for helping create the TV show Maggie and the Ferocious Beast with his mother, Betty Paraskevas.

This show was based on a book called The Ferocious Beast with the Polka-Dot Hide. Michael and Betty also wrote this book and its follow-ups. Together, they wrote 20 children's books. They also made three animated TV series. These include Maggie and the Ferocious Beast, Marvin the Tap-Dancing Horse, and The Kids from Room 402. They also created a Christmas special called The Tangerine Bear.

Michael's drawings have been in many famous magazines. These include Time, Sports Illustrated, and Newsweek. His art has also appeared in The New York Times.

About Michael Paraskevas

Michael Paraskevas went to the School of Visual Arts (SVA). He finished his studies there in 1984. He studied illustration and journalism. He earned a special degree called an MFA from SVA in 1986.

Michael and his mother, Betty, used to own an art gallery. It was called The Paraskevas Gallery. They ran it in Westhampton Beach until Betty passed away in 2010.

Comic Strips

Michael created a comic strip called Junior Kroll. This strip appeared every week for ten years. It was published in a paper called Dan's Papers. Junior Kroll also appeared monthly for five years. It was in United Airlines' Hemispheres magazine.

Another comic strip by Michael is Green Monkeys. This strip is currently in Dan's Papers every week. It will soon be shared with many other newspapers.

Animated Shows

Michael Paraskevas has helped create and produce several animated TV shows and specials.

Television Series

• Maggie and the Ferocious Beast (with Nelvana and Nickelodeon) — Michael helped create, write, and produce this show.
• Marvin the Tap-Dancing Horse (with Nelvana and PBS) — He also helped create and produce this series.
• The Kids from Room 402 (with CineGroupé and Fox Family Channel) — Michael was a co-creator and producer for this show.

Television Specials

• The Tangerine Bear (with Hyperion and ABC) — Michael wrote, created, and produced this special.

Future Projects

Michael Paraskevas is currently working on several new projects. These are animated shows that are still being developed:

• Jerolemon Street
• Junior Kroll (from Paraskevas Studios)
• Green Monkeys (from Paraskevas Studios)
• Peter Pepper Pet Spectacular
• Hoppy and Joe (from Paraskevas Studios)
• Leo Spats Ratcatcher (from Paraskevas Studios)
• Taffy Saltwater