Peter Parnell facts for kids

Peter Parnell (born in 1953) is an American writer. He creates plays for Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters. He also writes for television and is a popular author of children's books. Peter Parnell is also a leader at the Dramatists Guild of America. This group helps playwrights, composers, and lyricists.

About Peter Parnell

Peter Parnell lives in Manhattan with his husband, Justin Richardson, and their daughter.

Plays by Peter Parnell

Peter Parnell has written many plays that have been performed in theaters. Here are some of his well-known works:

• The Hunchback of Notre Dame – This was a musical for Disney Theatricals. Alan Menken wrote the music, and Stephen Schwartz wrote the lyrics.
• On a Clear Day You Can See Forever – This play was shown on Broadway in 2011. Famous actors like Harry Connick Jr. starred in it.
• QED – This play starred the actor Alan Alda. It was performed at Lincoln Center Theater in 2001.
• The Cider House Rules, Part One and Part Two – These plays were adapted from a famous novel by John Irving. They were performed by the Atlantic Theatre Company and other theaters.
• The Rise and Rise of Daniel Rocket – This play was performed at Playwrights Horizons in 1984.

Television Work

Peter Parnell has also worked on several television shows. He helped write and produce these series:

• The West Wing – He was an Executive Story Editor and Co-Producer for the first two seasons (1999–2001).
• The Guardian – He was a Producer for the first season (2001–2002).
• Inconceivable – He worked as a Producer for the first season in 2005.
• Six Degrees – He was a Consulting Producer for the first season (2006–2007).
• BrainDead – He worked as a Producer on this show in 2017.

Children's Books

Peter Parnell is well-known for his children's books. He often writes with Justin Richardson.

• And Tango Makes Three – This book tells a true story from the Central Park Zoo. It's about two penguins who bonded and raised a chick named Tango. The book has won many awards. It has also been widely discussed and recognized, though it has also faced challenges in some places due to its unique family story.
• Christian, the Hugging Lion – This children's book is also based on a true story. It's about a lion named Christian the lion and his special bond with people.

Awards and Honors

Peter Parnell has received many awards for his writing.

• He has received grants from important groups like the NEA and Guggenheim foundations.
• His play The Cider House Rules won awards for Best Play. These included the American Theatre Critics' Association and Ovation awards.
• For And Tango Makes Three, he received several honors:
  • American Library Association Notable Children's Book – 2006
  • ASPCA's Henry Bergh Award – 2005
  • Gustavus Myer Outstanding Book Award – 2006
  • Nick Jr. Family Magazine Best Book of the Year – 2006
  • Bank Street Best Book of the Year – 2006
  • Cooperative Children's Book Council Choice – 2006
  • CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book – 2006
  • Lambda Literary Award finalist – 2006
  • Sheffield Children's Book Award – shortlisted – 2008