Five little possums swing from a tree, teasing Mr. Alligator, You can't catch me. Pre-readers can count down as the possums are scared away one by one in this engaging counting book from award-winning author and musician Johnette Downing. Her felt collage illustrations jump off the page in this adorable board book for little ones.
Gold/Honors Award Winner
National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Children's Products The Big Read 2010 Recommended Reading List for the National Coalition of Girls' Schools
Believed to have originated in twelfth-century France, the king cake tradition is an homage to the wise men (three kings). In New Orleans, as in Europe, a charm or plastic baby is hidden inside the cake and whoever finds the treasure is crowned king or queen for the day.
There was an old lady who swallowed a fly. . . . Young readers will love hearing about the fly and all the other creepy-crawly bugs the old lady gulps down in this fanciful feast based on the traditional song. With a taste for slugs, the old lady also enjoys a poached roach and a squirmy worm during the course of the story. And a surprise ending reveals that this isn't just any old lady.
Give a crab a crawfish, and he won't eat for the day
Move over Bre'r Rabbit, there's a new trickster in town
Based on a song from author and illustrator Johnette Downing's album Boogie Woogie Bugs, the singsong rhyming text introduces babies and youngsters to the wonderful world of bugs.
Based on a traditional song adapted by this nationally acclaimed Louisiana singer/songwriter, this rhyming picture book tells of various Louisiana fare such as red beans, fil' gumbo, baguettes, and alligator stew. Readers are also introduced to the pirogue, a small, flat-bottom wooden boat used by locals to traverse the local bayous and wetlands.
Way down south in New Orleans, there's a jazzy little sound on Halloween. As a mummy is transported down the street in a silver casket, a spooky parade follows, with a witch on bass drum, a skeleton on snare, a black cat on trombone, a jack-o-lantern on clarinet, and more. An author's note explains the local tradition of second lines and jazz funerals.
Based on a traditional song adapted by Louisiana singer/songwriter Johnette Downing, this counting book tells of pelicans, armadillos, black bears, alligators, Catahoulas, nutria, possums, crawfish, and mosquitoes and their kin. Set in the Louisiana bayous, marshes, and wetlands, the rhythmic text offers children a tour of the Pelican State's diverse and unique natural environment.
Johnette Downing stays true to her Louisiana roots in her newest book, featuring a young pelican searching for his proper home. As Petit Pierre journeys across the wetlands, he asks each creature where he should live. He accumulates gifts from them until he realizes the wetlands are home to all his friends and, just maybe, to Pierre as well
Drawing on her roots in Louisiana, author and illustrator Johnette Downing delivers a fast and funny romp in this counting book for preschoolers Based on a familiar tune, Downing's version gives a fresh take on the perfect counting tale for shared reading. Vibrant cut paper and foam collages take center stage on the board book pages.
Louisiana Writer Award recipient Johnette Downing takes readers deep into the swamp under the pale moonlight for this Cajun Will-O'-The-Wisp tale that will give you a fright. The Fifolet, also known as the Feufollet, is a dancing blue flame that you never want to cross. It will tease you and coax you and draw you near, but all the Cajuns know that you better beware.
Louisiana author and illustrator Johnette Downing captures charming holiday traditions in this counting book for emerging readers. From one to ten the images of holiday bonfires and Christmas practices along the levees fill the pages.
"In Lindsley's vigorously brushed rural scenes, the comically gesticulating red rooster often occupies the foreground as, behind, a multiracial procession of revelers in colorful festival costume goes from farm to farm begging for a handout."
--Kirkus
A trickster tale about generosity. A long time ago, the Oyster was not only generous and kind; he was also the keeper of all the gems in the world. Whenever any type of creature would come to him in need, the Oyster would share his jewels without hesitation. One day, a very greedy snake hatches a plan to shift the balance of wealth in the sea.
There was a man from New Orleans and his name was Chef Creole. His hair was made of rice, his eyes of red beans, and his feet of beignets. Young readers will delight in this Louisiana picture-book adaptation of the song Aiken Drum.
A curse is no match for a generous heart.
A young reader's introduction to the Pelican State
What's in your po' boy? It takes a lot of skill to put together the perfect New Orleans-style po' boy. Talented children's author and musician Johnette Downing takes readers through step by step to create this classic meal, adding in a heaping dash of humor. From French bread and Blue-Plate' mayonnaise to Creole tomatoes and debris, all delicious ingredients are included.