Angelo the alligator was different in every way. With eyes bright blue and skin snow white, he
loved to watch the butterflies and fireflies. One day he came upon a marsh filled with flowers
and wove some into a crown. What happens when he wears his beautiful new crown?
Artist and illustrator Shannon Kelley Atwater shares a sweet story of friendship and
Santa's not planned his vacation this year. Mrs. Claus says, "How 'bout Louisiana, my dear? You always say it's your favorite place, but remember, the children should not see your face."
Santa and Mrs. Claus want to go on a vacation—but can someone as famous as Santa stay out of sight? Snuggle up and read what happens when things don't quite go as planned.
Tanner the Turtle lives on the banks of the bayou surrounded by animal friends who love to play at the water's edge. Everyone knows, though, that the water can be dangerous if you don't know how to swim. And Tanner is too scared to learn When his mother brings him to the local swimming pool for lessons, he refuses to even stick his head under the water.
Alycat wakes up to seafood gumbo for breakfast, and even though her house is the first stop for the school bus, the bus is already full when she boards. Alycat's whole day is turning topsy-turvy. What is happening?
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.
Artful images grace the pages of this alphabet book; a visual feast of Louisiana's wildlife accompanied by informative facts and lyrical descriptions. Author and bard Rickey E. Pittman takes us on an adventure through the wilds of the state, embracing each animal's nature and providing short snippets of information perfect for the littlest of listeners and the youngest readers.
Take a trip on the river! See your favorite boats as you drift down the Mississippi from Baton Rouge to New Orleans and out to the Gulf.
Journey with Dr. Rachel H. Francis as she shares words of comfort and practical guidance through fun-filled illustrations and lessons of phonics to children living with Autism.
A classic Christmas story combined with the magic of Santa visiting the PELICAN STATE!
Delphine Denise likes things BIG. And what's bigger than a Mardi Gras prize?
"Kids will connect with Delphine's holiday excitement, even when it causes trouble, and learn from the mistakes she makes."--Booklist
Ruby Bridges tells her story as never before and shares the events of the momentous day in 1960 when Ruby became the first Black child to integrate the all-white William Franz Elementary as a six year old little girl -- a personal and intimate look through a child's lens at a landmark moment in our Civil Rights history.
My work will be precious.
I will bridge the "gap"
Forget Dancer, Prancer, Comet, and Vixen. . . . Good Clement, wherever he is, will not be gnashing his teeth.
--New York Times Book Review
From the author of GOODNIGHT NOLA! come a story for all ages about dedication, commitment, acceptance, and "Finishing Strong"
Forget Dancer, Prancer, Comet, and Vixen. . . . Good Clement, wherever he is, will not be gnashing his teeth.
--New York Times Book Review
Scott Campbell and his daughter Tallulah gather together words that bring to life each letter of the alphabet in unique Louisiana style in their second picture book collaboration. From A to Z they capture the sights of the city in New Orleans' historic French Quarter.
Email or call for price
This bright and sturdy board book introduces all the colors (and flavors!) with New Orleans' favorite summer treat. Perfect for any NOLA baby, toddler, or preschooler.
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.
"Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans?" is a timeless love letter to the city of New Orleans told through the eyes of a hummingbird named Huey. Inspired by the 1947 Louis Armstrong song with the same title, it is perfect for anyone that has ever loved the city- whether you've had to leave it or not.
This baby memory book allows families to record all the milestones of a uniquely Louisiana childhood The lively illustrated pages provide spaces for photos and notes for baby's first twelve months in this one-of-a-kind state, with pages for the first and second birthday too. Parents then can set down the dates and details for baby's first king cake, football game, festival, and much more.
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.
"Do you ever wonder where it all comes from and how it is made?" In Red Beans & Rice, children discover the earth to table connection when Magnolia Rose and her friends visit Grandma Bee and Grandpa Pepper's farm in rural Louisiana.
Award-winning author and illustrator duo Ed Shankman and Dave O'Neill turn to the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans, Louisiana Jazz, of course, is the only truly American form of music, born from a meeting and mixing of cultures where the mighty Mississippi meets the Gulf of Mexico.
Get ready to stomp and chomp to that mambo beat When carnival time rolls into New Orleans, these hip dinosaurs want to boogie on down. Iguanodon wiggles to the music of a marching band, while Zigongosaurus dances zydeco and Pterodactyal swoops into the crowd. From singing tunes and tossing beads, these big beasts sure know how to party. Laissez les bon temps rugir
Rhinos rock out. Alligators stroll under limbo polls. Elephants pound the piano. Pelicans cater.
Ever wonder why the animals at the zoo are always so sleepy? When Renee asks her father why the zoo animals are snoozing all day, he dreams up an elaborate answer.
State birds, flowers, trees, and animals brought to board book form for the youngest book lovers.
Toddlers will delight in these books filled with rhyming riddles, framed by brightly painted clues that introduce elements that make each state so special.
Pass a good time in Acadiana in this tour of Cajun country and culture The sights, sounds, and smells of all things Cajun two-step off the page, introduced letter by letter in alphabetical order.
Whether you join hands with an armadillo in the pas de deux or pirouette with the panther, you'll find plenty of talented and agile creatures to mimic in this enchanting introduction to ballet for emerging readers. Even the bears are dancing in this picture book from mom, author, and illustrator Alexis Braud.
You're not gonna taste this little beignet In this confectionary folktale adaptation, a lonely baker gets his wish when he sprinkles magic sugar on a beignet and it comes to life. The little beignet boy runs away but is in danger of being eaten by the hungry people of New Orleans. He leads a wild chase through the French Quarter, visiting famous sights along the way.
From its festive Mardi Gras parades to its wildlife-filled swamps, Louisiana is a state of great diversity. P is for Pelican: A Louisiana Alphabet is an alphabet book that introduces readers young and old to the culture, history, and wonders of this Gulf state. Author Anita C. Prieto's fun-filled rhymes and informative text are highlighted by artist Laura Knorr's vivid and descriptive artwork.
A Caldecott Honor Book illustrated by Bryan Collier, this picture book true story from Grammy Award nominee Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews is a “well-told and exquisitely illustrated story of a musician with a steep career trajectory will inspire young readers to pursue their passions, despite the challenges.” —Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)
 
Take a tour of New Orleans with Grammy-nominated musician Troy Andrews and renowned illustrator Bryan Collier in this companion picture book to the Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner Trombone Shorty.
Â
After letting his band down by missing rehearsal, a boy called Shorty has some serious questions about what it means to be a leader.
Georg' Porg' ate crab cakes,
saw one move, cried, Heaven's sakes
When he found out the crab still lived,
His plate, he dropped-his face, he hid.
According to legend handed down for many generations, either directly from French settlers to Louisiana or from the French Canadian immigrants, the Rougarou (Cajun werewolf), cannot count to 13. So when parents on the bayou scare their children with the creature, they also tell them that if thirteen stones are placed across a doorway he won't enter until he can count them.
No, mon ami You can't catch me
Dragons of New Orleans. In this magical tale for beginner readers a child's creativity comes to life as he explores the imagined life of dragons. Set against the backdrop of New Orleans the delightful illustrations by the talented Samantha Smith engage readers and parents with vibrant colors. Bruce Dear's whimsical passages lead us through an adventure across the city.
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
Oliver is upset--very upset--and nothing his mother says makes him feel better. When she tries to give him a comforting hug, he rolls up into a tight ball like an armadillo and won't let his mother near. She tries to coax him out of his huddle but then his claws come out. Oliver pretends to be one ferocious animal after another--none of them very good at giving hugs.
Email or call for price
Beautifully designed, and featuring a reflective mirror page at the end that brings young readers into the story, this is a one-of-a-kind glimpse at the world of Blue Dog and the appealing imagination of George Rodrigue.
Â
A companion to the popular Why Is Blue Dog Blue?, this latest picture book celebrates friendship in all its shapes and sizes.
Some may think gumbo is simply a delicious stew, but down in Cajun country we know a gumbo is so much more. The magic of history, family tradition, local customs, and bayou seasoning meld to created a swirling wonder of flavor that enchants the senses and reminds us of home. It is just such an aroma that entices George as he wanders through the bayou on a lazy afternoon.
Email or call for price
From the pulitzer prize winning illustrator and the author of Violet the Pilot, this is the story of Stick, a frog about to have a BIG adventure.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nana loves to make Kole magical green dinosaur pancakes for breakfast. In Green Dinosaur Pancakes Kole discovered Nana's pancakes come to life and the strongest survive their morning spats In this sequel, the green T-Rex just won't leave Kole alone. When Kole encounters a school bully, the prehistoric pancake helps him out of a sticky situation.
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.
Winner of a Caldecott Honor and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2016
A School Library Journal Best Book of 2016: Nonfiction
Starred reviews from School Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and The Horn Book Magazine
A Junior Library Guild Selection
It's bedtime in Louisiana! Say goodnight to all your favorite locations, including:
French Quarter
Tiger Stadium
Audubon Zoo
Shaw Center for the Arts
Old Louisiana State Capitol
St. Louis Cathedral
Aquarium of the Americas
Lafayette Science Museum
The Presbytere
Playville
South Pass Lighthouse
Dixie Landin'
What would you do if you saw an alligator on your afternoon stroll? Would you run? Would you warn everyone? Or would you fire up the gumbo pot? That’s what is explored in the children’s picture book “There’s an Alligator in Audubon Park!”
If only you believe in yourself, you can do anything That's the lesson this little float learns in the New Orleans based adaptation of Watty Piper's classic tale, The Little Engine That Could. The Little Float wants to be a part of the big parade this year. To get to New Orleans, the float will have to cross a really tall bridge.
A guessing game to explore Louisiana state symbols. From the state crustacean to the state bird, the symbols of Louisiana come to life in this engaging book of brightly illustrated riddles. A fun question and answer format allows children to test their knowledge about the state as each colorful page reveals interesting facts about Louisiana history, wildlife, and traditions.
A lullaby from the beautiful bayou. As the crickets chirp, frogs sing, and mosquitoes drone, dusk falls across the bayou. Mama rocks her baby to the soft symphony as the animals get ready for bedtime. Illustrated in beautifully detailed cut paper, this soothing chorus introduces children to animal sounds and lures them into peaceful slumber.
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.
Poor Jacques and his mother are barely making do in their little houseboat on the bayou, when a mysterious stranger offers Jacques some magical sugarcane cuttings.
Nestled in the branches of Southern cypress and oak trees is a natural wonder with a magical origin. Moon 1/2s Cloud Blanket is a Native American legend from the Houma people of South Louisiana about the origin of Spanish moss.
As in Cinderella, Cendrillon is pestered by la belle-m're (her stepmother) and les belles-soeurs (her stepsisters) but is helped by the bayou creatures who are ses bon amis (her good friends) and by la marraine (her fairy godmother). However, in New Orleans, the big event is Rex's Mardi Gras ball. Rex, also known as Ovey Thibeaux, hopes to meet his wife at the ball.
Email or call for price
Gaston the green-nosed alligator has returned from the swamp and is taking adventurous readers on a tour of Mardi Gras.
A girl and her nana take the streetcar to City Park in New Orleans for a big day on the carousel. The flying horses are not only beautiful and exciting but have an interesting story behind them. This charming picture book brings both the thrill and the history of this beloved icon of the Crescent City to life for young readers.
Email or call for price
Max tells his little brother, Jason, all about what happens in New Orleans on Mardi Gras morning, when the Indians come out in their colorful, feather-and-bead suits. Soon, Jason sees this beautiful custom for himself. The author is the big chief of the Golden Comanches and shares here a fascinating inside look into the rich tradition of New Orleans' Mardi Gras Indians.
Through New Orleans to Grandmother's house . . .
Sophisticated city mouse Chicory never imagined she would venture beyond her elegant Creole home in New Orleans--until she falls asleep in a picnic basket and wakes up in the Cajun swamps There she meets Roux, a simple country mouse, and together they experience the bucolic bayou life.
Email or call for price
Reading Mr. Okra Sells Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, wonderful memories came running through my mind like a river. Being born in New Orleans, the people selling fruits and vegetables were a big part of the community I lived in. This book also brings to life the beauty and history of the city.
--Diane Ferlatte, award-winning storyteller and Grammy nominee
Full of sly wit and Cajun Spice.
--Scholastic.com
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.
Ride along with Jenny for another fun adventure in the Big Easy
The awkward stegosaurus and the clumsy stegosaurus are too strange and weird for the other dinosaurs. Can they overcome their own self doubt and work up the courage to speak to each other?
Empowering, inspiring, and relatable, The Two Stegosauruses will warm your heart and show you that no matter how weird you think you are, you are not alone.
The Cajun Night Before Christmas(R) has been a part of Louisiana's holiday traditions since it was first published. Now, more than forty-five years later, a new generation is discovering the charm of Gaston(R) the Green-Nosed Alligator. First conceived by J.B. Kling, Jr.
The Story of the Little January Man - an old custom among Louisiana Cajun families.
As I drive around New Orleans From the backseat I see, big metal statues looking over at me. Who's that Daddy? I wonder to him out loud. Daddy says now's my chance to make my college teachers proud. Great question son I'm glad you asked. Your father is certainly up for this task. Let's go on tour and I'll tell you more of why these monuments are here and what they're for.
You'll Know When You See One is the second book of a Gulf Coast trilogy written by Allain C. Andry III. This story is about young Katie who spears many things during her first floundering adventure with her father. Though her eyes play tricks on her, with her dad's encouragement she does find a real flounder, and she knows when she sees one.
It's bedtime in New Orleans! Say good night to all your favorite landmarks and landscapes in this memorable bedtime story.
Goodnight moms and daughters,
Goodnight dads and sons.
The world is calm and quiet.
Sweet dreams to everyone!
After the Christmas decorations come down the real adventure begins for The Greenest Tree… A heartwarming holiday story about a little tree that journeys from the woods to become a beloved family Christmas tree. When the tree is discarded after the holidays and goes on an unexpected adventure, he discovers what it means to be The Greenest Tree.
This board book tells the story of a typical day in the life of snappy-jawed Andy Alligator and features a finger lever that enables children to snap Andy's jaws up and down.
“Listen to the SNAP!
A pair of eyes lurks just above the water's surface. Is it a crocodile or an alligator? Packed with beautiful and engaging photos, kids will learn all about these two reptiles—and find out what makes them different. This level 2 reader provides both accessible and wide-ranging text to encourage the scientists and explorers of tomorrow!
Welcome to New Orleans Follow parent and child pelicans as they take a tour of the Crescent City together. From the French Quarter to the Garden District, along the Mississippi and across Lake Ponchartrain, join the pelicans as they listen to music at Preservation Hall, celebrate Mardi Gras, and eat jambalaya and gumbo. Visit the Audubon Zoo and City Park, ride a St.
Creole cooking with Grandma
When twin sisters Adeline and Victoria encounter a grumpy man with a frightened little dog at a Mardi Gras parade, something doesn’t seem quite right. After learning Mrs. Constance Delacroix’s white poodle is missing from her stately St. Charles Avenue home, the girls are convinced they witnessed a dognapping. But is it just a coincidence?
Goodnight NOLA" is a lovable tribute to things unique to New Orleans. People of all ages will enjoy this rhythmic salute to red beans and rice, po'boys, celebrated chefs, music, historic landmarks, the sporting scene and many other features of the Crescent City. An excellent introduction for young children and a wonderful souvenir.
Cornell P. Landry loves writing about Louisiana The author of the widely popular Goodnight NOLA has written an authentic tribute to St. Bernard Parish that highlights the familiar aspects and attributes of this unique segment of the Louisiana landscape. Written in the vernacular, this clever rhyming ode is an entertaining read-aloud experience for all ages.
Ten short story beach poems featuring family vacations and animals of the Gulf Coast
Do you know the difference between alligators and crocodiles...?
A goofy and lonely denizen of the jungle has just one talent — scaring other creatures with his big, scary teeth! What would he do without them?
From bestselling and award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes comes a tale of a strong, spirited young girl who rises beyond her circumstances and inspires others to work toward a brighter future.
Ten-year-old Sugar lives on the River Road sugar plantation along the banks of the Mississippi.
Trosclair, Thibodeaux, and Ulysse are three pigs with a whole lot to do. Their mom has just kicked them out of the house and it's time they make their own way and start constructing new homes in the heart of the swamp.
In New Orleans, there lived a man who saw the streets as his calling, and he swept them clean. He danced up one avenue and down another and everyone danced along. The old ladies whistled and whirled. The old men hooted and hollered. The barbers, bead twirlers, and beignet bakers bounded behind that one-man parade.
Children's Poet Laureate Mary Ann Hoberman's bestselling Sing-Along Stories are perfect for reading together, with over one million copies sold in all formats.
Big Bad Gator Claude will do anything to have a taste of Petite Rouge...even if it means putting on a duck bill, flippers, and frilly underwear.
300 years ago, French explorers disembarked from their tall ships, waded ashore, and established the city of New Orleans. To its topsy-turvy history of pirates and parades, battles and brass bands, colorful cuisine, a chess champ, and some very heavy weather, the turtle family of 417 Royal Street has borne quiet witness from its stately courtyard.
When her grand-mère comes down wit' de flu, this Cajun Little Red knows what she has to do. With her witty cat, TeJean, she sets off in a pirogue to bring Grand-mère some gumbo. Who should she meet upon the way, but that big ol' swamp gator, Claude! Mean ol' Claude may want to gobble up Petite Rouge, but she and TeJean have a better idea.
The nightmare's gone, but what about that alligator? You have to be so careful getting in and out of bed! Maybe a midnight snack to lure him into the garage will do the trick. In this funny and beloved follow-up, Mercer Mayer faces another nighttime fear head-on.
Help to teach Alligator an important lesson with lots of finger puppet fun Alligator is always too busy to help Crocodile to do the chores. When - and how - will he learn that there is a time for work and a time for play? A fun introduction to the idea of helping others.
The challenges of overcoming our differences and the joys of new friendships are captured in the whimsical illustrations of the world-renowned float designer Blaine Kern (1927-2020). The debut story written by his wife, Holly, uses songlike verses to take beginning readers on a dreamlike tour under the sea. There, wanderers meet a tree that is totally out of its element.

Around the world Santa Claus has many names. But in a deep, swampy bayou of Louisiana, he's known as Papa No l. In such a hot and humid place, there can be no sleds or reindeer, so Papa No l rides the river in a boat that's pulled by eight alligators, with a snowy white one named Nicollette in the lead.
Good Night New Orleans features jazz musicians, the Mississippi River, river boats, Mardi Gras festivities, the French Quarter, French Market, Audubon Zoo, WWII Museum, Audubon Butterfly Garden, Audubon Aquarium, local foods, and more. Welcome to the Big Easy! This delightful board book highlights the best of New Orleans. Children will explore the city's most interesting and fun attractions.