Name: Cajun Night Before Christmas 50th Anniversary Edition
Brand: James Rice
SKU: 9781455627141
Price: 24.95 USD
Availability: InStock

Cajun Night Before Christmas 50th Anniversary Edition

9781455627141

$24.95

"Forget Dancer, Prancer, Comet, and Vixen. . . . Good Clement, wherever he is, will not be gnashing his teeth.'?--New York Times Book Review

Take the classic story of jolly old St. Nicholas, place it in a Louisiana bayou setting, dress Santa Claus in muskrat "from his head to his foot,'? pile his skiff high with toys, and hitch it to eight friendly alligators. The result is this modern classic. Fifty years after its first appearance, Cajun Night Before Christmas® has sold more than one million copies and has served as the model for Pelican's ongoing, best-selling Night Before Christmas Series.

The Cajun Night Before Christmas® has been a part of Louisiana's holiday traditions since it was first published in 1973. A delight to both young and old with its rustic full-color illustrations and lively story, it has become a timeless addition to holiday celebrations far beyond south Louisiana, reaching all corners of the country with its charming presentation of Christmas on the bayou and the break-out star of Gaston® the Green-Nosed Alligator.

Conceived by J. B. Kling, Jr., Cajun Night Before Christmas® originally appeared as a Christmas message from Bergeron Plymouth Company of New Orleans. Under the pseudonymous byline "Trosclair,'? the story won a Clio Award in 1967 from the Academy of Television and Radio Advertising.

Brought to life by the talented James Rice, the humorous illustrations of a colorful bayou Christmas have been nationally recognized as a classic in its genre.

Featuring eight pages of curated content released from the Pelican archives, this special Fiftieth Anniversary Edition showcases the rich legacy of storytelling within our state and the far reach that a humble (or not so humble!) gator has had on Cajun culture, Louisiana, and the entire country.

Cajun Night Before Christmas 50th Anniversary Edition

Cajun Night Before Christmas 50th Anniversary Limited Edition

9781455627165

$39.95

"Forget Dancer, Prancer, Comet, and Vixen. . . . Good Clement, wherever he is, will not be gnashing his teeth."
--New York Times Book Review

Take the classic story of jolly old St. Nicholas, place it in a Louisiana bayou setting, dress Santa Claus in muskrat "from his head to his foot," pile his skiff high with toys, and hitch it to eight friendly alligators. The result is this modern classic. Fifty years after its first appearance, Cajun Night Before Christmas® has sold more than one million copies and has served as the model for Pelican's ongoing, best-selling Night Before Christmas Series.
The Cajun Night Before Christmas® has been a part of Louisiana's holiday traditions since it was first published in 1973. A delight to both young and old with its rustic full-color illustrations and lively story, it has become a timeless addition to holiday celebrations far beyond south Louisiana, reaching all corners of the country with its charming presentation of Christmas on the bayou and the break-out star of Gaston® the Green-Nosed Alligator.
Conceived by J. B. Kling, Jr., Cajun Night Before Christmas® originally appeared as a Christmas message from Bergeron Plymouth Company of New Orleans. Under the pseudonymous byline "Trosclair," the story won a Clio Award in 1967 from the Academy of Television and Radio Advertising.
Brought to life by the talented James Rice, the humorous illustrations of a colorful bayou Christmas have been nationally recognized as a classic in its genre.
Featuring eight pages of curated content released from the Pelican archives, this slipcased, numbered Fiftieth Anniversary Limited Edition showcases the rich legacy of storytelling within our state and the far reach that a humble (or not so humble!) gator has had on Cajun culture, Louisiana, and the entire country.

Cajun Night Before Christmas 50th Anniversary Limited Edition

The Ghostly Tales of New Orleans

9781467198189

$12.99

Welcome to the spooky streets of New Orleans! Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms. Did you know that New Orleans cemeteries are built above ground? Or that thousands of visitors each year come to see what ghosts and spirits may appear in these beautiful Cities of the Dead? Can you believe that the ghost of Marie Laveau--the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans--was once seen dancing on a tomb, with a snake wrapped around her? Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see the Big Easy, and have you sleeping with the light on!

The Legend of Roux-Dolph the Gumbo Pot

9781455627592

$19.99

When Santa is flying over the Southern bayou and his stomach growls, little Viola invites him down for some of her mother's gumbo. But wait--now Santa has eaten it all! Young readers will delight in the Christmas magic that Santa brings to the empty gumbo pot, making sure it never runs low again.

Cajun Night After Christmas

9781565547797

$19.99

Drifting down the bayou the night after Christmas, Boudreau discovers a fat alligator named Pierre, whom he takes home as a pet. The Boudreau children give Pierre their full attention, much to Pierreï¿½s dismay, but in the end, itï¿½s a very happy Cajun night after Christmas all through the year!

Who Got the Baby in the King Cake?

9781455626038

$17.99

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. The unofficial regent is also expected to host the next king cake party--or at least provide the cake! So, of course, everyone asks "Who got the baby in the king cake?" Downing's hand-cut colorful collage illustrations accompany her original song in this joyous story designed to entertain and educate kids of all ages. The full song, and many others celebrating her Louisiana home, can be found on her album Swamp Romp: A Louisiana Dance Party for Children.

Bayou Ballet

9781455626625

$19.99

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. Budding ballerinas will love the humorous illustrations paired with beginner-friendly explanations of dance terms, making the moves both easy to understand and memorable.

Gumbo Weather

9781455627615

$19.99

Adaleigh, a young Cajun girl, has the envie for her grandmother's chicken and sausage gumbo. But there is a problem. It's summer, and Mamere does not cook her gumbo until the weather has just the right chill in the air. Adaleigh tries various get-gumbo techniques, including learning to ask for it in French, but she will have to wait. This picture book for young readers, peppered with Cajun words, celebrates the Cajun culture and the importance of generational bonds.

Andrew Higgins and the Boats That Landed Victory in World War II

9781455625277

$16.99

Andrew Higgins built boats that could "crunch through driftwood, bounce over logs, climb a beach," and "wham up on a sloping concrete sea wall." In World War II, that was exactly what was needed to get soldiers and Jeeps from the ocean to land. This biography for young readers traces the invention of the legendary Higgins boat-and the adventurous childhood of the remarkable man behind it.

Andrew Higgins and the Boats That Landed Victory in World War II

12 Days of Mardi Gras

9781455626403

$19.99

Repetition, alliteration, and visual humor abound in this Mardi Gras themed riff on the iconic holiday song, perfect for emerging readers and early counters. As each day of the Mardi Gras season passes, a gift is given. Each of the many, many, many gifts is familiar to those who embrace the season's traditions. Coming in twos, twelves, fives and fours, the gifts include majestic masks, floats a rolling, golden shoes, and cherished cups. Colorful illustrations provide lots of additional hijinks and engagement in this soon-to-be-classic holiday tale!

Rise and Shine, It's Mardi Gras Time!

9781455627530

$19.99

Mardi Gras is the most magical time of year for Petite Float and her papa. This season, Petite is extra excited because, for the first time, she will be joining the other floats in the parade as they roll down the streets of town. Even her dreams haven't prepared her for the splendor that is Carnival: the happy crowds, the hand-painted throws, the dazzling flambeaux, and the sparkling floats. As day turns to night, Petite experiences all the best memories of a childhood Mardi Gras. She wonders at the beads flying through the sky, marvels at the bass drums of the marching bands, and delights in the twirling dancers and caped riders on horseback. As Petite Float makes her way down the parade route, the magic of Mardi Gras fills the air and stirs the imagination. Bright, cheerful art perfectly complements this sweet story and captures the innocent joy of a child's first Mardi Gras.

King of the Shoebox Parade

9781455627578

$19.99

Mitchell the house mouse is cozy in his shoebox home in Grammy's closet. What will he do when her granddaughter snatches the box away to make a miniature float for a Carnival contest? Maybe he will pitch in and even get to ride! Young readers will thrill to Mitchell's adventure involving the long-beloved childhood tradition of crafting a Mardi Gras float from a cardboard shoebox.

Rougarou at Mardi Gras

9781455627554

$19.99

Rougarou loves to play, and sing, and dance--just like you do! But she looks a little different, and sometimes people who don't know her think she is scary. So she stays in the swamp and acts silly with her friends, who love her just the way she is. But on one very special day each year, Rougarou leaves the swamp. It is a day when everyone loves to play, and sing, and dance. People dress up in colorful costumes and go to parades. Can you guess what day it is? It's Mardi Gras, of course! In her sequined costume, Rougarou sparkles and dazzles on Mardi Gras Day as she hits the streets. She stops for beignets, and then she tracks down the Mardi Gras Indians, whose costumes are even more fabulous than her own. A quick bite of gumbo and she is off to cheer on Rex. There are so many adventures to have on Mardi Gras Day! Everywhere there is music. Everywhere there are smiling people. This fun, brightly colored tour of a New Orleans Mardi Gras introduces children to what makes the day so special as well as everyone's favorite Carnival customs.

Rainbow Rodney

9781455627561

$19.99

Way down at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, a very special flamingo stood out among his krewe. For he was not just pink but red, yellow, purple, green, and even orange. Could it be from all the delicious foods that New Orleans has to offer? Young readers will eat their way through the city with Rainbow Rodney in this celebration of classic Crescent City dishes.

Matthew's Rise

9781455625444

$9.95

Set on Caddo Lake in northwest Louisiana, this middle-reader novel finds eleven-year-old Matthew Morin and his family recovering from a tragic loss and trying to regain normalcy as they head to the family farmhouse. There Matthew will build new friendships, investigate a suspicious fire, discovering a Caddo Indian mound, and solving the mystery surrounding the area. They soon turn their attention to the enigmatic new neighbor down the road. As they investigate further, they are pitched into a race against time to save the burial site from desecration.

The New Orleans Twelve Days of Christmas

9781455624539

$17.99

Christmas in the Crescent City is unique. Welcome to the land of secondliners, oyster po' boys, shotgun houses, and king cakes. This holiday picture book celebrates the special quirkiness of New Orleans.

The New Orleans Twelve Days of Christmas

Bonfires on the Levee

9781455625918

$15.99

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. The vibrant illustrations created in cut paper and foam collage enhance the text, offering little ones further engagement in this soon to be classic Christmas tale of waiting for Papa Noel along the levee.

Mon Cher Bebe

9781455625932

$19.99

Author and illustrator Ariane O'Pry Trammell offers a sweet and lyrical prayer for little ones everywhere. Her illustrations lovingly capture the innocence of childhood and the cherished bond between siblings and parents. Each beautiful illustration is framed in context with a longer prayer filled with the lush imagery of the Louisiana landscape. To round out this heirloom book are scriptures derived from various versions of the Christian Bible. Each scripture has been rephrased and simplified by the author to assist young readers in understanding the word of God.

Louisiana Night Before Christmas

9781941879320

$17.99

Down in the swamps of Louisiana, Papa Noël has a big problem. He's hit his head and forgotten who he is. How will the good boys and girls of Louisiana get any presents this year? Mama Noël puts the animals to work alongside the elves to finish the toys and pack this bayou Santa's unique sleigh. Working throughout the night, Mama and her krewe travel up and down the state, guided by levee bonfires. Mama's team of animal helpers are rewarded for their hard work with some delicious local treats left out for Santa and his elves. Louisiana children and their parents will love this new holiday story filled with humorous references to what makes this time of year so special in Louisiana.

Little Laveau

9781941879290

$10.00

Arggh , there be pirates in the third adventure of Little Laveau! Join Little Laveau and her pet alligator, Squeeker, as they travel the seas and meet a little pirate with a big attitude. With a taste for the adventure of knowledge, Little Laveau captures some facts on historical characters along with some very important lessons on behavior! Watercolor illustrations full of excitement accompany the tale perfect for emerging readers--whether they live along the Gulf Coast or not!

Goodnight Pothole

9781455627370

$19.99

Hold on to your car's alignment. In this parody of the classic children's book Goodnight Moon, sleepy readers will dream of orange cones and chicken bones, blown out tires and downed wires, and so many more amusing rhymes in this funny-but-true take on eroding roads.

Five Little Possums

9781455626335

$8.95

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.

How to Decorate a Cypress Tree

9781455626229

$19.99

MaLou and Rodney love the decorated tree in town and can't wait to do a fancy tree in their own home. But the year has been hard and money is tight and Mama and Daddy just don't think they'll be enough for a tree this year. No Christmas tree?! The only thing worse than that is seeing how sad their parents are. The children come up with a creative solution that embraces the Louisiana bayou's bounty. With ingenuity and open hearts they fill the tree, and their family, with love for the perfect holiday blessing!

The Bayou Bogeyman Presents Hoodoo and Voodoo 2nd edition

9781455625574

$9.95

The Bayou Bogeyman Presents Hoodoo and Voodoo 2nd edition

Things that Geaux

9781455626014

$19.99

In unique Louisiana style, Scott Campbell and daughter Tallulah present an alphabet of things that geaux! Things that zoom, things that crawl, things that dance, things that roll, things that fly, and things that run are all featured in this fun-filled jaunt for emerging readers who need to move. Whether you are down in Grand Isle or up by Grand Bayou or are just visiting the Pelican State, you'll find a cleverly illustrated alphabet of items to identify. Each page features multiple things that move and start with the same letter. Labels assist emerging readers as they match words to images and encourage a discussion of things that go in their lives. A perfect choice for classroom, travel, and family reading!

The Flying Horses of City Park

9781455624713

$17.99

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.

Couillon the Crawfish

9781455626106

$19.99

Survival in the swamp is hard work, especially for a delicious little mudbug. Couillon the crawfish is a whole lot of crazy. Despite his small size, he's way more than a handful of tough. Always stand up for yourself!

Clovis Crawfish and His Friends Sixtieth-Anniversary Edition

9781455625635

$19.95

Friendship is the underlying subject as the beauty and dangers of bayou life are depicted in this first story in the landmark Clovis Crawfish series. This commemorative edition features an introduction by the author's daughter and archival material from the beloved series.

Clovis Crawfish and His Friends Sixtieth-Anniversary Edition

Greta's Gumbo

9781455627837

$19.99

"A masterpiece of wordplay, a riot of visual humor, and a testament to the power of imagination--Webre's tale makes me feel like a child again." --Connie Collins Morgan, author of The Runaway Beignet It's time to make gumbo, but Greta's dad needs groceries and her baby brother is fussy. As her frazzled dad shops for gumbo ingredients, he doesn't notice when Greta, determined to calm her brother, summons the help of a hyperactive monkey, a curious rabbit, and a frozen penguin. The baby laughs. But when a grunting elephant and a lumbering bear cause chaos, the baby wails. Yikes! Can Greta calm the baby and help Dad get groceries for Greta's gumbo? Imagination rules in this fun story for young readers.

Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

9781455627790

$17.99

"Bourque's entertaining and captivating story brilliantly showcases the importance of having supportive friends who encourage and uplift each other through life's ups and downs. Their teamwork, kindness, and positive attitudes are not only admirable but also inspiring." -- The Children's Book Review
READERS' FAVORITE 5-STAR REVIEW!
It's Sunday, the day before the school week begins, and Alycat is nervous. She just knows that Monday is going to be the Mondayest Monday ever! On the playground, Alycat realizes she isn't the only one suffering from the Sunday Scaries. It's hard to ride a bike. What if Kit falls? The treehouse is so high. Will Spotty make it safely back down? The kittens band together to overcome their fears, but can they turn the Sunday Scaries into a Sunday Funday? The themes of the books in the Alycat Series all reflect a reliance on friendships, imagination, and creativity towards problem solving. Fans of Alycat and her friends will enjoy spotting references to the kittens' daily adventures within these pages. Tips for a successful lemonade stand are included People are talking... The Alycat Series features: Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day , Alycat and the Monday Blues , Alycat and the Friendship Friday , Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday , Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday , Alycat and the Sleepover Saturday, and Alycat and the Sunday Scaries . The books in this series have won more than 17 awards, including the NYC Big Book Award, the Mom's Choice Awards, and the Next Generation Indie Book Awards; have been featured in Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly; and have appeared in the Oscars celebrity swag bag and the Grammy Awards gift bag. Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, featured Bourque and her life-size mascot, Alycat, on her popular YouTube channel Little Red News.

Five Little Termites

9781455627844

$10.95

If it's May in Louisiana, the termites are swarming! This counting book will make toddlers and their families laugh--and squirm--as they recognize this annual buggy invasion.

I Know My Louisiana Colors

9781455627745

$10.95

In this board book, Huey the pelican is learning his Louisiana colors. Come fly with him and see how colorful our state can be, with blue in the heron, red in the peppers, yellow in the sunshine, and so much more!

King Cake ABCs

9781455627622

$19.99

Mixing king cake and ABCs is a recipe for every youngster's enjoyment. From "Ash Wednesday" to "baby" to "colors" to "zesty," each page of this alphabet book highlights a different letter with colors that pop, rhymes that explain, and king cake history that delights as a wonderful decadent dessert. Learn together by understanding, reliving, and cherishing the Carnival season.

My Parrain Is the Loup Garou

9781455627608

$19.99

This original Cajun tall tale is a familial love story between a child and his godfather. Like children on the playground, the child boasts to the reader about his parrain's superhuman strength and wolflike qualities as proof that the godfather is in fact the legendary mythical creature, the Loup Garou. As playmates, the child and the parrain set out on magical adventures, perhaps too good to be true. This lighthearted twist to the often dark oral traditions of the Cajun werewolf is sure to make children laugh and, hopefully, wildly dream

Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday

9781455626489

$17.99

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?

Young readers will tag along on Alycat's adventures during her very "cattywampus" Wednesday and learn that a little help from some friends and a good attitude can make your day!

The themes of the books in the Alycat Series all reflect a reliance on friendships, imagination, and creativity towards problem solving. The character traits of Alycat and her friends inspire and encourage young readers to find their own special gifts.

People are talking . . .

The Alycat Series features: Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day, Alycat and the Monday Blues, Alycat and the Friendship Friday, Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday, Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday, Alycat and the Sleepover Saturday, and Alycat and the Sunday Scaries. The books in this series have won more than 17 awards, including the NYC Big Book Award, the Mom's Choice Awards, and the Next Generation Indie Book Awards; have been featured in Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly; and have appeared in the Oscars celebrity swag bag and the Grammy Awards gift bag. Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, featured Bourque and her life-size mascot, Alycat, on her popular YouTube channel Little Red News.