All Titles

Pierre-Auguste Renoir filled his paintings with light and beauty. Unlike his contemporaries, plain-air painters of landscapers, he filled his canvases with human movement: the swish of a silk; the crackle of crinoline. The Short Biographies series from Applewood Books features short, intriguing, and entertaining biographies of world-renowned figures. These hardcover gems are beloved souvenirs of a favorite artist or a memorable trip to a museum. 

This book presents a slice of the American songbook from 1920 to 2020, with the author recommending 365 of the best recordings of lesser-known standards and sambas of the period. From Whose Baby Are You? (Jerome Kern, music; George Gershwin, piano; 1920) to Baltimore (Randy Newman, 2011, not the original orchestral version) and beyond, this carefully curated list will set readers on a wonderful path of discovery.

The South is predominantly Christian, yet a small Jewish community in Lexington, Mississippi has flourished and sustained its unique identity. This saga is the heartwarming history of the residents, the trials and tribulations that they faced, their ability to connect with the surrounding Christian communities, and the remarkable story of Berman himself. After the original publication of this book, Lexington honored him by creating a "Robert Lewis Berman" day. In times of uncertainty, this book brings a message of hope.

This biography illustrates the accomplishments of a woman who developed a system of classifying stars and who-to this day-holds the record for identifying more stars than anyone else in the world. In 1925, Annie Jump Cannon became the first woman to be honored by Oxford University with a doctor of science degree. In addition to noting the achievements of the astronomer and her contributions to science, the book details Cannon's work and system of ranking stars by heat.

The new baby is an annoying, attention-receiving, loud nuisance, but the older sibling must pretend to love the baby, since everyone insists he must. This picture book can teach children how to be patient with and honest about their feelings of welcoming a newborn home.

A rhythmic jazzy story in verse, Jazz Cats tells about the escapades of some real cool cats that know how to entertain. Their jazz combo plays together in the streets of New Orleans. From the blow of the clarinet and trumpet to the pluck of the fiddle base and beating the trash can drums, these Dixie, dancin’, jazz cats know how to have fun.

Vibrant illustrations highlight the details and bring these hip cats to life in such memorable surroundings as Preservation Hall, Café du Monde, and Jackson Square.

Experience the lively atmosphere, the easy-going people, and the rich heritage of the French Quarter, all from the perspective of a few swingin’ jazz cats. They are always ready for a party and are in the right town for just that.

A comprehensive volume on the famous children�s-book illustrator�s works. With work from his early days as a comic-book illustrator to the Caldecott Award-winning A Snowy Day, and including his many other graphic and book-illustration work, this book stands as a superb companion to Alderson�s first volume.

From the boardroom to the headlines!

From salesman to dealership owner, New Orleans-born billionaire Tom Benson started in business with cars, which paved the way for his other profitable enterprises that include banks, real estate, and the New Orleans Saints. Kathy Finn’s biography of this self-made tycoon reveals some of the mystery behind the legend. Beginning with his working-class childhood in New Orleans, Finn delves into the contention surrounding Benson, from the controversial near-relocation of the Saints to the dramatic legal battle with his daughter. Including interviews with friends, family, and acquaintances, this extensive compilation sheds light on the man behind the empire—his successes and his tragedies.

Follow the story of one of America’s most unique immigrant communities!

The Isleños of Louisiana, Spanish Canary Islanders who immigrated to Louisiana in the late 18th century, are one of the most unique ethnic groups in the American South. They are one of the best preserved immigrant cultures in the United States, having safeguarded their traditions into the 21st century. A key to this cultural preservation was the dance halls. Sustained into modern day by weekly dances in nightclubs and across St. Bernard Parish, this rich history is dying out as younger members of the community fail to pick up its traditions. Follow the history of the Isleños through their immigration to the 20th century Dance Hall Era that has become their legacy.