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Inspirational anecdotes from exceptional Americans. Ten leadership lessons are taught here through the dramatic true stories of American men and women in World War II. From Dwight D. Eisenhower and Chester Nimitz to everyday Americans who rose to leadership during the world's greatest war, these stories reflect the core values of this remarkable generation. With these inspiring accounts, today's managers and leaders will learn essential leadership tactics, such as having a vision, being a self-starter, taking care of your people, and leading by example.

Yo ho-ho-ho! Michael Lewis's sea-faring Santa tale is surely the best buried treasure you'll ever uncover! The Great Pirate Christmas Battle is so funny you'll shiver your timbers with laughter and clap your hands! Unless you have a hook for a hand. Then you probably shouldn't do that.
—Butch Hartman, voice actor for Family Guy, writer for Dexter's Laboratory and The Powerpuff Girls, and creator of The Fairly OddParents

Take to the high seas with this mordantly witty tale of tinsel and terror. Cap'n McNasty and his rapscallions gleefully plunder children's presents—until Santa Claus and his feisty elves swoop in to put an end to their naughty ways!

WINNER OF THE SCBWI CRYSTAL KITE AWARD

AN IN THE MARGINS LIST NOMINEE

This incisive coming-of-age story is set against the backdrop of Hurricane Katrina and its severe devastation to US soil. A compelling tale of growth and independence, this debut novel brings a fresh, evocative voice to the stage: Hollis Williams, whose resilience, strength of character, and personal growth are powerfully portrayed by the author's authentic narrative. This book will last for generations, giving voice to every young reader struggling to find his or her place in the world.

Hollis Williams is a middle-school student in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans. His father absent and his mother dead, Hollis and his siblings live with his grandmother. He dreams of reconnecting with his father, but Hurricane Katrina strikes and devastates his home and his plans. The young boy's family is trapped on the roof of their house, hoping and waiting to be rescued. When help finally arrives, Hollis and his family are separated and sent hundreds of miles apart. Taken to a shelter in a West Virginia church, Hollis must reunite his family against all odds.

From a judge who must decide which parent will get custody of a young boy at Christmas in �The Christmas Visitation,� to a little girl who only wants a crayon lipstick as her gift in the title story, Mr. Toner�s ten short stories depict times when love rises above life�s obstacles to give new meaning to Christmas.

A pea-brained T-Rex learns what bullies so often discover: that little dinosaurs--or little children--grow up . . . sometimes way up!

Captain Dare, the fearsome pirate captain, invites children of all ages on this exciting, interactive adventure to find a secret treasure. Children repeat the orders of Captain Dare as they wade through crocodile-filled lagoons and sneak past dangerous snake pits. Through a jungle and up a cliff, children must travel with the captain to find a treasure more special than gold-a treasure trove of books.

What does your NOLA dog love most? With so much going on in the city, it can be tough to decide on a favorite!

Not just pets, NOLA dogs are cherished family members who thrive in our culture, revel in our celebrations, and eagerly explore every nuance of life in our area. See the magic of local treasures and traditions through the eyes of our devoted and ever-curious canine companions.

A Louisiana twist on the classic Gingerbread Man story!

On a whim, an old Cajun couple named Marcelle and Dumas use their famous boudin recipe to make a boy. After they batter up the mixture and fry it up like a boudin ball, the boy magically comes to life and is taught all about swamp life. Follow Boudin Boy on his wild adventures throughout Louisiana and beyond in this Cajun spin on the Gingerbread Man.

New paperback edition from Pelican Publishing!

"Robert Tallant speaks with authority . . ." —New York Times

"Straightforward handling of sensational times and tricksters, of the cult of voodooism in all its manifestations. From its first known appearances in New Orleans of 200 years ago, here are the . . . rites and dances, the cures, charms and gris-gris. Here were the witchdoctors and queens, and in particular Doctor John . . . and Marie Laveau.” —Kirkus Reviews

"Much nonsense has been written about voodoo in New Orleans. . . . Here is a truthful and definitive picture." —Lyle Saxon

The word “voodoo” elicits reactions from fear to fascination; thoughts of pins stuck in dolls, hexes, and strange rites immediately come to mind. But few people know the true origin of voodooism or anything about its practice in America, particularly New Orleans. This examination of voodoo rites and beliefs is sure to fascinate every reader.

Originally published in 1946, this intriguing book examines the rites and beliefs associated with voodoo through the legends of the art—its charms, trances, rituals, and difficult-to-explain occurrences.

Robert Tallant was one of Louisiana’s best-known authors. Born in New Orleans in 1909, he attended the city’s local public schools. Before “drifting” into writing, Tallant worked as an advertising copywriter, a bank teller, and a clerk. It was his friendship with Lyle Saxon that led Tallant to his position as editor on the Louisiana WPA Writers’ Project during the 1930s and 1940s. In that position, he coauthored Gumbo Ya-Ya: Folk Tales of Louisiana with Lyle Saxon and Edward Dreyer.

By 1948, Tallant’s career had launched, and over the next eleven years he produced eight novels, six full-length works of nonfiction, and numerous short stories and articles on subjects of local interest. He is also known to have corresponded with, as well as applied to, the Julius Rosenwald Fund for a fellowship in creative writing. During the last years of his life, he was a lecturer in English at Newcomb College as well as a reporter for the New Orleans Item. Robert Tallant died in 1957.

The classic children’s folktale of the Gingerbread Boy gets a spicy Cajun twist—and comes with a delicious recipe for cornbread.

Down on the bayou in the heart of Cajun country lives a little old woman who is very lonely. One day, she decides to make a cornbread boy. Taking down her grandmère’s magical black iron skillet, she adds all the right ingredients, careful not to forget a big dash of cayenne pepper.

When the cornbread boy pops out of the oven, he blinks his chili-pepper eyes, sprouts arms and legs, and sprints out the door before the old woman can catch him. Through the swamp and past the creatures curiously sniffing after him, the cornbread boy runs until he meets an artful alligator who is in for one spicy surprise.

In this flavorful retelling of the classic Gingerbread Boy tale, international storyteller extraordinaire Dianne de Las Casas presents a delightful romp through Cajun country that will have readers of all ages hungry for more.

Praise for The Cajun Cornbread Boy

“An old tale sprouts legs and takes off, enlivened by a dash of Cajun flavor. Catch it if you can!” —Aaron Sheard, The Author of Lightning Larry

“Dianne de Las Casas mixes humor, high spirits, lively narration and a colorful setting to bring alive the timeless tale of the Gingerbread Boy.” —Robert D. San Souci, author of The Talking Eggs: A Folktale from the American South and Little Pierre: A Cajun Story from Louisiana

Join Huey the river rat on a Louisiana adventure of bridges, levees, and landmarks

Huey and his family of river rats live along the batture of the Mississippi River near New Orleans. He dreams of riding the bridge train atop the Huey P. Long bridge and exploring the world beyond his family’s home on the levee. Follow along on an adventure that weaves through some of Louisiana’s most fascinating characters and famous landmarks. 

A boy from the swamp, content with a simple existence, is encouraged by a mysterious alligator to explore another side of life.

Although the boy is reluctant to trust his strange new friend, a curious fascination compels him to accept the invitation. He ventures beyond the confines of his quiet swamp, learning much about the outside world and even more about himself.

When it comes to exploring the world of these forest animals, bedtime is just the beginning.

Nighttime Ones is a children’s book for the soon-to-be-slumbering senses. From tracing the camouflaged numerals that correspond to the beautiful illustrations of woodland creatures to the pleasant rhyming text full of bedtime vocabulary, it is an adventure that can slip seamlessly into sleep. For those night owlets in the audience begging to stay up just a little longer, there are one hundred seek and find insects hidden throughout the story.

Santa’s running late! Luckily, a scruffy white pup knows New Orleans by heart, and he’s ready to save Christmas.

Scrim the dog is based on a true story of a scraggly, little white terrier named Scrim that captured the hearts of New Orleanians when he was on the run in the city for many months; he even jumped out of a second story window after he was apprehended! A portion of all book sales will be donated by the author to local animal rescues and animal welfare organizations.

Don’t sweat that muggy Mississippi weather. Catch a breather with a colorful board book packed with playful rhymes and helpful tips for breezing through the season. 

Using techniques from hypnosis, neurolinguistic programming, the Bible, and the greatest salespeople in history, Hogan empowers you to improve all areas of your life.

Gary the alligator and his little sister Mary had always been two peas in a pod, especially in the kitchen! However, growing up and growing apart leads to tough disagreements about what to make for dinner. Can the two young gators learn to work together in time for the annual Crawfish Cookoff?

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. It will take some persuading to make it across and onto the parade route! What will give the float the confidence to get across and entertain all the costumed children waiting to see the parade?

"Science doesn't freak meowt!"

Alycat is excited that it’s Science Fair Day, but why is her classmate copying almost everything about her, from the shirt she’s wearing to the project she’s doing? Soon Alycat learns, through patience and kindness, that two similar things can be better when they work together. This latest addition to the kitten picture-book series includes STEM themes plus instructions for making your own glitter volcano!

Join Beignet Bunny on a whimsical adventure through New Orleans as he searches for friends, convinced he's a sugar-covered treat, and encounters a colorful cast of characters along the way.

When Momma Bunny calls her new baby “my little beignet,” he becomes convinced he’s actually a sugar-covered treat, beloved in New Orleans. Beignet Bunny embarks on an adventure, asking a pelican, crawfish, turtle, and even a sleeping possum where all the other beignets play. Will he be able to find a friend? Young readers will enjoy hopping along with the sweetest bunny as he searches for others like him.

Join Pinky the penguin as she teaches children about manners in this charming and educational story.

Pinky the penguin is very polite. She always tries to do what’s right. Today she will show us manners the Louisiana way, from sharing beignets at breakfast to tipping street musicians, greeting the streetcar driver, being a good sport at the football game, and more.

Embark on a magical journey through Florida’s diverse landscapes.

Join our young protagonist aboard the Panhandle Pullman for an unforgettable adventure filled with breathtaking sights and exciting discoveries. From the emerald waters of St. George Island to the historic streets of St. Augustine, each stop offers new wonders to explore. Taste the Tupelo honey, and marvel at the wildlife of the Florida Keys. Encounter manatees and sea turtles, alligators, crocodiles. Blast off at a NASA rocket launch! All Aboard, Florida! celebrates the beauty, history, and wonders of Florida in a captivating tale for children of all ages. Climb aboard and get ready for a journey of a lifetime.

Deep in the bayou where critters reside lived a lovable little crawfish they all knew as Clyde. The big crawfish said he would always be too small to play, but Clyde had an idea of how his giant cousin up in Maine could help! Young readers will enjoy the trick while also learning the importance of inclusion.

Petit Pierre has made a home for himself on the coast where Louisiana meets Mississippi, and now it is time for him to learn how to plunge-dive. Brown pelicans typically pick up this behavior by watching others do it. Will a new friend help Pierre learn how to dive? Young readers will follow his progress and, along the way, find out more about Gulf of Mexico marine life.

In the swamp, Gary the gator befriends Jerry, a cellphone who has fallen off a swamp boat.

Jerry offers Gary access to many wonders of the world, but Gary misses slowing down and enjoying his bayou life with his friends and family. In this colorful picture book, young readers will discover if Gary and Jerry can strike a good balance between modern technology and the simple life.

Visit Florida from A to Z and discover that the state is more than just a vacationer’s dream. Throughout each brightly colored page, young readers will identify fun and familiar places, food, and activities while learning new words and concepts on their alphabetical journey of the Sunshine State. From alligators and egrets to mangroves and oranges, this friendly introduction to Florida’s weather, geography, and more will be rewarding to read and reread both in classrooms and at home. The state’s wildlife, flowers, landscapes, and more are captured in the breezy, balmy illustrations, which feature fun facts and a  picture search. 

Did you know that more than one thousand shipwrecks have been found off the Florida Keys? Or that the Florida panther, the state animal, can travel more than twenty miles in a single night? These fascinating Florida facts are just a few of the engaging concepts that children (and adults) will learn on their educational jaunt through America’s southernmost state. A list of Florida state symbols completes this delightfully rhyming primer.

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.

No fictional swashbuckler could ever rival Jean Lafitte's dramatic life. From his hidden base in the Louisiana swamps at Barataria Bay, Lafitte mounted daring raids on ships in the Gulf of Mexico. His battles with the law were the stuff of legend: when Governor Claiborne of Louisiana offered a reward for the buccaneer's capture, Lafitte responded with a bigger reward for the governor! But when the British asked for his help in their invasion of Louisiana during the War of 1812, the pirate instead joined forces with Andrew Jackson to win the Battle of New Orleans. Later, the brigand moved his operation to Galveston and harried Mexican vessels in support of the Texans seeking independence.

Lyle Saxon's superbly written account examines Lafitte's fascinating career, and frees the truth of the pirate's life from the web of fantastic myths which grew up around him. Did Lafitte participate in the French Revolution as a lad? What was his role in the plot to rescue Napoleon from his exile on St. Helena? And where is Lafitte's treasure hidden? Lafitte the Pirate is a classic work which will appeal to both adventure lovers and students of Louisiana history.

Halloween is one of the most exciting days of the year for students. Imaginations—and children—run amok, fueled by thoughts of pumpkins, trick-or-treat plans, and sugar highs. But at school, their teachers dread the yearly shenanigans, and this year, the students have started celebrating a day early. With princesses running a tiara trade ring in the girls’ bathroom and a laser sword battle among fourth-grade space rangers, the kids are quickly taking control of the school!

           When a group of fifth-grade monsters tie up two first-graders and prepare to eat them, the teachers are ready to call it quits! It’s up to the students and their parents to show the teachers a new kind of Halloween and give them a holiday treat they’ll never forget.

Tastes and tales from Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast has long been a place where people and water are intertwined: the residents live, breathe, and eat the bounty of the Gulf. This collection of recipes from local chefs and essays showing the intimate relationship between people, industry, and environment provides a compelling portrait of one of the Gulf Coast’s most dynamic regions. Snacks such as Atomic Pelican Beaks, starters including Biloxi Doughnuts, seafood entrees like Shrimp-Stuffed Mirlitons, and more bring the Coast into your kitchen, wherever that may be. Local resources, including marinas, are listed. Accompanied by stunning images and intimate stories, On the Coast: Mississippi Tales and Recipes will transport you to a land that breathes with the rhythm of the Gulf.

The life and work of the famous Cherokee sculptor.

Eddie Morrison is perhaps the best-known living Native American sculptor. Morrison’s pieces embody the best of Cherokee tradition by combining the heart, spirituality, and philosophy of his culture. His work is displayed in galleries all across the US, in private collections, and in several foreign countries. This lushly illustrated work is not just a compendium of Morrison’s art: it is the story of a humble man with a deep passion for his heritage and a drive to ensure a thriving future for his people. With more than 100 images of Morrison’s works and a foreword by Principal Chief Bill John Baker, this volume is a beautiful and invaluable resource.

The life and influence of Jimmy in Saint-Paul de Vence.

Composed of more than 70 interviews with some of the many people who encountered James Baldwin in the last 17 years of his life, this revealing retrospective provides an intimate look into one of America’s greatest literary figures. Baldwin escaped from the racism and hatred in America to find solace and self-exile in Saint-Paul de Vence. In his time there, Baldwin became a beloved neighbor and friend to the locals of the village and hosted many guests from around the world in his grand bastide. Legendary celebrities, such as Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Bill Wyman, and others, tell their personal reminisces and stories about Baldwin.

Celebrating the universal language-food!

Based on the 2010 and 2011 presentations of Meanwhile, Back at Café Du Monde . . ., these 67 foodie monologues invoke your own special comfort-foods, recalling tasty memories of life, love, family, and friends to warm your heart, feed your soul, and make you pause to savor the sweetness of life!

This well-researched book expands on the age-old conflict between human science and revealed religion. Both the novice and the scholar will be fascinated with the material here, which links the infamous heroes of human science to the dark side of reality�that is, Satan. The three main topics covered are godless philosophy, Darwinian evolution, and atheistic psychology.

This completely revised second edition of Seaside is the guide to the famous Florida resort town, complete with maps, walking tours, updated addresses, aerial views, and a look inside some of Seaside's most beautifully decorated homes. For the first time, a complete list of every town structure and its designer is included.

A May/June 2000 BookSense ’76 Selection

Accelerated Reader Program Selection

In China, a beautiful ceramic tile lies shattered on the ground, and the artist who dropped it is sentenced to the land’s worst punishment. The fierce warlord will execute the artist unless some wise person can put the seven pieces back together. That person will then be invited to live in the castle. Both locals and strangers from far away wait their turns for a chance to solve the warlord’s puzzle.

After learning why these people are waiting to enter the castle, a peasant boy convinces his poor but wise father to join the line. This little boy starts them off on the first step to solving the puzzle—entering the contest.

Stately mansions and picturesque, cozy cottages line the avenues of beautiful Beaufort, South Carolina, but most visitors have had to be content with merely enjoying their facades--until now. The Majesty of Beaufort invites you to come inside and enjoy the simple elegance and down-home southern charm of these historic homes. Inside these pages you will find stunning full-color photographs of historic house museums, architectural landmarks, and the famous downtown historic district, as well as St. Helena Island sites and attractions. Whether you are lucky enough to live in Beaufort, plan on visiting, or just have an interest in Southern history or American architecture, this volume will be a welcome and beautiful addition to your library.

Author and stand-up comedian Michael Strecker tells jokes about po’ boys and ferries, and crawfish and oil—everything under the New Orleans sun! Paired with the comically animated illustrations of Vernon Smith, fans of the Crescent City will be belly-laughing about the unique yet familiar places, people, and things. Included are silly takes on local favs such as this gem: “Why did the Chihuahua need to go to the optometrist? It had Popeyes!”

Featuring a “What Dat?” glossary of local terms and their pronunciations, this collection of hilarious and guaranteed age appropriate jokes will have readers laughing ‘til the remoulade comes out of their nose!

Creole cooking with Grandma!

Bell peppers, shrimp, oysters, onions, and okra—Grandma stirs up these and other traditional fresh ingredients to create this special Southern dish. Add generous portions of rice and hot sauce with a handful of filé seasoning, and you’ve got a classic Creole gumbo! Now available as a board book, this delightful rhyming story features colorful collage-style illustrations surrounded by the charming and infectious poetic rhythm. Early readers and pre-readers alike will be enchanted as Grandma adds more and more items to her big black pot. Every ingredient plays an important part in the formation of this delicious dish, making it the tastiest treat in Louisiana. Bon appétit!

More Southern Christmas spirit than you can handle!

Cyndi Lou finds herself in a quite a fix when her beau, Billy Ray, tries to secure her affection with an assortment of Christmas gifts. This sounds like a pretty good deal for Cyndi Lou and her Memaw, but when the gifts go on for twelve days straight and include such Christmas “treasures” as razorback hogs, live catfish, and a dozen possums, it’s hard for Cyndi Lou to really get into the Christmas spirit. What with all of the armadillos and those Nascar racers taking up residence in the double-wide, is it any wonder the sheriff has to put Memaw in the sanitarium? This enchantingly fractured version of the well-known rhyme for adults will truly “bless your heart!”

This delightfully illustrated book for young readers tells of a child getting used to the idea of sharing with his little brother. He doesn't want to! But he soon finds out that if he shares with brother, brother shares with him.

The little giraffe escapes the zoo and finds herself in the French Quarter, where she makes new friends who agree to help her. In the second story, Jenny Giraffe rides a float in the super Krewe of Orpheus parade. Young children will greatly enjoy these recordings.

Voices from those who lived through the largest environmental catastrophe in American history.

Accelerated Reader Program Selection

The 1930s Dust Bowl was the greatest ecological tragedy in the United States. Through a combination of drought and fierce winds, America’s Great Plains were left bare. In a series of sixteen narrative profiles, the author brings to life the voices of this time period. The characters who symbolize common residents of the “Great American Desert,” include a teacher protecting her class from a black roller, a nurse treating patients with dust pneumonia, and a nine-year-old girl who has never seen rain.

Dated entries appear chronologically and depict outlaw Bonnie Parker and photographer Dorthea Lange, among other figures of the era. In the back of the book, a historical note gives a thorough overview of the Dust Bowl’s national impact on population growth, healthcare, and the government. A glossary explains terms such as Hooverville and Civilian Conservation Corps. An educational resource, this illustrated history conveys the full effect of this disastrous decade.

Take a streetcar ride through the Crescent City!

Snowballs, second lines, balconies, and gardens—when you’re in New Orleans, you won’t want to miss any of the sights and sounds! In this colorful new picture book, hop on the streetcar at St. Charles Avenue and follow the rolling rhymes past Uptown mansions and Garden District greenery. Switch to the red line and glide by Mid-City homes and through the historic French Quarter. This book is your family’s ticket to the wildlife, buildings, and culture that make New Orleans a place unlike any other! Hold on tight to the handrail, because with Marion Rea Brian’s charming storytelling and Jennifer Lindsley’s light-hearted illustrations, you’re in for the ride of your life!

She may be spineless, but this invertebrate has a lot of backbone!

May the best dinosaur win!

Where can you see T. rex weight lifting, pteranodon gymnastics, and stegosaur volleyball? At the Prehistoric Games, of course! Every thousand years, the fastest and strongest dinosaurs light the ceremonial torch and fight tooth and claw for the gold medal. Wings will flap, tails will swish, and crowds will cheer as these Cretaceous competitors battle for glory. Clever rhymes and vibrant illustrations make this a perfect book to read aloud with the entire family. A glossary and pronunciation guide ensure that each reading is as educational as it is exhilarating! No matter what era you’re from, this rawr-some book will satisfy your inner dino!

Dinosaurs stomp through the pages!

Do you think that you may be a dinosaur? If your claws puncture kickballs, you use a whole tree to brush your teeth, and your tail spikes always rip through your pants, it’s possible that you may just be a dinosaur. Apatosaurus chomps and Velociraptor romps in this hilarious, informative rhyming picture book. Bright illustrations show children the tail-thumping chaos a Spinosaurus could cause trying to find dinner in a refrigerator and why a T. rex should never, ever try to take the school bus. Featuring information on dinosaurs’ sizes, diets, health, and social lives, You May Just Be a Dinosaur is a prehistoric parade of the funniest, punniest, chummiest dinos you’ll ever see in the schoolyard.

From his classroom at school to streets near and far,
Paul looks for a snoball by foot and streetcar.
Sip up and slurp up this sweet, sticky story
that's chock-full of snoballs in their sugary glory.
Bursting with colors like mango and grape
—and spearmint and cherry and rich wedding cake—
these bright pictures sparkle like fresh-shaven ice.
You will read it again—to start, at least twice.
This triple-fun story's a scrumptious delight.
Snoballs for all? That sounds just right!

Color your way through New Orleans cultural icons!

Not just for kids anymore, coloring books are the newest way for adults to de-stress and let their minds rest. What better way to do that then beside your youngster with this coloring book featuring 31 iconic images of New Orleans life? From the zoo, the City Park carousel, and the Superdome to king cakes, streetcars, and beignets, classic cultural images are waiting to be colored! Created by a graphic artist and mom to celebrate the culture and traditions of New Orleans, this coloring book allows everyone to share in the Crescent-City experience. Perfect for locals and tourists of all ages, these stylized outlines of childhood memories will be treasured for years to come.

Joey, left at home alone one night, sees and hears strange things, but he has the superior wit to convince any and all possible monsters that his brother, Dan, is the better choice for dinner.

Reading through these words and phrases is an abbreviated trip through history, with lists of major naval mutinies, a summary of the slave trade, and even jokes. This dictionary is written to be entertaining as well as informative, to give a flavor of the interesting times from the fifteenth to the eighteenth centuries when pirates controlled many sea lanes. It also contains a treasure trove of factual information about life aboard the ship, important pirate haunts, and technical terms.