Arcadia Bestsellers

Decorate your tree with a holiday classic, and experience the original Rudolph every year in this fun miniature replica of the beloved book!

In 1939 Robert L. May, a copywriter working at Chicago's Montgomery Ward & Co., wrote a holiday story at the request of his employer. Almost two and a half million copies of the little tale about a reindeer with a shiny red nose were given away to all the children who visited Montgomery Ward stores that year. The rest is history. Seventy-five years later, the beloved classic is once again available in a faithful facsimile of the 1939 Rudolph, with original text and original Denver Gillen illustrations, in both large hardback and miniature book ornament editions.

Down in a southern swamp, a family of crawfish face a big problem. Their three sons have grown too large and their nice, cozy den is now uncomfortably crowded. Poppa and Mama decide it's time for their sons to leave home and build their own dens. In this twist on a classic tale, Poppa warns the three little crawfish that they must be careful of the sly, ole 'coon. That raccoon has a big appetite for juicy crawfish! Charming illustrations and humorous rhymes create a delightful adventure for beginning readers in this bedtime favorite.

When a hungry raccoon gets trapped in a spiderweb, Clovis urges his friends to abandon their fear of Raoul and help him out of a sticky situation.

Un après-midi agréable sur le bayou louisianais est interrompu quand Caroline Coccinelle arrive tout d’un coup en volant, effrayée d’un ver qui est gros et vilain. Clovis Ecrevisse donne du confort à Caroline en lui expliquant que cette créature effrayante n’est que Tonise Too-loo-loo, son compère du bayou. Pendant que Clovis calme Caroline et dit à Tonise qu’il doit se comporter mieux, un orage commence à faire nuageux l’horizon. Pauline Papillon, Lizette Lézard, René Rainette, et Théodore Tortue ont peur. Tandis que Clovis rappelle pour ses amis que le soleil n’est jamais loin, les nuages sombres s’évanouissent, et le soleil réapparaît comme si magiquement.

Les créatures du bayou sont en train de voleter ou de dormir calmement dans le soleil aéré de l’après-midi quand Soulie Sauterelle voit, en haut du vieux chêne, un gros animal fourreux qui a des gros yeux. Clovis reconnaît cet animal, Charles Chaoui, le raton laveur, mais ses amis ont peur toujours de l’apparence et de la taille de Charles. Comme toujours dans la série de Clovis, un drame réaliste se déroule, quand les dangers habituels menacent les créatures du bayou. Clovis doit aider ses amis à travailler ensemble pour conquérir leurs peurs de Charles et pour découvrir que même quelqu’un qui a la taille d’un chaoui a besoin d’aide de temps en temps.

Mary Alice Fontenot, native et résidente de la Louisiane, est mieux connue comme le auteur pour enfants sur la culture cadienne. Il y a plus de trente ans qu’elle a créée Clovis Ecrevisse et ses amis, les créatures célèbres des terres mouillées. Ancienne enseignante de maternelle, elle fait des discours aux festivals et aux classes d’enfants, où elle décrit la vie unique des bayous et des terres mouillées de la Louisiane. Sa dévotion aux enfants et son art lui a gagné le Acadiana Arts Council Lifetime Achievement Award de 1998.

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!

Clap your hands and tap your toe! This vibrant story by beloved New Orleans children’s author and illustrator Shannon Kelley Atwater captures the imagination while celebrating the Cajun tradition of the fais do-do dance party. Do a little two-step just in time for bed!

Shannon Kelley Atwater was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and came to New Orleans to attend Loyola University, where she received a degree in visual arts. After selling her art on the fences of Jackson Square and opening a gallery space in the French Quarter, she now stays busy raising her three spirited children and taking on various commissioned projects. She is the author and illustrator of Alligators Don’t Like Flowers, Five Little Termites, and Goodnight Pothole and the illustrator of Rainbow Rodney, all published by Pelican.

A wacky safari that is sure to strike a chord with kids! For each letter of the alphabet, this clever book of rhymes presents a cross between an animal and a musical instrument. From newtubas and mandolions to drumonkeys and pigolos, kids will have a blast during this musical safari. Zany illustrations accompany each creation.

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.

It’s the town’s big celebration and Little Laveau is lost in the woods! Luckily, her musical new friend has just the magical cure she needs. Join Little Laveau in her second adventure as she journeys around the Louisiana Bayou, providing a little encouragement for friends and animals wherever she goes. Watercolor illustrations that capture the mystery of the bayou accompany this tale perfect for beginning readers―whether they live in Louisiana or not!

Playful limericks about friendly animal characters in Nantucket, with colorful cut-paper illustrations.

When a determined pelican named Jean-Jacques is handed a very important delivery—one baby rhinoceros—he must rely on creativity, courage, and a few unlikely friends to find his way. This heartwarming adventure celebrates perseverance, problem-solving, and the joy of helping others. With lyrical text and charming hand-drawn illustrations, Are You a Rhinoceros? is a perfect read-aloud for classrooms and cozy laps alike.

Michael the Wildlife Detective is back with a third adventure for young readers.

First, there are small bones all over the mansion's patio. Then, strange screeching noises at night. And now, glowing eyes? There has to be an explanation. Michael follows the clues, closes the case, and gets the job done!

How much can a tall Texan eat?

In this humorous retelling of the classic tale, a tall Texan devours a toad, a rattlesnake, a bat, a bull, and more to get rid of the flea he accidentally ate. The Texan gets bigger and bigger as he eats more and more-all to get rid of a silly old flea! Whoo-ee!

This baby mosquito is in for the meal of his life!

Swept away by a hurricane shortly after his birth, Boudreaux the mosquito has one biting question that needs to be answered: what are mosquitos supposed to eat?  Across the swamps of Louisiana he goes, determined to find a breakfast fit for a pest. Unfortunately for Boudreaux, not a single animal is able to help: The alligator tells him to ask the wolf, who tells him to ask the bear, who tells him to ask the wild hog. Before he knows it, Boudreaux has exhausted his wings buzzing from one ear to the next, and he’s still no closer to finding his first meal! He finally receives a very intriguing answer . . . but what will become of Boudreaux when he tests this theory?

There’s a mystery at Washington Middle School that only Michael the wildlife detective can solve. Secretive guests have moved into the school gymnasium and Principal Green doesn’t know what to do. But not to worry! Using math, music, science, and physical evidence, Michael uncovers the identities of the mysterious intruders who have decided to make the school their new home.

           As Michael reveals clue after clue, young readers will enjoy guessing the identities of the critters putting the school into an uproar. Throughout his stakeout, Michael offers a lesson on the gymnasium’s new residents and how to safely and humanely encourage them to move along.

           Author Michael Birt, a wildlife biologist, shares with readers the importance of treating wild animals and nature with respect and kindness—even when they end up in unnatural spaces and cause inconvenience for their human neighbors. He highlights the importance of finding compassionate solutions to pesky problems and explains why the school’s mystery guests are so special.

Recommended by Autism Speaks.

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. But it is hard work saying no to a mother’s love. Through creativity, patience, and affection (as well as a healthy dose of humor), Oliver’s mother finds a way to get through his imaginative defenses and give him the best hug ever.

Author Kena Sosa captures the delicate dance between mother and child in this fun story about love and the power of hugs. The charming and humorous illustrations of Alexis Braud bring to life the imagination of a child and touchingly depict how hugs can soothe even the most savage beast.