Books for Readers 3-5

This abbreviated board book edition is the perfect introduction to this classic tale!

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.

Near Big Mamou in Southwest Louisiana, Mamère Cochon must send her three little pigs, ’Ti Joe, ’Ti Claude, and ’Ti Frère, out into the great big world to seek their

fortunes. As they prepare to go their separate ways, the brothers agree to watch out for the loup-garou, who’s been planning a cochon du lait for as long as they can remember.

How would the brothers make out on their own? Well, as ’Ti Joe always says, “Vouloir c’est pouvoir” (where there’s a will, there’s a way). But will they be able to avoid the hungry loup-garou? Well, if any three pigs ever had le savoir-faire (the know-how) to outwit the wily wolf, their names would have to be ’Ti Joe, ’Ti Claude, and ’Ti Frère, I garontee!

As a little lagniappe (something extra), the author has included ’Ti Joe’s special recipe for Grillades and Grits, the classic breakfast dish. Bon appétit!

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!

In New Orleans, a little oak tree asks Grand Oak why it is so small in comparison. The Grand Oak replies that the young one is special and one day everyone will see.  As the seasons change and the tree grows, the young tree continues to ask why it isn’t as big, or as full of leaves, or strong and study. With a gentle voice the Grand Oak encourages and guides the small oak to have patience, stay grounded, and have trust in the future. When that future arrives, the Grand Oak celebrates the little trees uniqueness in this inspiring tale that encourages us to nurture the young and guide them towards their own unique nature.

This colorfully illustrated rhyming board book covers the Texas summers using playful comparisons.

From Texas spice to sweet tea on ice, this book is sure to keep your little ones as cool as a cucumber.

What I Know to Be True is a heartfelt tribute to southern Louisiana from the author and illustrator of Carnival Time in My Mind.

With colorful local imagery and simple rhymes, this board book captures the essence of New Orleans living and the deep bond between reader and child. Perfect for bedtime reading to newborns and toddlers, it shares a message of love that resonates with every turn of the page. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, this delightful book is a warm celebration of the connection we cherish with the little ones in our lives.

This colorfully illustrated rhyming board book teaches your littles about the great state of Texas.

From the size of the skies to the height of Aunt Birdee's hair, we all know it's bigger there!

Tour the nation's capital in this playful and colorful A - Z tour of Washington, DC. "W is for Washington, D.C. offers a fresh perspective on the iconic monuments, landmarks, famous places and fun things to do in D.C with graphic illustrations and whimsical text. From Air Force One to the National Zoo, W is for Washington, D.C. captures the best of Washington, D.C.

The tour includes stops at Rock Creek Park, the Smithsonian Museum, The Washington Monument, cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin, The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and ice skating at the National Gallery. There is even a page devoted to Presidential Dogs!

W is for Washington, D.C. is a full-size full-size picture book with gorgeous illustrations printed on premium gloss paper. This Washington, D.C. children's book is a great gift for a native Washingtonian or visitor of any age!

From dazzling beaches to the roar of fan-filled stadiums, babies in the Sunshine State will surely recognize all the signs of a sunny day in Florida in this exciting board book!

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.

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.

With vivid, design-centric illustrations that and short whimsical rhymes, S is for Seattle shows off the iconic people, places, food and music of Seattle. This A-Z tour of the Emerald City takes readers through iconic landmarks in the Seattle, including the Space Needle, the Public Market, the Monorail and iconic Seattle ferries. Other stops include a visit to the octopus that lives in Puget Sound and the great, gross Gum Wall. S is for Seattle also highlights the nature of the Northwest, especially Mount Rainier.

Seattle sports fans won't be disappointed either with an image of iconic Seattle sports legends' jerseys. Can you guess them all?

This Seattle children's book is a full-size picture book with gorgeous illustrations printed on premium gloss paper. Whether on a coffee table or on the nightstand, this large-format book is sure to make any resident or visitor smile.

With vivid, design-centric illustrations that and short whimsical rhymes, C is for Chicago Board Book shows off the iconic people, places, food and music of Chicago. This A-Z tour of the Windy City takes readers through iconic landmarks in the Second City, including Millennium Park and "The Bean", Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain, The El, The Chicago River and Navy Pier. "C is for Chicago" also highlights the food and music that make Chicago great: Chicago Hot Dogs, Deep Dish Pizza and the Chicago Blues.

Chicago ports fans won't be disappointed either with a stop at Wrigley Field and iconic Chicago sports legends' jerseys. Can you guess them all?

This Chicago children's book is a durable version of the beloved picture book C is for Chicago and is great for traveling and little hands. Whether on a coffee table or on the nightstand, this large-format book is sure to make any local or visitor smile.

A perfect keepsake for any local or visitor, A Is for Aspen is a charming picture book that explores the town of Aspen, Colorado, through short, sweet rhymes and clean, graphic illustrations. Explore this iconic mountain town from yoga at the top of Ajax Mountain to rafting the whitecaps on the Roaring Fork River. Stops include snowboarding on Buttermilk Mountain, hiking the Bowl at the Highlands and the spectacle of extreme athleticism at the X-Games.

This Aspen, Colorado children's book celebrates everything that both locals and visitors love about this special mountain town.

Two adorable bears set out to find the source of an irresistible aroma and wind up smack dab in the middle of the most exciting place on earth—a festival! 

Join Hannah Bear and LuLu on a thrilling journey as they explore the blinking lights, the spinning rides, and delicious food! The adventurous cubs sample every delectable delight at the big autumn event, from spicy cracklins, pecans, and pralines to other Louisiana treats. As the wind picks up, Hannah Bear and LuLu catch a whiff of something truly special that leads them through the pumpkin patch and across Bayou Bridge. They even encounter an alligator! Follow Hannah Bear and LuLu to the perfect spot with the most delicious smell of all.

With humor, curiosity, and a dash of mischief, Hannah Bear and LuLu's Festival to Remember celebrates the joy of exploration, the love of family, and the warmth of home. Get ready for a wild ride with these adorable fuzzy cubs!

This book takes young readers on a sweet journey of baking and decorating a cake with Amy and her pup, Charlee.

Readers will be encouraged to use their imagination while learning about the basics of baking, handwashing, kitchen safety, and the joys of sharing in a fun way. A buttercream icing recipe is included for little chefs to create their own delicious treats.

Join Sarah, the tiniest star, on a heartwarming journey of self-belief and courage.

Sarah is the tiniest star in the sky, wishing every night that someone will make a wish upon her so she can earn her light. But wishers always choose the big stars, leaving Sarah to wonder if she’ll ever have her chance. Then, one night, a little boy with a special wish finds Sarah. When he believes in her, she finally finds the courage to believe in herself—and grant his wish. Join Sarah on a heartwarming journey to discover that even the smallest stars can shine the brightest.

It's Mardi Gras time! Jacob is determined to catch his favorite throw, a MoonPie.

He devises a brilliant plan. Surely someone would throw a MoonPie to a fireman, or a pirate, or a kid dressed in Mardi Gras colors. But time and again his plan is foiled. Can Jacob move beyond discouragement and enjoy Mardi Gras?

How to Catch a MoonPie is a fun story for everyone who has let go of a dream, only to find a better one.

Parents and kids alike can relate to king cake and fun during the Mardi Gras season! Come along with the King Cake King on a tasty adventure as he finds the No. 1 dessert throughout Louisiana, from the French Quarter to down the bayou and everywhere in between!

"King cake continues to bring us together, no matter the place, the time, or the weather. You can eat it at home, or at a school party. It is very filling, satisfying, and hearty."

Princess adores playing with her many stuffed animals. One day, Princess realizes something is missing . . . she needs a real pet!

Determined to make Princess’s dream come true, Queen summons her subjects from far and wide to help find Princess a pet. Soon, amazing animals start arriving from all over. How will she choose just one?

With vivid, design-centric illustrations that and short whimsical rhymes, B Is for Boston shows off the iconic people, places, food and music of Boston. From the New England Aquarium to the Zakim Bridge, this alphabetical tour of the city includes stops at the Old North Church, Boston Harbor, The New England Aquarium and the Public Gardens. Boston sports fans won't be disappointed either with a stop at the Green Monster of Fenway Park and iconic Boston sports legends jerseys. Can you guess them all?

This Boston children's book is a full-size picture book with gorgeous illustrations printed on premium gloss paper. Whether on a coffee table or on the nightstand, this large-format book is sure to make any local or visitor smile.

The sky is dark and grey, but Florida youngsters can while away a rainy day with this colorful board book touring sodden beaches, happy plants, and key lime pie!

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.

Illustrated with Johnette’s bold, bright foam and paper collages, the bugs seem to hop, skip, fly, and jump right off the board book pages and into the hearts of little listeners in this entertaining and educational counting adventure!