Books for Readers 8-12

With vivid, design-centric illustrations that and short whimsical rhymes, B Is for Boston Board Book 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 durable version of the beloved picture book B Is for Boston 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.

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

Gaston the green-nosed alligator has returned from the swamp and is taking adventurous readers on a tour of Mardi Gras.

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.

M is for Michigan is an A-Z tour of The Great Lakes State. From the automobile industry that built Detroit to the sandy dunes of the shores of Western Michigan and Lake Michigan, M is for Michigan will charm children and adults alike. With bright, bold graphics and whimsical rhymes, highlights include Big Red Lighthouse, Michigan Cherries, University of Michigan and Michigan State football, Mackinac Bridge and the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. Perfect for any Michigander, or those that spend their summers on the lakes and beaches of Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Huron or the scores of inland lakes in Michigan. M is for Michigan is a pure delight that celebrates Pure Michigan!

Welcome to Arizona! Parent and child eastern collared lizards tour Arizona in best-selling author-illustrator Martha Day Zschock's Hello! board book series for children. In Hello, Arizona! join the pair as they explore the Grand Canyon, Tucson, Phoenix, and Slide Rock State Park. Along the way, saddle up at a dude ranch, paint at the museum, visit an old pueblo home, and peek at the stars at the Lowell Observatory! For ages 0-3. Made in the USA.

Welcome to Grand Canyon! Parent and child abert's squirrels tour Grand Canyon in best-selling author-illustrator Martha Day Zschock's Hello! board book series for children. In Hello, Grand Canyon! join the pair as they hike, hunt for fossils, and become junior rangers at the national park. Along the way, ride a mule to the bottom of the canyon, raft in the Colorado River, and learn about Native American history. For ages 0-3. Made in the USA.

Welcome to Los Angeles! Parent and child golden retrievers tour Los Angeles, California in best-selling author-illustrator Martha Day Zschock's Hello! board book series for children. In Hello, Los Angeles! join the pair as they visit Universal Studios, make instruments at the children's museum, and see animals at the zoo! Along the way, ride a pony at Griffith Park, eat a taco on Olvera Street, and catch a concert at the Hollywood Bowl! For ages 0-3. Made in the USA.

Welcome to San Francisco! Parent and child Pelicans explore The City by the Bay in best-selling author-illustrator Martha Day Zschock's Hello! board book series for children. In Hello, San Francisco! join the pair on their fun-filled visit to this famously foggy city as they ride cable cars up steep hills, shop on Fisherman's Wharf, and cross the Golden Gate Bridge. Along the way they eat fortune cookies in Chinatown, look up at the redwood trees in Muir Woods, and make some new friends at the San Francisco Zoo! For ages 0-3. Made in the USA.

Throw me out there, mister!

When Carnival rolls around in New Orleans, everyone gets into the celebration—including the beads! On Fat Tuesday, a plain string of little purple beads hangs from a hook on a parade float. His fervent wish is to be caught by someone special. The bigger and fancier beads tell him that no one will ever catch him. But a little hope and determination may go a long way in the magical season of Mardi Gras! When the bead spots a little princess in the crowd, he knows she is the person for him! Will she try to catch him? The heartwarming tale offers opportunities for a discussion of bullying, self-worth, and inclusion with young readers. The delightful story and illustrations from this daughter/father team will charm the entire family and become a parade route favorite!

Raised in New Orleans, Julie P. Rowley holds a master’s of education in early childhood curriculum and instruction from the University of New Orleans. Her stories were inspired by her daughter’s imagination.

A graduate of Loyola University New Orleans, John R. Paquette is a retired editor. He is also a professional vocalist and a talented portrait artist and illustrator. He enjoyed collaborating with his daughter.

Welcome to San Diego! Parent and child Pandas tour America's Finest City in best-selling author-illustrator Martha Day Zschock's Hello! board book series for children. In Hello, San Diego! join the pair as they visit the beach, spend the day at Balboa Park, tour the Bay on a boat, and discover tide pool creatures at Cabrillo National Monument. Along the way they stop for tacos in Old Town, ride a roller coaster, wave to sea lions, watch hang gliders, and end their day roasting marsh-mallows on Coronado Island! For ages 0-3. Made in the USA.