Juvenile Fiction

Have y'all seen Scrim?

Scrim the dog got loose in the Big Easy, and New Orleans may never be the same. Known for his wiry fur and mischievous antics, Scrim has become a beloved figure in the city, darting through neighborhoods, dodging potholes, and leaving a trail of smiles wherever he goes.

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.

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.

Johnette Downing stays true to her Louisiana roots in her newest book, featuring a young pelican searching for his proper home. As Petit Pierre journeys across the wetlands, he asks each creature where he should live. He accumulates gifts from them until he realizes the wetlands are home to all his friends and, just maybe, to Pierre as well!

Within the luscious illustrations are facts about the denizens of the wetlands and how each reader can make a difference in preserving and protecting the wetlands for generations to come. Proceeds from this book, created in partnership with the Audubon Nature Institute and the New Orleans Pelicans, fund wetland education programs.

"Original, beautifully illustrated, and . . . extraordinarily memorable from start to finish . . ." —Midwest Book Review

The Sherman family doesn't have very much, but they take good care of one another and are generous to others, making gingerbread cookies as holiday gifts and carefully decorating them to look like friends and neighbors. Then, one Christmas Eve, after the family returns home from delivering their gifts and everyone falls fast asleep, something magical stirs, born in a star of snow, that will change their holiday—and their lives—forever. Inspired by a real rural tradition from the foothills of the Green Mountains, Enchanted Night Before Christmas is a timeless fantasy that reminds us the most powerful gifts are the ones we give away. (Includes a scrumptious gingerbread spice cookie recipe from King Arthur Baking Company.)

Have y'all seen Scrim? Now available as an action-packed coloring book!

Scrim the dog got loose in the Big Easy, and New Orleans may never be the same. Known for his wiry fur and mischievous antics, Scrim has become a beloved figure in the city, darting through neighborhoods, dodging potholes, and leaving a trail of smiles wherever he goes.

Andouille, the lovable Cajun dachshund, is back and this time he has a new friend who he adores: a kitten named Beignet.

While Andouille loves his new friend, he doesn't love his old hotdog costume. In fact he thinks it is pas bon and wants something new. So Adaleigh, Mamere and Andouille make a trip to The Bon Temps Boutique to find his new costume. There they meet dogs and cats in all sorts of outfits from princesses to pirates.

What will Andouille be? Read and find out. 

Allons, let’s go, down to the swamp! 

Lost and far from home, the smallest alligator down the bayou must navigate a world full of misunderstandings and surprises. Along the way, he encounters a host of colorful characters—some who fear him, others who offer help, and all who teach him that being different isn't so bad after all. P.S. A tiny cat head silhouette is hidden on every page—happy hunting! 

From the author and illustrator of Scrim on the Run!

Ride along with Jenny for another fun adventure in the Big Easy!

Jenny Giraffe’s second New Orleans adventure begins with an invitation to attend her friend T-Boy’s birthday party—on a rolling streetcar on the St. Charles line! Jenny is not sure what a streetcar is. Once her adopted family convinces her to try the new experience even though she is scared, she joins her friends aboard the historic streetcar. Decorated with ribbons and balloons, the party car rolls down the tracks! The streetcar, filled with happy children and one young giraffe, travels along St. Charles Avenue through the American and University sectors of the city and on to the Garden District. Jenny enjoys herself and gains confidence in this charming tale.

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

This miniature book of Scrim on the Run: Christmas Fun! to hang on your tree tells the 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.

Celebrate your differences and be the best “you” possible!

Charlie is a maintenance streetcar. He is small and clunky and definitely not as shiny as the other cars. He spends his days laying sand on the rail lines or repairing the more popular streetcars. He doesn’t feel valued or liked by the other streetcars, and his hard work is often overlooked. It takes a series of emergencies for the other cars to learn that sometimes the person you never notice is exactly the person you need! Author and illustrator Vernon Smith takes his love of iconic New Orleans streetcars to another level in this picture book for everyone who has ever felt left out or ignored. Charlie might be different from the other streetcars, but being different is what makes him special.

Vernon Smith has been creating art since he was able to hold a pencil. He provides graphics for a wide variety of businesses through his studio, MacFearsome Comic Squares. A graduate of the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, Smith earned a BFA from the University of New Orleans. He has worked on several comic-book series, including his own The Adventures of Dexter Breakfast and the successfully crowd-funded Hide. When not creating, Smith focuses on his most important role—being a father.

Join the Coastal Cannonball in this exciting new All Aboard adventure. 

From the recording legacy of Muscle Shoals to suiting up for your own space mission, All Aboard, Alabama! showcases the rich history and diverse experiences young travelers can enjoy in Alabama. Try on an Egyptian mask, taste your first Moon Pie, and follow in the footsteps of heroes. Climb aboard and take a lap around the track!

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?

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.

There is a perfect read for every person if only you search for it!

Gabe and Ellie love soccer, animals, games, and especially gum, but they hate to read! Upon telling Ms. Molly, the mysterious librarian, that “reading is boring,” Ellie falls into a deep read! Gabe tries everything to break the curse, but only a read of true love can free Ellie. Determined to have his friend back, Gabe traverses the mountain of books surrounding Ellie to find the perfect book for him. Can he read a book cover to cover and truly love it?

A masterful twist on an enchanting fairytale, this story shows children that there’s a book for everyone! The magical library illustrations and hidden Pelican books propel readers and non-readers on an unforgettable adventure sure to help them find their very own “perfect read”.

One fine day, a small little mouse decides that he doesn’t want cheese, or even lemonade. He wants a parade! Carrying a flag, the mouse starts down the street. He’s joined by cats, squirrels, foxes—and even a goat with a tuba! The sound of the animals playing their tambourines, clarinets, and brass follows them as they twirl and romp until every critter, big and small, jams with the beat. Author and illustrator Alexis Braud’s funny, spunky animals boogie right off the page. With enchanting illustrations and catchy rhymes, this exuberant and vibrant tale will have you and your friends marching to the beat of your own drummer in no time.

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!

“Everybunny needs a puppy!”

In the fourth book of Steven L. Layne’s Growing with Family Series, he captures a child’s longing for a pet and introduces the realities of owning one. Ard Hoyt’s playful illustrations provide a hilarious look at Puppy’s antics page after page providing a story within the story.

Brother is excited to get his new puppy but he soon tires of the Puppy’s boundless energy. Puppy wants to play all the time! Even worse, Puppy gets into things that Brother has to clean up. Sick and tired of everyone telling him to go “play with puppy,” Brother tells Puppy to go away. What will he do when Puppy actually disappears? Find out in this colorful picture book for the very young.