Juvenile Fiction

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.

Welcome to New Orleans! Follow parent and child pelicans as they take a tour of the Crescent City together. From the French Quarter to the Garden District, along the Mississippi and across Lake Ponchartrain, join the pelicans as they listen to music at Preservation Hall, celebrate Mardi Gras, and eat jambalaya and gumbo. Visit the Audubon Zoo and City Park, ride a St. Charles Avenue streetcar, and cheer the Saints. Along the way take a swamp tour, visit a plantation, and even ride on a steamboat! These feathered tour guides will remind children and their loved ones of their own great visit to New Orleans.Bestselling author Martha Day Zschock is an artist and former elementary teacher with a passion for helping children explore new places. The Hello! series illustrates how exploring real places yields new discoveries. Through these journeys, kids can explore and become experts on the world they see inside and outside the book, through the engaging, bright, and detailed illustrations. For ages 0-3. Made in the USA.

Welcome to best-selling author-illustrator Martha Day Zschock's Hello! board book series for children.

Parent and child reindeer join Santa along his Christmas-night journey in best-selling author-illustrator Martha Day Zschock's Hello! board book series for children. In Hello, Santa!, join the pair as they explore the North Pole, pull Santa's sleigh, and deliver presents. With something for the entire family to enjoy, you won’t want to say goodbye!

Welcome to Florida! Follow parent and child alligators as they explore the wonders of the Sunshine State together. From the panhandle to the Florida keys and from the gulf coast to the Atlantic Ocean, the pair enjoys the sun, the sand, and the surf. They visit amusement parks, water ski, and cheer on nine sports teams! Whether gliding through the Everglades or enjoying fresh oranges, our scaly tour guides will remind children and their parents of their own great visit to Florida.Bestselling author Martha Day Zschock is an artist and former elementary teacher with a passion for helping children explore new places. The Hello! series illustrates how exploring real places yields new discoveries. Through these journeys, kids can explore and become experts on the world they see inside and outside the book, through the engaging, bright, and detailed illustrations. For ages 0-3. Made in the USA.

Welcome to Philadelphia! Follow parent and child eagles as they tour the City of Brotherly Love. Join the pair as they see Benjamin Franklin, play in Fairmount Park, and even eat a cheesesteak at the market. Along the way they admire murals, visit museums, and cheer on Philadelphia's sports teams. Best of all, they learn about the founding of our country--from the U.S. Constitution, to the American Flag and the Liberty Bell! Our feathered tour guides will remind children and their loved ones of their own great trip to PhiladelphiaBestselling author Martha Day Zschock is an artist and former elementary teacher with a passion for helping children explore new places. The Hello! series illustrates how exploring real places yields new discoveries. Through these journeys, kids can explore and become experts on the world they see inside and outside the book, through the engaging, bright, and detailed illustrations. For ages 0-3. Made in the USA.

Welcome to New York City! Parent and Child pigeons tour the Big Apple in best-selling author-illustrator Martha Day Zschock's Hello! board book series for children. In Hello, New York City! join the pair as they ride the subway, hail a cab to the five boroughs, visit the Met, and tour Central Park. Along the way they stop for a hotdog, watch a Broadway Show, learn about the United Nations, skate at Rockefeller Center, and end their day watching fireworks from the Staten Island Ferry as they wave to Lady Liberty! For ages 0-3. Made in the USA.

Welcome to Hawaii! Parent and child macaws visit Hawaii in best-selling author-illustrator Martha Day Zschock's Hello! board book series for children. In Aloha, Hawaii! join the pair as they explore all around the beautiful state of Hawaii. For ages 2-5.

Gold/Honors Award Winner
National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Children’s Products
The Big Read 2010
Recommended Reading List for the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools

Based on a popular song adapted by the multi-award-winning New Orleans singer-songwriter Johnette Downing, Today Is Monday in Louisiana rhythmically takes readers through a culinary calendar, describing a Louisiana meal a day. Now adapted to board book format for tiny hands, each page presents collaged images of yummy foods. On Monday there are red beans to eat and on Tuesday, po’ boys. On Wednesday gumbo is served, and on it goes, each day bringing another unique and tasty Louisiana dish to share.

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!

There is a chef who loves to cook, and gumbo is on the menu!

Sing, clap, and spell along in this Louisiana twist on the classic B-I-N-G-O song.

With pots bubbling and aromas swirling, this catchy read-aloud serves up a flavorful helping of Louisiana culture, filled with rhythm, rhyme, and joyful repetition: G-U-M-B-O!

Welcome to the Rockies! Parent and child Black Bears tour the Rockies in best-selling author-illustrator Martha Day Zschock's Hello! board book series for children. In Hello, Rockies! join the pair as they visit four of America's most beautiful National Parks--Rocky Mountain, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier. Along the way they meet park rangers, explore mountain trails, visit old mining towns, sleep under the stars, and even go white water rafting! For ages 0-3. Made in the USA.

Welcome to Yellowstone! In this board book from bestselling children's author-illustrator Martha Day Zschock, a parent and child bear explore Yellowstone National Park. Join them as they discover shooting geysers, sizzling hot springs, and bubbling mud pots. Come along as they meet some new friends -- wolves, bison, and grizzlies who will introduce them to this unique and very special landscape. After a fun-filled day of hiking, boating, and fishing, they'll sleep under the stars and dream of their next adventure! For ages 0-3. Made in the USA.

Welcome to the Adirondacks! In this board book from bestselling children's author-illustrator Martha Day Zschock, a parent and child bear explore the Adirondacks, upper New York State's 6 million acres of wild beauty and cultural significance. Join them as they discover mountains, lakes, and forests. Come along as they meet some new friend: moose, deer, fox, coyotes and all kinds of birds. They have fun-filled days all year round hiking, canoeing, swimming, fishing, skiing, snowshoeing, and camping under the stars. They see Olympic Center, the Great Camps, and the sights in Glens Falls and Fort Ticonderoga too! For ages 0-3. Made in the USA.

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.

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Welcome to Chicago! In this board book from bestselling children's author-illustrator Martha Day Zschock, a parent and child bear explore Chicago, Illinois. Join them on their visit to The Windy City where they take the elevated train around The Loop, ride the Ferris wheel on Navy Pier, cheer for The Cubs at Wrigley Field, eat deep dish pizza, and meet some new friends at the Lincoln Park Zoo! For ages 0-3. Made in the USA.

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 the wonderful borough of Brooklyn, New York where a parent and child pigeon act as your guides! In bestselling children's author-illustrator Martha Zschock's board book, young readers will discover neighborhoods from Greenpoint to Brighton Beach, from Bushwick to Borough Park, from Park Slope to Flatbush. Explore Prospect Park, Coney Island, and the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Eat hot dogs, cheesecake, pizza, and bagels. See famous bridges and travel on subways! 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.

Tex the armadillo is learning his Texas colors.

Waltz across Texas with him and see how colorful his state can be, from the blue in the bluebonnets to the green of a prickly pear cactus.

In this board book for our littlest readers, ages 0 to 3, we'll learn to count down from 10 to 1, while discovering Fenway Park, ducklings in the Public Garden, pedaling swan boats, Old North Church, and more! There's so much to see—won't you join me?

Welcome to Rhode Island! Follow parent and child Rhode Island Red Chickens as they tour the Ocean State together. Join the pair as they visit the Roger Williams Park Zoo, the Green Animals Topiary Garden, and the Beavertail Lighthouse. Along the way they ride the Flying Horse Carousel in Watch Hill, play on Narragansett Beach, celebrate July 4th in Bristol, and see the amazing WaterFire in Providence! Our feathered tour guides will remind children and their loved ones of their own great visit to Rhode Island.Bestselling author Martha Day Zschock is an artist and former elementary teacher with a passion for helping children explore new places. The Hello! series illustrates how exploring real places yields new discoveries. Through these journeys, kids can explore and become experts on the world they see inside and outside the book, through the engaging, bright, and detailed illustrations. For ages 0-3. Made in the USA.

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.

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.

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!

Welcome to Nashville! Parent and child raccoons tour Nashville in best-selling author-illustrator Martha Day Zschock's Hello! board book series for children. In Hello, Nashville! join the pair as they visit the Grand Ole Opry, play instruments at the Country Music Hall of Fame, and ride Old Town Trolley. Along the way, take a paddle boat ride, eat Hot Chicken, and learn about Nashville's history at Hermitage! For ages 0-3. Made in the USA.

Welcome to Wisconsin! Parent and child Badgers explore Wisconsin in best-selling author-illustrator Martha Day Zschock's Hello! board book series for children. For ages 0-3. Made in the USA.

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!

Welcome to Zion! Parent and child bighorn sheep tour Zion in best-selling author-illustrator Martha Day Zschock's Hello! board book series for children. In Hello, Zion! join the pair as they explore Zion National Park. For ages 2-5.

In this board book for our littlest readers, ages 0 to 3, we'll learn to count down from 10 to 1, while discovering fantastic floats in the Mardi Gras parade, music in the French Quarter, St. Louis Cathedral, streetcars on St. Charles, and more! There's so much to see--won't you join me?

Happy Halloween! Come join parent and child cats for Halloween fun in best-selling author-illustrator Martha Day Zschock's Hello! rhyming board book series for children.

In Hello, Halloween!, join the cats for a day filled with autumn treats, costume parties, trick or treating, and spooky, silly fun.

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!

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. 

Mississippi is buzzing. From insect bites to lightning bug lights, take a closer look with this friendly board book. 

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!

When it comes from a float it is never a waste!

Enjoy a rhyming Mardi Gras challenge that gives even the youngest readers a chance to do their part.

This board book takes you through a day of fun at the Louisiana Children's Museum!

Filled with pretend play; follow along where you can pretend to be a turtle, a chef, a veterinarian, a boat captain and more! This book is the culmination of a project led by Shannon Kelley Atwater during her time in residence at LCM in fall 2025. The illustrations featured throughout the book we collaboratively created with help from museum guests. Each page features drawings and color additions from real life kids and their caregivers!

Celebrating a new baby? Made with love and powdered to perfection, this new baby book is sure to make you smile. 

In this charming rhyming board book for ages 0–5, young readers join Michael the Wildlife Detective as he peers out his bedroom window and discovers the wonders of the wild world just beyond his home.

Surrounded by his favorite animal toys, Michael’s imagination comes alive as he observes real animals outside — from playful raccoons and busy bees to chirping birds and beautiful trees.

Each page delights with gentle rhymes, vivid imagery, and an invitation for little ones to explore nature with curiosity and care. Michael the Wildlife Detective's Nature Adventure introduces children to wildlife through the eyes of a young explorer, showing that every great detective starts with wonder, imagination, and a love for the world around them.

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!