Louisiana

In charming colloquial language, author and illustrator Ariane O’Pry Trammell presents a story of a very fast boy out to save his catfish from an even faster ‘gator! As the denizens of the bayou--the heron, a raccoon,  a bullfrog, and the crawfish--urge young Boudin to “run, Boudin, run!,” faster and faster they go back to his porch. The repetitive refrain and simple language pair with clever illustrations to capture the imagination of children of all ages. Will that ‘gator catch Boudin? Who gets to eat the catfish? Find out in this thrilling adventure for beginning readers!

A Louisiana ’gator chomps his way through gumbo, po’ boys, beignets, sno-balls, and more in this culinary counting tour of Bayou flavors. As his appetite grows, so do his counting skills in this adventurous meal of multiple dishes for the very young.

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!

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.

Drawing on her roots in Louisiana, author and illustrator Johnette Downing delivers a fast and funny romp in this counting book for preschoolers! Based on a familiar tune, Downing’s version gives a fresh take on the perfect counting tale for shared reading. Vibrant cut paper and foam collages take center stage on the board book pages. Count along to discover who gets to sleep in the bed—and who ends up in the swamp!

Angelo the alligator was different in every way. With eyes bright blue and skin snow white, he loved to watch the butterflies and fireflies. One day he came upon a marsh filled with flowers and wove some into a crown. What happens when he wears his beautiful new crown? Artist and illustrator Shannon Kelley Atwater shares a sweet story of friendship and community celebrating the differences that make individuals special and overcoming the stereotypes that separate them. Her expressive illustrations capture the feelings of friendship, joy, and—sometimes—alienation that children experience in a story that provides a valuable lesson of acceptance. When the swamp friends unite in a procession that rejoices in the things that make them unique, something truly magical occurs. Come along and join their parade!

“Whimsical artist Paul Schexnayder takes us on a delightful road trip through Louisiana with two festive gators. I can’t think of a better way to teach Louisiana geography, not to mention our unique culture.”—Cheré Dastugue Coen, author of Exploring Cajun Country: A Tour of Historic Acadiana    “A wonderful read-aloud storybook that will delight young readers and their entire family. Paul Schexnayder has a great talent for combining fun language and enchanting, colorful illustrations.”—Lorraine Kingston, Books Along the Teche    Meet Fran and Van Harahan! This spicy alligator couple travel the state of Louisiana, makin’ groceries for a gumbo. In their boat, they pick up rice in Crowley, sausage in Lafayette, and wild game in Shreveport and Monroe. As Fran and Van explore from the Red River to Bayou Teche and down along the old Mississippi, delighting in the delicious ingredients they find along the way, they introduce young readers to the waterways and byways of the Bayou State. Follow along as these Gumbo Gators make a gumbo fit for the whole state of Louisiana! The book is complete with a Cajun-French glossary. Author and illustrator Paul Schexnayder captures a local’s perspective of his home state with his playful, folk-art-style illustrations.

A boy from the swamp, content with a simple existence, is encouraged by a mysterious alligator to explore another side of life.

Although the boy is reluctant to trust his strange new friend, a curious fascination compels him to accept the invitation. He ventures beyond the confines of his quiet swamp, learning much about the outside world and even more about himself.

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

From the Jefferson City Buzzards, the oldest marching group in the city, to the Krewes of Rex and Zulu, author and illustrator James Rice captures the magic of the carnival season in a book designed for children of all ages.

In Cajun country, Gaston joins a Courir du Mardi Gras group, enjoys spicy gumbo, and dances in a fais-do-do until dawn. In New Orleans, Gaston rides along with the Krewe of Zulu and delivers painted coconuts to the crowds who are yelling, "Throw me something, Mister!" The festivities continue with Mardi Gras balls where Gaston dances the night away. Every page has Rice's signature artistic style for children to enjoy and learn more about the magic of Mardi Gras!

With more than 1.5 million copies of his books in print, Rice ranks among the nation’s best-selling creators of children’s books, receiving awards from Printer Industries of America and the Children’s Book Council, among others.

Gary the alligator and his little sister Mary had always been two peas in a pod, especially in the kitchen! However, growing up and growing apart leads to tough disagreements about what to make for dinner. Can the two young gators learn to work together in time for the annual Crawfish Cookoff?

In the swamp, Gary the gator befriends Jerry, a cellphone who has fallen off a swamp boat.

Jerry offers Gary access to many wonders of the world, but Gary misses slowing down and enjoying his bayou life with his friends and family. In this colorful picture book, young readers will discover if Gary and Jerry can strike a good balance between modern technology and the simple life.

Stumpy and his brothers Bumpy and Lumpy are born deep in the marsh in this bayou retelling of “The Three Little Pigs.” However, this threesome’s fearsome foe is not a wolf with large lung capacity but the big bad winds from the Gulf of Mexico. Stumpy knows that his brother’s sawgrass nest won’t withstand a stiff breeze, much less the storm approaching from the south. As a hurricane rushes in and makes fast work of their first home, Stumpy can’t help but open his big mouth and tease his older brothers. “I told you so!” he shouts as the wind rips and roils around them, tearing them from one nest after another. The storm taunts them with clever rhyme, throws them out of home after home, surges, and purges. But it also teaches them about respecting the forces of nature. Stumpy, Bumpy, and Lumpy learn to stay inside and throw themselves a little hurricane party in true Gulf States fashion.

           With sassy Southern humor and silly illustrated fun, Stumpy and his brothers weather the storm. Now if only Stumpy could learn to keep his big mouth closed when the waters rise and the winds come howling.

Fran and Van Harahan are excited about the circus coming to New Orleans, not far from their bayou home. The couple remembers seeing those talented Cajun gators walking a boudin-link tightrope, high diving into a big gumbo pot, swinging from muscadine vines, spinning seafood platters, and more. When Fran and Van arrive for the show, they learn that Van is holding the golden ticket and will be in the last daring act of the night! Young readers will marvel at all the goings-on at this one-of-a-kind circus. 

With a text that flows like the lyrics to a great song, and lush, atmospheric illustrations that bring the characters to life, the second of Alligator Slim’s adventures helps even the youngest of fans see themselves in this story of acceptance and overcoming prejudice.  Alligator Slim and his jazz band have played themselves out—so it’s back to the swamp for Slim. His band has decided to take a break, enjoy time with family, and in one year meet again to make more movin’, groovin’ music.  As Slim heads back to the big city, someone catches his ear. It’s a croonin’ baboon! Slim brings Baboon Crooner with him to meet his friends and join the band. When it’s time for the band’s first performance with their newest member, she’s not what the audience expected! Will they accept Baboon and her oh-so-smooth croons?