Pelican Bestsellers

The daring exploits of Frank and Jesse James have fascinated America for more than a century. Myth and fact have meshed together to create a legend of monumental proportions.

Anxious to bask in the reflected glory of the James clan, many people have claimed a family connection to these two famous outlaws. Now noted Western historian and folklorist Phillip W. Steele has penned an authoritative chronicle of the James family, drawing on sources newly discovered in the past two decades.

Anecdotes, family stories, and complete genealogies of all members accurately document the James clan's history in this entertaining, readable volume, which includes more than forty rare photographs. Individuals who believe they may share a blood tie with the James brothers will find this book invaluable in authenticating their claim; those who are merely captivated by the romance and mystery of two of America's most wanted men will discover much to add to their understanding of these celebrated figures.
Journey through the old West with Jesse and Frank James and trace the history and heritage of these American folk heroes.

The late Philip Steele was the author of several books on the Ozarks and the Wild West including Ozark Tales and Superstitions, Civil War in the Ozarks, and The Last Cherokee Warriors, all published by Pelican.

Phillip W. Steele passed away on November 8, 2007.

Originally published in 1936, an invaluable guide to wander with.

The irrepressible, friendly Gaston the green-nosed alligator helps some new friends lay a pipeline in the Gulf of Mexico. Stirred by curiosity, Gaston follows a huge barge carrying pipes, which leads away from the lazy cool of his bayou home. Outfitted in a hardhat and steel-toed boots, he soon joins a crew and finds that the life of an offshore oilman is not easy.

It's the night before Halloween, and these witches still have many last-minute things to do! In this spooky parody of Clement C. Moore's famous Christmas poem, the witches are up to their elbows in cobwebs and slime, trying to make sure their witchlings are well prepared for their first Halloween broomstick ride. Featuring witches like Mad-Maud and Snaggle-Tooth-Ruth and plenty of ghouls, zombies, monsters, skeletons, and moldy cellars that will satisfy all Halloween lovers, this good-natured book about these wickedly fun witches will have kids more amused than frightened.

Lizette Lizard seeks the help of her dear friend, Clovis Crawfish, as she searches for her twin sister. A surprising new development in the Clovis Crawfish Series occurs when Lizette Lizard seeks Clovis's help to find her twin sister, Lois, a previously unknown bayou resident. Friends of the bayou are enlisted in this tale of lost and found as some take to the skies while others search the water's edge to help their friend.

The sites of interest include St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church, the cemetery of St. Martinville, and the town statue of Evangeline.

The highly anticipated sequel to This Side of Paradise-which Kirkus heralds as an "an entertaining, suspenseful thriller"-Paradise Lost delivers the same chilling scenarios and head-scratching secrets that fans expect from author Steven L. Layne. After a summer break, former wallflower Chase Maxfield returns to school with a new found confidence to match his sudden, yet classic, good looks. But Jack Barrett suspects something sinister is behind Chase's unexpected transformation, and his skepticism only grows as other eerie events occur. When Jack's grandmother is mysteriously poisoned, his brother disappears, and his girlfriend soon develops an interest in someone else, Jack becomes even more determined to discover the truth. Packed with action and off-the-wall incidents, this fast-paced novel invites readers on an adventure that builds momentum until the very last page.

As a season for family, feasting, gifts, and giving, Christmastime brings with it a host of traditions, beliefs, and stories. With an impressive ensemble of award-winning writers, including Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Olen Butler, critically acclaimed Olympia Vernon, and Guggenheim Fellow Elizabeth Spencer, the 11 stories in this anthology offer a range of poignant ruminations on the Christmas season. From the touching account of a handyman's enduring gift to a wealthy child to a father's reconciliation with his estranged, troubled daughter and a lonely judge's attempt to open his heart to his neighbors, this collection is a celebration of family, love, and understanding. With maturity and depth, the stories in this anthology evoke strong emotions in a way only the finest literature can. Accompanied by striking watercolor illustrations, these Southern Christmas tales will be sure to captivate generations to come.

A pea-brained T-Rex learns what bullies so often discover: that little dinosaurs--or little children--grow up . . . sometimes way up!

When people come to New Orleans, one of the first things they think of is food. Now, local food writer Dale Curry presents the recipes that can be found in many kitchens throughout the area. These recipes have stood the test of time and have become the cuisine that this city was built upon. Classic dishes such as grillades, daube, courtbouillon, and gumbo are only a few of the delicious dishes offered by this expert on New Orleans cooking.

Based on a traditional song adapted by this nationally acclaimed Louisiana singer/songwriter, this rhyming picture book tells of various Louisiana fare such as red beans, fil' gumbo, baguettes, and alligator stew. Readers are also introduced to the pirogue, a small, flat-bottom wooden boat used by locals to traverse the local bayous and wetlands. References to these Louisiana favorites will offer children a tour of the Pelican State's diverse and unique traditions.

While Houston has enjoyed unprecedented growth in its development into an increasingly international business center, coastal Galveston retains the history and charm of its past. Business travelers to both cities and new residents of the area will enjoy the sites, restaurants, accommodations, and other features listed in this new edition. Attractions include AstroWorld, the Astrodome, the Museum of Print History and Graphic Art, NASA Space Center, the Port of Houston, Sam Houston Memorial Park, and more. This volume provides self-guided walking tours to the major attractions and detailed information on dozens of activities. Helpful information on historical districts plus a list of attractions, maps, photos, and charts can help make a visit more enjoyable.

Captain Dare, the fearsome pirate captain, invites children of all ages on this exciting, interactive adventure to find a secret treasure. Children repeat the orders of Captain Dare as they wade through crocodile-filled lagoons and sneak past dangerous snake pits. Through a jungle and up a cliff, children must travel with the captain to find a treasure more special than gold-a treasure trove of books.

In this bayou adventure, Michelle Mantis, an ugly old critter, enters the bayou friends' territory. She is a ravenous praying mantis and is called the "cheval de diable" (devil's horse) in French. With her insatiable appetite, Michelle wants to consume everything in sight, including Clovis's friends! Clovis defends them, and the hungry insect settles for some ants, eating one after another. Her stomach full, she falls off a log onto the muddy bayou bank, but with mud on her wings, she cannot fly. Josette June Bug, Christophe Cricket, and the rest of Clovis's friends were fearful of Michelle, but now Clovis rallies them to free her and send her on her way.

Back for a new adventure, Bo the lovable black Lab is ready to solve another mystery and save the day once again. It's up to this tenacious pup to find the reason behind all of the wildfires sweeping the countryside in east Texas. Gathering evidence as he goes, Bo must find the culprit and put a stop to this perilous crime spree.