Pelican Publishing Children's Books

“Forget Dancer, Prancer, Comet, and Vixen. . . . Good Clement, wherever he is, will not be gnashing his teeth.” —New York Times Book Review

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.  Featuring eight pages of curated content released from the Pelican archives, this slipcased, numbered Fiftieth Anniversary Limited Edition showcases the rich legacy of storytelling within our state and the far reach that a humble (or not so humble!) gator has had on Cajun culture, Louisiana, and the entire country.

Set in a Louisiana bayou and told in Cajun dialect-de chirren been nezzle/Good snug on de flo'--the poem has lively illustrations that perfectly suit the unique text.
-Horn Book

Rice is especially good with facial expressions, whether they are on a Texas jack rabbit, a longhorn steer, a dusty cowboy, or the green and long-nosed alligator named Gaston.
-Library Journal

It's the night before Christmas in a tiny shack on the Louisiana bayou, and Santa Claus, with his eight friendly alligators and toy-laden skiff, is on his way. Written in lively Cajun accents, the best-selling Cajun Night Before Christmas� is a beloved holiday classic. Now, with this innovative coloring book, children of all ages can put their own colorful spin on the story. These brilliant illustrations are sure to inspire some wide Cajun smiles.

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.

An adorable crawfish tries to stop a blue jay from making a meal out of his friend in this Louisiana bayou in this classic tale of friendship.

Clovis Crawfish takes young readers on a journey through the bayou, his first of many adventures. Curious, Clovis begins searching for the reason his bayou is named “Tail of the Frog” and encounters many friends along the way, including Gaston Grasshopper, Lizette Lizard, and Fernand Frog. But friends are not the only creatures Clovis meets on his adventure, for the bayou is also home to many predators. When Clovis meets the hungry M’sieu Blue Jay, he needs to act fast if he wants to save everyone. Risking his own life for his loved ones, Clovis teaches the values of friendship.

Seasoned with Acadian-French phrases throughout the story, the authentic language deepens the bayou feel of the tale. A glossary and pronunciation guide, provided for reference, make learning about the Cajun vocabulary easy and fun. Now in full color, the story is enhanced by vibrant illustrations.

Praise for the Clovis Crawfish Series

 “In Louisiana’s bayou country, Clovis Crawfish is a favorite folk hero of children who have met him in Fontenot's lively tales. . . . The stories have suspense, lessons in nature lore, French words, and plenty of fun.” —Publishers Weekly

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.

Hold on to your car’s alignment. In this parody of the classic children’s book Goodnight Moon, sleepy readers will dream of orange cones and chicken bones, blown out tires and downed wires, and so many more amusing rhymes in this funny-but-true take on eroding roads.

Lloyd Vogt, an award-winning New Orleans architect, offers young people a fascinating glimpse into the history of New Orleans architecture. Dividing his discussion into two parts--house types and house styles--he provides a basic yet comprehensive first course in New Orleans building design in a language designed for easy understanding. Also provided are labeled drawings for style identification, and a complete glossary.

After her chicks drift off to sleep, Mother Pelican takes flight. From Shreveport to New Orleans, she visits many of the places that make Louisiana special. All the while, she thinks about her babies sleeping peacefully in their nest. Mother Pelican knows that we carry the ones we love in our hearts, no matter where we go.

"Teachers, and students and parents will laugh out loud at this parody of the frenetic pace of holiday happenings at schools."--Copley News Service

What do excited students, craft projects, room mothers, nursing home visits, harried shopping, and near-disastrous pageants have in common? They are all a part of a teacher's pre-Christmas experience. In this energetic romp through a school's last days before the Christmas break, the students are full of energy and are up to all manners of mischief. The teachers are pulling out their hair trying to keep the students busy, while they despair over their own Christmas preparations.

Who should come to the rescue? Santa himself, of course! He arrives at the helm of a flying school bus, with presents for all the teachers and a promise to take care of their shopping for them. The fantastic illustrations work with the text to make this a fast-paced, high-energy comedic interpretation of Clement C. Moore's classic poem. The book is sure to be a read-aloud favorite at Christmas parties in schools everywhere.

Accelerated Reader® Selection

Jake and his library book are in a sticky situation in this cumulative tale, an original adaptation of the classic The House That Jack Built. There's the jelly mishap that leads to the hungry rat, whose luck runs out when he's chased by the cat, all before a dog shows up and, well, that's that for the book that Jake borrowed! Will the librarian Jake adores let him have another book? Find out in this hilarious tale filled with hijinks narrated in mixed-media collages and text from Texas librarian extraordinaire Susan Holt Kralovansky!

Repetitive phrases and simple choruses make this an easy beginning for young readers, while the cut paper and fabric collage illustrations add humorous depth to the sequence of unfortunate events surrounding Jake's library book.

Selección de Accelerated Reader®

Jake y su libro de la biblioteca están en una situación complicada en esta historia acumulativa, una adaptación original del clásico La casa que Jack construyó. Hay el percance de jalea que lleva a la rata hambrienta, cuya suerte se agota cuando es perseguido por el gato, todo antes de que aparezca un perro y, bueno, ¡eso es todo para el libro que Jake pidió prestado! ¿La bibliotecaria que Jake adora le prestará otro libro? ¡Descúbrelo en esta divertida historia llena de travesuras narrada en collages de medios mixtos y textos de la bibliotecaria extraordinaria de Texas Susan Holt Kralovansky!

Frases repetitivas y coros simples hacen de este un comienzo fácil para los lectores jóvenes, mientras que las ilustraciones de collage de papel cortado y tela añaden profundidad humorística a la secuencia de eventos desafortunados que rodean el libro de la biblioteca de Jake.

It's the Christmas Eve shift at Firehouse One. All the firefighters are sitting down to bowls of hot chili when an old fireman stops by for a bite to eat. The firemen have to leave to fight a fire and return to find that he was not an ordinary firefighter-they were visited by Sgt. St. Nick!

You're not gonna taste this little beignet! In this confectionary folktale adaptation, a lonely baker gets his wish when he sprinkles magic sugar on a beignet and it comes to life. The little beignet boy runs away but is in danger of being eaten by the hungry people of New Orleans. He leads a wild chase through the French Quarter, visiting famous sights along the way. This delightful book, with wacky illustrations and a sassy refrain, will run straight into readers' hearts.

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.

Color your way through the Mississippi Gulf Coast—wildlife, cities & islands come alive!

Take a trip along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, see and read about what makes each city unique. Explore the barrier islands and catch site of the birds, reptiles, and insects that make this place their home. Enjoy 40 pages of hand-illustrated drawings with information in which you can add your touch of color.

As she braves her first day of school in the swamp, Roux discovers that what makes us different is also what makes us shine.

Roux has never felt so nervous. She's about to begin “kinder-swamp-garten” and she will be the only rougarou in her class. As she walks to school beneath the towering cypress trees, one by one, fellow swamp creatures join in, each one different from the next. With their help, Roux’s jitters melt into joy, and she discovers that what makes us different is also what makes us shine. Rooted in Louisiana’s rich folklore, this gentle, playful story introduces the legendary rougarou in a family-friendly way. Perfect for any little one getting ready for their own big first day, Roux’s tale is a celebration of belonging, courage, and the magic of being yourself.

Accelerated Reader Program Selection

’Round Christmastime, things are a little different on the Emerald Isle. Instead of logs thrown onto the fire, we find turf blazing bright. Instead of cold eggnog spiced just right, the mother and father are enjoying their stout. You’ll find no Donner or Cupid or Blitzen, but Ould Neddy the donkey and his small cart. Father Christmas with his Irish eyes twinkling ushers in his seven elves, to enjoy the poteen and plum pudding and unpack his large sack. And thus begins the wondrous Irish Night Before Christmas.

This humorous tale in the same vein as the famous Cajun Night Before Christmas® is the Irish version of Father Christmas’s yearly visit. Told in delightful brogue, it will have everyone wishing “Nollaig sona agut!” (Merry Christmas to you!).

Father Christmas, with his Irish eyes twinkling, ushers in his seven elves and thus begins this Irish tale.

Near Big Mamou in Southwest Louisiana, Mamère Cochon must send her three little pigs, ’Ti Joe, ’Ti Claude, and ’Ti Frère, out into the great big world to seek their

fortunes. As they prepare to go their separate ways, the brothers agree to watch out for the loup-garou, who’s been planning a cochon du lait for as long as they can remember.

How would the brothers make out on their own? Well, as ’Ti Joe always says, “Vouloir c’est pouvoir” (where there’s a will, there’s a way). But will they be able to avoid the hungry loup-garou? Well, if any three pigs ever had le savoir-faire (the know-how) to outwit the wily wolf, their names would have to be ’Ti Joe, ’Ti Claude, and ’Ti Frère, I garontee!

As a little lagniappe (something extra), the author has included ’Ti Joe’s special recipe for Grillades and Grits, the classic breakfast dish. Bon appétit!

Told with a Texas twang, this tale features a dozen icons of the Lone Star state. Clever rhymes count down the days of Christmas, revealing such surprise gifts as silver spurs, oil wells, and armadillos. Festive illustrations fill the pages of this western romp.

Kelsi Fairgate, a fourth grader and only child living on a ranch in the middle of Texas, awaits the end of the school year. When her parents bring in an orphan lamb from a pasture, her prospects for the summer look up. Kelsi and her friend, Ampara, run into some serious rattlesnake trouble one day. The lamb saves Kelsi, but then it is the girls’ turn to try to save the lamb!

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!

Scientific discovery changes the world!

Discover the fascinating story behind one of the most important changes to nautical navigation in this nonfiction book for young readers. More than 300 years ago, explorers wandered the seas using unreliable maps. What they needed to know was the longitude of their locations, but for that they needed accurate time keeping. Unfortunately, no accurate source of time measurement at sea existed. In 1714 the British government decided to offer a reward to anyone who could solve the problem. Learned men and great thinkers alike tried unsuccessfully to work out a solution. They declared it unsolvable! Carpenter John Harrison was intrigued; he thought he might have a solution. He worked for years to design a clock that functioned accurately at sea, even though no one believed he could do it. Even after his timepiece was demonstrated effective at sea, he was still not acknowledged for his ingenious solution. It took many years and intervention by the king to grant Harrison the recognition and reward he deserved for solving the problem of how to accurately track longitude and for winning the British government prize. The book offers a detailed map of the world at that time and includes the advancements in the use of longitude since then.

Down in a southern swamp, a family of crawfish face a big problem. Their three sons have grown too large and their nice, cozy den is now uncomfortably crowded. Poppa and Mama decide it's time for their sons to leave home and build their own dens. In this twist on a classic tale, Poppa warns the three little crawfish that they must be careful of the sly, ole 'coon. That raccoon has a big appetite for juicy crawfish! Charming illustrations and humorous rhymes create a delightful adventure for beginning readers in this bedtime favorite.

Sophisticated city mouse Chicory never imagined she would venture beyond her elegant Creole home in New Orleans—until she falls asleep in a picnic basket and wakes up in the Cajun swamps! There she meets Roux, a simple country mouse, and together they experience the bucolic bayou life. Chicory persuades Roux to see what the city has to offer, and they journey to New Orleans for a taste of Creole culture. Idyllic picnics and lavish white-linen luncheons offer both delights and frights in this Southern retelling of Aesop’s classic fable. Whimsical illustrations and two original songs make this a story you won’t forget!

Todd-Michael St. Pierre is the author of several New Orleans cookbooks and children’s books. He was a judge for The Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest and is a dedicated gardener and cat lover.

Lee Brandt Randall has a degree in printmaking from Louisiana State University. She works in graphic design, film animation, and book illustration and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

In New Orleans, a little oak tree asks Grand Oak why it is so small in comparison. The Grand Oak replies that the young one is special and one day everyone will see.  As the seasons change and the tree grows, the young tree continues to ask why it isn’t as big, or as full of leaves, or strong and study. With a gentle voice the Grand Oak encourages and guides the small oak to have patience, stay grounded, and have trust in the future. When that future arrives, the Grand Oak celebrates the little trees uniqueness in this inspiring tale that encourages us to nurture the young and guide them towards their own unique nature.

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.

Sing along with the Carnival version of the favored nursery rhyme “The Wheels on the Bus.” This playful parody entertains with festive flair, as during Mardi Gras, it’s not a bus but a decorated float brimming with beads that delight the youngest parade-goers. Through engaging art and fun prose, children are transported to the parade route, enchanted by the magical sights and scenes of the season. 

Excitement fills every page! Tractors honk to the crowds as they pass, pulling the floats all Mardi Gras long. As beads fly through the air and crowds cheer, “Throw me something, mister!” drums boom and dance teams twirl. The best of a young reveler’s favorite Carnival parades are all found here. Join in the fun as the floats roll all through the town!

The rhythmic flow of the verse and colorful illustrations immerse readers in the joyous and culturally rich experience of Mardi Gras. Perfect for read-aloud sessions and interactive story times, this whimsical yet educational introduction to the Carnival celebration is an ideal addition to preschools, library shelves, and home collections. 

This volume of six traditional Irish legends includes stories about a king with donkey�s ears, a moral lesson about riches and possessions based on a brown bull, a tale explaining how the coast of Antrim was formed by a giant, and other tales about treachery, bravery, and honor. Spirited illustrations bring each tale to life, and a pronunciation guide is included to assist with reading the unusual Irish names such as Ailill and Daire Mac Fiachra. Told for hundreds of years, these stories are a rich part of Irish history and lend themselves to great storytelling.

“In Lindsley’s vigorously brushed rural scenes, the comically gesticulating red rooster often occupies the foreground as, behind, a multiracial procession of revelers in colorful festival costume goes from farm to farm begging for a handout.”
—Kirkus

With her trademark lyricism, Louisiana musician and author Johnette Downing draws readers through an Acadian landscape. This brand-new tale introduces a cagey rooster who vows not to be in the communal gumbo pot this Courir de Mardi Gras. Downing provides a glossary of traditional French-Cajun words used in the story and a delicious recipe for gumbo z’herbes .

Award-winning musician and author Johnette Downing has performed on five continents. Her book Petit Pierre and the Floating Marsh represented the State of Louisiana in the Pavilion of States at the 2016 National Book Festival.

A relative of Dennis (Denus) McGee, the Cajun musician whose grave is a traditional stop on the Courir de Mardi Gras, Jennifer Lindsley works with all ages, introducing them to the pleasures of creativity.

Get ready to stomp and chomp to that mambo beat! When carnival time rolls into New Orleans, these hip dinosaurs want to boogie on down. Iguanodon wiggles to the music of a marching band, while Zigongosaurus dances zydeco and Pterodactyal swoops into the crowd. From singing tunes and tossing beads, these big beasts sure know how to party. Laissez les bon temps rugir!

“No, mon ami! You can’t catch me!”

When an old Creole woman bakes dessert on King’s Day, she has no idea what shenanigans will ensue. In this New Orleans adaptation of The Gingerbread Man, a mischievous king cake baby escapes his cake! He outruns a praline lady and a waiter at Café du Monde, but can he outsmart the clever baker? Chock full of Louisiana phrases and comic-book-style illustrations, this new take on an old tale brings the Crescent City to life from Jackson Square to the Creole Queen riverboat. This lively story is a great way to introduce children to the sights, sounds, and especially tastes of New Orleans. It even comes with a recipe for homemade king cake—just make sure to keep track of the baby!

Not so fast Rudolph-Willy guides Santa's sleigh in Texas! When Santa visits Texas, he encounters dense fog and needs a local's help to deliver gifts. Willy, a longhorn longing to fly with Santa, jumps at the opportunity to help. With the help of glowing blue paint, his horns light the way. Follow Willy and Santa on their journey to every house in the Lone Star State as they fly over Texas landmarks to deliver presents and a Texas-sized portion of cheer.

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.

Teach your young readers about the alphabet and America’s colonial history & early government in this charming picture book.

From the Boston Tea Party in 1773 to the first reading of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in 1776, this comprehensive alphabet book chronologically follows the citizens of the thirteen colonies and their fight for representation. Ruled from afar by King George III of England, the colonists rebelled against his tyranny to declare a new nation.

Through historical descriptions, character profiles, and engaging artwork, young readers will learn how America achieved its freedom. As the Americans march toward liberty, author Catherine L. Osornio guides children through C is for Continental Congress, which was formed to defend the rights of the colonists, to R is for Revolution, which brought about a change in government. The ringing of bells and the blasting of cannons accompany the Declaration’s completion as the citizens of America announce their right to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Praise for The Declaration of Independence from A to Z

ACCELERATED READER PROGRAM SELECTION

“Stunning. Educational. Inspiring. Every American—especially students, teachers, librarians, and parents—should have this book!” —Nancy I. Sanders, author of America’s Black Founders

“Accurate historical details in the paintings help illuminate the period.” —School Library Journal

“The easiest way to teach American history since 1776.” —Midwest Book Review

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.

Learn colors and numbers with a Lone Star twist!

From one black horse to ten purple pinwheels, this lively board book takes children on a colorful journey through Texas! Everything from four espátulas (“spoonbills”) to five botas (“boots”) to six garza (“egrets”) come to life in vivid photographs of Lone Star backyards and open fields. This bilingual picture book will spark the imagination and creativity in every child—Texan or not! Children will enjoy the educational nature of this book, counting from place to place and picking up a few Spanish words along the way! An enjoyable and relatable counting adventure, the beautiful photographs make learning colors and numbers in two languages as easy as uno, dos, très!

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!

Colorful illustrations of the rich cultural celebration re-create the look and mood of Carnival.

A Rocky Mountain Twist on the classic Christmas poem!

The Rocky Mountains come alive on a cold Christmas Eve as a cowboy makes his way home. Upon arrival, he spies a big, fat red feller on the rooftop of his cabin and lassoes the suspected cattle rustler. Ordinarily, fate would have dictated dire consequences, but childhood memories reveal the stranger as Santa Claus and the two reunite.

The pair bask in the warmth of the cabin as the cowboy tells of his Rocky Mountain days. He lives a hard life on the Western frontier but would never consider anything else. When Santa takes flight to continue his journey, he leaves behind a package to ease his new friend’s troubles along with a wish: May your trail be easy and your burden be light!

The patriotic sacrifice of Texas remembered. This tribute to the famous 13 day siege gives the stories of real-life heroes including David Crockett, Sam Houston, and William King (who, at 15 years old, was the youngest defender to die during the conflict.) These accounts, lacking in sensationalism, reveal the true characters in one of the most important events in Texas history. This reference includes a timeline of events.

With a team of Longhorns, Santa arrives at a sod shanty and drops down the chimney to fill the young�uns� boots with toys.

"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.)

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.

Every Sunday, Mike and Yvette could be found sitting on the porch listening to Pop recount stories of growing up near the Catahoula swamp. Tall tales of creatures that could only live in nightmares…an old hag with long, boney fingers, a tree that comes to life, and a wild girl who keeps “toe-kens” from her human encounters. Tall tales, yes, and none of them true…right?!

Yet when the family outing to visit Tante Nana, deep in the backwoods of Catahoula goes awry, Yvette soon discovers that strange things happen where the black trees grow.

This fun Texas romp through the Mother Goose tales yields such results as Mary Had a White-Faced Calf, There Was an Old Cowgirl Who Lived in a Boot, Cactus Jack Horner, and many more. Western illustrations enhance the Texas theme and add a sense of humor to this beloved classic.

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!

In Louisiana’s Cajun Country, a celebration like no other occurs each Mardi Gras. The families of Acadiana come together on Fat Tuesday to host a centuries-old tradition: the Courir de Mardi Gras. During the running of the Mardi Gras, brightly costumed participants run, beg, sing, and dance for their neighbors as they gather tasty ingredients for the gumbo that will be shared at a dance party under a shining Mardi Gras moon. 

But once upon a time, many years ago, the moon vanished, nearly putting an end to the fais-do-do! A fiendish duo hooked the festive moon and towed it away, depriving the revelers of their purple, green, and gold moonbeams.

So young Leloup set off on a quest to recover the shining sentry. A sprinkling of familiar bayou characters and critters are scattered throughout this fairytale. Through teamwork, and some silly shenanigans, they help our hero as he returns the moon to its proper place in the Cajun sky, just in time to enjoy a celebratory gumbo and dance to some zydeco tunes. He might have even found some Mardi Gras treasure along the way!

Leloup’s story is full of fun references to the Acadian culture and is complete with a glossary of Cajun words, phrases, and places.

The members of Spring Lane Creek Church are in a panic. Their baby Jesus is sick, the choir hates their newly made Christmas robes, and the overused and underserviced church copy machine is on the blitz. Tears are shed, screams are heard, and just when it seems the congregation might organize a revolt against Pastor McDougall, Santa appears in the pastor�s office. He gently points the pastor to the Bible, reminding him of the true miracle of Christmas. When Pastor McDougall emerges, he finds his congregation glowing from the same message delivered to them by Saint Nick.

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.

When Alycat's daydreaming causes her to miss out on Dessert Day at school, she will need to rely on her imagination to satisfy her sweet tooth! With the help of her best friend Spotty, she discovers that trying new things can lead to fun adventures and tasty inventions. A recipe is included at the end of the story to assist young readers in creating their own dessert.

The themes of the books in the Alycat Series all reflect a reliance on friendships, imagination, and creativity towards problem solving. The character traits of Alycat and her friends inspire and encourage young readers to find their own special gifts.

An original and entertaining delight from cover to cover, Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day is especially recommended for family, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections. —Midwest Book Review

Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day provides colorful, enticing illustrations to keep the young reader engaged throughout the book! —Independent Book Publishers Association

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The Alycat Series features: Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day, Alycat and the Monday Blues, Alycat and the Friendship Friday, Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday, Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday, Alycat and the Sleepover Saturday, and Alycat and the Sunday Scaries. The books in this series have won more than 17 awards, including the NYC Big Book Award, the Mom's Choice Awards, and the Next Generation Indie Book Awards; have been featured in Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly; and have appeared in the Oscars celebrity swag bag and the Grammy Awards gift bag. Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, featured Bourque and her life-size mascot, Alycat, on her popular YouTube channel Little Red News.

Saint Emergency Nick pays the hospital staff a surprise visit on Christmas Eve with helpful elves, new supplies, and even a Christmas tree.

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.

Twelve-year-old Gracie Watson is unusually—some might even say morbidly—excited about her upcoming move to Savannah, one of the most haunted cities in the country.

Gracie isn’t one to make friends with the living, but she quickly bonds with a graveyard groundskeeper’s son, who vows to help her on her quest. Together, they set out to find the ghost of another Gracie Watson, who happens to be buried at Bonaventure Cemetery. Like any great adventure, what they find is nothing like what they expected.

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. 

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.

2025 Moonbeam Bronze Medalist, ABA Pick of the List title, and a Storytelling World Honor Award Honoree

Now in paperback, this beloved anthology for the whole family consists of five original tales, each linked to an important Jewish holiday and featuring the prophet Elijah. In each tale, Elijah comforts those who are generous, wise, and fair while challenging those who are faithless.

Do you know why nutrias have orange teeth? Neither does Boudreaux the nutria.

Join this confident critter as he discovers why the thing that makes him different is also what makes him great!

It's Christmas Eve, and this police officer is on patrol. He encounters Sergeant Kringle, who takes over his patrol so the cop can go home to his family. This whimsical illustrated tale for young readers is a tribute to law-enforcement officers everywhere.