Pelican Publishing Children's Books

Join Pinky the penguin as she teaches children about manners in this charming and educational story.

Pinky the penguin is very polite. She always tries to do what’s right. Today she will show us manners the Louisiana way, from sharing beignets at breakfast to tipping street musicians, greeting the streetcar driver, being a good sport at the football game, and more.

Second edition!

Hercules faces his biggest challenge yet—the Louisiana swamps!

Including battles with a twelve-clawed crawfish and the taming of a raging hurricane, this Cajun reimagining of the Hercules legend stirs together myth, culture, and Louisiana spice. Sent down to the hot and humid bayou from his kingdom in the clouds, Hercules must perform four daring labors to escape the immortal queen’s wrath. Luckily, Hercules has godlike strength, bravery, and his new bayou family to help him conquer every incredible feat! This pourquois tale is told in the style of a gentle Cajun storyteller and features vibrant and whimsical illustrations. Written by an award-winning children’s educator, this adventure will have you shouting “Aiyee!” from start to finish.

Join Beignet Bunny on a whimsical adventure through New Orleans as he searches for friends, convinced he's a sugar-covered treat, and encounters a colorful cast of characters along the way.

When Momma Bunny calls her new baby “my little beignet,” he becomes convinced he’s actually a sugar-covered treat, beloved in New Orleans. Beignet Bunny embarks on an adventure, asking a pelican, crawfish, turtle, and even a sleeping possum where all the other beignets play. Will he be able to find a friend? Young readers will enjoy hopping along with the sweetest bunny as he searches for others like him.

Lucille St. Lewis and her family have just moved to Louisiana. When her new friends at school find out she’s never eaten boiled crawfish, she feels left out. Will she like these “mudbugs”? One thing is for certain—she won’t be needing a fork! In this fun picture book, young readers will enjoy witnessing Lucy’s introduction to a Bayou State staple.

Surrounded by the waters of the Mississippi, the blooming magnolias, and the buzzing mosquitoes, a solitary raccoon made his home in a cypress trunk.

As yet another Christmas approached with no friends to share the holiday season, Roux vowed to make a change. He built a tall bonfire, in the Cajun tradition, in hopes that Papa Noel would see the warm light of the flames on his Christmas Eve flight. 

Roux tucked himself into bed that cold, lonely night with not an inkling that Santa would indeed stop by his swampy abode. The jolly man in red brought gifts for the raccoon who had been nice all year, but gifts, he knew, were not what would bring little Roux cheer. As Santa set off to continue his Christmas Eve rounds, he scoured the bayous and towns for what would make Roux’s holiday complete. Can Santa find the perfect present to save Roux’s Christmas? 

This heartwarming story about the power of hope and the magic of friendship is sure to brighten your holiday reading. Children will enjoy this story of an unlikely friendship set in the southern swamps that references customs and traditions familiar to the littlest Cajuns. A recipe for Roux’s Bayou Stew completes this special tale.

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!

It is time for nap at Sassy’s house. But she is wide awake! Young readers will follow along as Sassy travels the state of Louisiana, enjoying music in New Orleans, picking strawberries in Ponchatoula, and touring the swamps. Wait, was she sleeping and dreaming the whole time?

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!

It’s time to make gumbo, but Greta’s dad needs groceries and her baby brother is fussy. As her frazzled dad shops for gumbo ingredients, he doesn’t notice when Greta, determined to calm her brother, summons the help of a hyperactive monkey, a curious rabbit, and a frozen penguin. The baby laughs. But when a grunting elephant and a lumbering bear cause chaos, the baby wails. Yikes! Can Greta calm the baby and help Dad get groceries for Greta’s gumbo? Imagination rules in this fun story for young readers.

Tanner the Turtle lives on the banks of the bayou surrounded by animal friends who love to play at the water's edge. Everyone knows, though, that the water can be dangerous if you don't know how to swim. And Tanner is too scared to learn! When his mother brings him to the local swimming pool for lessons, he refuses to even stick his head under the water. With the guidance of Coach Ted, though, Tanner is soon splashing with his new friends and learning valuable lessons in water safety.

“Hop on the Crossroads Cruiser in All Aboard, Louisiana! and enjoy another spectacular adventure from Rosalind and Maggie Bunn. What fun to learn about Louisiana’s regional treasures through clever verses and bold, animated illustrations! This state-touring series is sure to become a children’s classic!” —Annell Gerson, owner, Bookmiser bookstore   “The Bunns have done it again! The All Aboard Series does a fantastic job of showing readers young and old the secret places they need to visit in their favorite states. Beautifully illustrated and in snappy verse, this latest edition will have young readers everywhere asking to hop aboard the nearest train.” —Chris Negron, award-winning author of The Last Super Chef and Dan Unmasked  “As a Louisiana educator, I can’t wait to share this wonderful book with my third graders. All young readers will want to ‘board the Crossroads Cruiser to see our great state’!” —Tracy Gaspard, teacher, Baton Rouge   “Hop onboard as Rosalind and Maggie Bunn whisk readers away on a fun and exciting cultural journey through Louisiana!” —Susan Sands, author  “All Aboard, Louisiana! does a fabulous job of showcasing many aspects of our state through beautiful illustrations, including our amazing foods, different regions, and historical attractions.” —Sara Wisdom, librarian/media specialist, Baton Rouge  All aboard! Young adventurers won’t want to miss out on this pictorial train ride across the state of Louisiana, with richly detailed illustrations introducing children to the state’s beautiful and historic treasures. At each stop across the five regions of Louisiana, riders will sample delicious dishes, share in the area’s unique culture, and meet the state’s wild residents.