Pelican Publishing Children's Books

It’s the town’s big celebration and Little Laveau is lost in the woods! Luckily, her musical new friend has just the magical cure she needs. Join Little Laveau in her second adventure as she journeys around the Louisiana Bayou, providing a little encouragement for friends and animals wherever she goes. Watercolor illustrations that capture the mystery of the bayou accompany this tale perfect for beginning readers―whether they live in Louisiana or not!

Barnacle Brown is a seafaring hound, but even he is surprised by the dangerous storm that sinks his boat and leaves him stranded in the ocean, far from home. Thank goodness he wore his life jacket! But there is no way that even a hound as brave as Barnacle Brown can swim through the ocean's waves and back to shore all by himself. Just when the pup fears all is lost, a friendly loggerhead turtle arrives to bring him safely back to the beach. One good turn deserves another so he promises to help Loggerhead Lou, his new friend, protect her vulnerable hatchlings on their own journeys to the sea. This sweet tale of helping those in need contains a fact sheet about loggerhead turtles and includes ways young readers can play a part in protecting this endangered species.

Rex, a coyote, was born in South Louisiana. Ready for a change from the country life, he headed to New Orleans. There he met Rosie, from uptown, and together they explored all the wonders of the Crescent City. Young readers of this picture book will hold their breaths as the two are tracked by Trapper John. Will Rex and Rosie be able to make a happy home in the city?

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.

If you could take an animal home from the Atlanta Zoo, what animal would you choose? Do you want to taste Coke at the World of Coca-Cola or stargaze at the Fernbank Science Center? Would you rather be an artist at the Savannah College of Art and Design or a computer whiz at Georgia Tech? Take a curious tour around the state of Georgia, highlighting the best that the Peach State has to offer while delving into the topics that kids want to discuss. Prepare to immerse yourself--and your youngsters--in a whirlwind of zany questions and answers as you learn how your children view the world. With the help of this colorful, exuberant guide, the fun, silly, challenging, and offbeat prompts will ignite conversations in the car, at the dinner table, in the classroom, and more! As they ponder answers to the questions posed, children will learn to express their individuality and celebrate their differences.

Fan is a lovable character who has always wanted to be a true member of the Who Dat Nation--supporters of the New Orleans Saints NFL team. On his journey all across that nation, dedicated Saints fans ask whether or not he is worthy to become a Who Dat. This book is a must for any true Saints fan.

Alycat is planning a sleepover with her friends when Luna calls. Alycat has trouble hearing her friend over the crackling phone line, but it sounds as though she can't come to the sleepover and that she has a very big secret to share. When the rest of the kittens arrive, they gather to play games and tell spooky stories. What if Luna's news is as terrifying as the stories of alien dogs and giant mice the kittens tell around the campfire?

The themes of the books in the Alycat Series all reflect a reliance on friendships, imagination, and creativity towards problem solving. In this adventure, the characters of Alycat and her friends show young readers that things aren't always as scary as they may seem. A sleepover checklist is included!

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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.

"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.

From seven snoballs to eleven dogs in the krewe and beyond, this lively book counts from one to fifteen with fanciful depictions of Crescent City icons.

To the staccato of snare drums and the riffs of jazz bands, a Fat Tuesday ruckus ensues. Two bitter rivals take to Jackson Square to battle for control of the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans. As the hair flies and the claws come out, the pups in the Krewe of Barkus and the felines of the Krewe of Meoux vie for supremacy of the streets. Amidst swishing tails and dangerous footwork, the cool cats and hot dogs battle in a winner-take-all dance-off! The festive animals compete to be top dog or top cat once and for all. In this "catcophony," who has the right voodoo to claw their way to the top? Will it be the Persians and calicos or the bulldogs and pugs? In this bright, bold, and very hip story of two New Orleans rivals, author and illustrator Lindsay "Bones" Cordero" brings to life the colorful world of the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux.

Alycat wakes up on Monday with the dreaded Monday Blues, certain that nothing will go right. But when a mishap sends her astray, she discovers that helping a friend will lead her to discover her own hidden talent and cure her Monday Blues!

Find the original song, Monday Blues, on iTunes, YouTube, and Apple Music!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.

Alycat and the Monday Blues has been named among the best in family-friendly media, products, and services by the Mom's Choice Awards.

"[A] charmingly illustrated [and] deftly written picture book for children ages 4 to 7, Alycat and the Monday Blues will prove to be a unique and extraordinarily entertaining addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections." --Midwest Book Review

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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.

Every true Texan knows that the best chili--in fact, the only real chili--can be found only in the Lone Star State. A Bowl of Red makes the taste buds tingle and the heart sing. It is a bowl of tradition, passed down through families and generations, that American humorist Will Rogers once called a "bowl of blessedness."
This colorful picture book for young readers traces the origins and development of the official state dish of Texas. Did you know that a Texas Ranger was the first person to can chili and sell it outside the state? Can you believe that people in Ohio serve their chili mixed with chocolate! With such fun facts throughout and an authentic Texas chili recipe from Lady Bird Johnson's White House days, children and adults will turn the pages and find themselves hankering for a bite. Whether you like yours spooned over a baked potato, served with corn chips, or eaten straight from a bowl, it's chili time, y'all!

Alycat's teacher has something special planned for Friday: a field trip! But when a new student joins the class, someone feels left out. Can Alycat use her creativity and imagination to help everyone feel included?

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.

Alycat and the Friendship Friday has been named among the best in family-friendly media, products, and services by the Mom's Choice Awards.

"A thoroughly charming and entertaining read for children that also holds an important social lesson about inclusion, Alycat and the Friendship Friday is very highly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections." —Midwest Book Review

People are talking...

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.

Max tells his little brother, Jason, all about what happens in New Orleans on Mardi Gras morning, when the Indians come out in their colorful, feather-and-bead suits. Soon, Jason sees this beautiful custom for himself. The author is the big chief of the Golden Comanches and shares here a fascinating inside look into the rich tradition of New Orleans' Mardi Gras Indians.

Tag along as Semi Sam, from Texas, and his dogs, Mack and Molly, proudly traverse the country, highlighting what makes our nation great. With joyful, colorful illustrations, this picture book for young readers explores every corner of America and honors the men and women who keep food on our tables and the goods on store shelves. From Abilene to Milwaukee and Seattle to Florida, the patriotic trio do what truckers do and help make possible the American way of life.

“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.

He'll do anything it takes to return to the life he led and the girl he loves.

James' life ends amidst crushed metal and flashing sirens. But when his soul is transported back to the familiar hallways of his New Orleans high school, he remembers nothing of his tragic end. As he struggles to make sense of his new existence, he learns that there are others like him, ghosts who haunt the school, who claim they are there to protect the students and the precarious balance between life and death.
James only knows that he misses his girlfriend, Margot. He spends his days watching over her as she grieves his loss. Desperate to reconnect with her, he begins leaving her notes within the pages of her favorite book. But there are consequences to his interference, and when James learns there may be a way to return to the living, he makes it his mission to reunite with Margot, no matter the cost.

Can Alycat's brother, Bugsy, win his golf tournament without his lucky ball? Find out how Alycat's mistake turns into a valuable lesson for all.

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.

"This sweet and beautifully illustrated story will capture young cat fanciers and parents who want to teach their children about self-reliance. Great for fans of Stan and Jan Berenstain [and] Janette Sebring Lowrey." --BookLife Reviews

"Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday is very highly recommended and certain to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to family, elementary school, and community library collections for young readers." --Midwest Book Review

Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday has been named among the best in family-friendly media, products, and services by the Mom's Choice Awards.

People are talking . . .

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.

This lighthearted read-aloud book describes a trip to the animal shelter to find a just-right family pet. Young readers will learn what to consider when choosing a dog as well as the benefits of rescuing an animal. Sidebars and back matter detail dangerous foods and necessary supplies.