Pelican Publishing

Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, a New Orleans landmark and celebrated bastion of fine Creole food, has welcomed notable individuals as well as thousands of locals through its doors since opening in 1941. The unquestionable authority in the restaurant’s kitchen for many of those years, Leah Chase offers here a collection of recipes from the menu and her personal files that have delighted patrons for decades.

Spiced with exquisite works from the African American art collection that hangs in the restaurant’s dining room, this cookbook pairs the flavors of Leah Chase’s dishes with anecdotes recounting the restaurant’s traditions, origins of the recipes, and memories. This revised and expanded edition presents even more of the restaurant’s favorite offerings and features a new chapter on drinks. Dooky Chase’s longtime chef and proprietor passed away in 2019, but these pages honor Leah’s legacy through recipes and sentiments that will be forever intertwined with the history of New Orleans.

The true story of one man's reluctant but relentless war against the invaders of his country.

Winner of the General Nathan Bedford Forrest Southern History Award 

Finalist, History, National Best Books Awards, USA Book News

Jack Hinson never planned to become a deadly sniper.

A quiet, wealthy plantation owner, Jack Hinson watched the start of the Civil War with disinterest. Opposed to secession and a friend to Union and Confederate commanders alike, he did not want a war. After Union soldiers seized and murdered his sons, placing their decapitated heads on the gateposts of his estate, Hinson could remain indifferent no longer. He commissioned a special rifle for long-range accuracy, he took to the woods, and he set out for revenge.

This remarkable biography presents the story of Jack Hinson, a lone Confederate sniper who, at the age of 57, waged a personal war on Grant's army and navy. By the end of the Civil War, the Union had committed infantry and cavalry from nine regiments and a specially equipped amphibious task force of marines to capture Hinson, who was by that time nearly sixty years old. They never caught him. Since then, the story of Jack Hinson has evaded astute historians, and until now, he has remained invisible in the history of sniper warfare.

The result of 15 years of scholarship, this meticulously researched and beautifully written work is the only account of Hinson's life ever recorded and involves an unbelievable cast of characters, including the Earp brothers, Jesse James, and Nathan Bedford Forrest.

In this unprecedented and incredible biography, Lt. Col. Tom C. McKenney masterfully recounts Hinson’s extraordinary feats as a lone Confederate sniper.

Since first published in 1977, Puerto Rican Cookery has remained a bestselling cookbook throughout the world, not only in Puerto Rico. With hundreds of practical and delicious recipes, this cookbook is required reading material for anyone who loves fine Caribbean cooking.

When author Camen Aboy Valldej́uli was a girl, proper young women were not permitted to learn domestic work such as cooking, yet her love for fine dining and her native Puerto Rico launched a lifetime adventure collecting recipes of traditional Puerto Rican dishes. Their cocina criolla, or traditional native cookery, can be traced back to the original indigenous inhabitants for over 500 years, from delectable barbacoa and the staple plantain, to the zesty seasonings of citrus, cilantro, and oregano, as well as two magical words which are the secret to many unique and characteristic dishes with a Caribbean flavor: adobo and sofrito. With new outside influences of the Spanish, British, Dutch, and Africans who arrived in the islands, the delicate blends and innovations of five centuries have developed a genuine Caribbean cuisine. Stuffed with hundreds of recipes ranging from every day favorites to fancy feasts for breakfast, lunch, dinner, desert and cocktails, this cookbook is as essential to beginner cooks as it is to seasoned chefs alike.

“Honey, if cookin’ is a chore, then you ain’t been doin’ it right.”--author and Lord Honey chef Jason Smith

From Kentucky ’Nanners Foster Waffles to ’Lasses-Glazed Carrots to Sweet Tea and Bourbon Fried Chicken, celebrate the art of “Country Bling” cooking with recipes that will have you digging out the cast-iron skillet and running to the store for some butter. Complete with colorful descriptions, accessible ingredients, simple directions, and helpful tips, this book will teach you everything you need to know about cooking with love. Kentucky born and bred, Lord Honey Chef Jason Smith honors his roots and, at the same time, refashions cherished classics. Enjoy beloved Southern traditions and odes to the homespun—dishes always perfect just the way Granny did it—but with a twist. Some of these recipes have won awards, and others haven’t made it to the competition yet, but all of them are just right for a sit-down with family and friends.

“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.

Pirate's Pantry: Treasured Recipes of Southwest Louisiana (50th Anniversary) is a bountiful collection of family and regional recipes, with a spicy lagniappe of local historical lore that reflects the Creole and Cajun flavor of this unique area, steeped in mystique and legend.

For most people, Southwest Louisiana evokes images of good food—an integral and inseparable part of the area’s past as well as its present. The Junior League of Lake Charles has collected family and regional recipes with a spicy lagniappe of local historical lore that reflects the Creole flavor and Cajun flair of this unique area. Steeped in mystique and legend, the bayous, rivers, and lakes of Southwest Louisiana provide the ingredients and the inspiration for Creole cuisine. Notorious pirate Jean Lafitte was a frequent visitor to the local planters’ tables, and his legend remains today throughout the swamps of Southwest Louisiana in Calcasieu Parish.Teaming with seafood, the local waters offer an abundance of ready possibilities for creative and delicious dishes. Sink your teeth into some Creole Jambalaya or Trout Au Gratin. Sample mouthwatering Crab Meat Quiche or Shrimp Thermidor. Delight in delicious Charcoaled Venison Roast or Grillades and Grits. Savor buttery Jalapeno Corn Bread and warm Swedish Puff Coffee Cake. Devour Heavenly Strawberry Pie, Ambrosia Cake, or Buttermilk Pralines at the end of any meal. Wonderful recipes such as these will greet you throughout these pages, delivering the distinctive tastes of Southwest Louisiana to your table. The sections include: Roux, Filé, Gumbos, Soups, Rice, Seafood, Wildlife, Beverages, Wine, Hors D’oeuvres, Eggs and Cheese, Breads, Meat, Poultry, Vegetables, Salads, Sauces, Accompaniments, and Desserts.

From brunch to dessert, these kitchen madams serve up history New Orleans style!

Author and culinary historian Poppy Tooker masterfully combines all the myriad strands that fill the rooms of Tujague’s beautifully restored establishment into a whole cloth of foodie lore. As the second oldest restaurant in New Orleans, Tujague’s boasts more than a century of fresh Creole cuisine served in the heart of the French Quarter. More than a cookbook, this foray into history combines memorabilia from the restaurant’s archives with stunning modern images from New Orleans photographers Sam Hanna and Louis Sahuc. The dramatic story of the successful effort to save the restaurant is included, along with tales of ghostly guests and authentic dishes and drinks celebrating the oldest standup bar in America and the restaurant that created the international tradition of brunch.

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

This baby memory book allows families to record all the milestones of a uniquely Louisiana childhood!

The lively illustrated pages provide spaces for photos and notes for baby's first twelve months in this one-of-a-kind state, with pages for the first and second birthday too. Parents then can set down the dates and details for baby's first king cake, football game, festival, and much more!

From appetizers and soups to pierogi and sweets, this gorgeous cookbook offers fifty recipes, along with photographs, history, musings, and stories. These classic Polish recipes are knockouts for the eye and the taste buds.

Hospitality and hearty food are the hallmarks of the Polish dining experience. This cookbook features dozens of favorite Polish dishes showcasing a variety of flavors, preparation techniques, and ingredient selections. With titles given in both Polish and English, recipes range from cucumber salad and beet soup to pork cutlets, potato pancakes, and cabbage rolls. A chapter devoted to pierogi presents the dumplings with an assortment of fillings, and the final chapter of sweets tops off any meal in true Polish fashion.

Like all the books in Pelican’s Classic Recipe Series, the entries in this collection were carefully selected to provide a cross section of memorable and authentic dishes. Organized by course, the offerings range from appetizers and salads to sides and sweets, featuring the most iconic and national of dishes—Hunter’s Stew and Barszcz—alongside comfort food and a handful of desserts, including honey cake, poppy seed rolls, and chocolate mazurka.

Designed for the modern kitchen yet retaining traditional roots, each heritage recipe has been tested to perfection. Accompanied by notes on Polish holiday customs, history, and menu pairing suggestions, these dishes offer a flavorful sample of the Polish dining experience, as passed down from generation to generation.

A tour of some of the most historic saloons in America.

There is no doubt that New Orleans has more drinking establishments per capita than any other city in the United States. Lavishly illustrated with more than 200 photographs, this elegant pictorial history provides a glimpse into the architectural and cultural treasures still operating today. From urban legends to classic recipes, all is revealed in this collection of fascinating true stories.

A classic is updated for a new generation!

The history of 613 Rue Royale, the site of New Orleans’ famous Court of Two Sisters restaurant, dates back to 1732—just fourteen years after the founding of the city, when it was the site of the home of Louisiana’s second governor. 

Beginning in 1886, the legendary “two sisters,” for whom the building and courtyard are named, operated a notions shop on the ground floor of the mansion. Located in the very center of “Governor’s Row,” 613 Royal became the focal point of Creole society. In many ways, the romance and history of the largest courtyard in the Vieux Carre epitomize the charm, the ambience, and the lifestyle of “America’s most European city.”

A tribute to the history that has made the restaurant famous throughout the world, the cookbook has been revised and updated with new recipes from the acclaimed kitchens. The history of the courtyard and the French Quarter offers an intriguing background for the recipes that follow—recipes that are Creole-inspired and taste-tested by the discriminating palates of tens of thousands of customers.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy a taste of Louisiana's freshest catches. Whether fried or baked, pan seared or grilled, fish fits any plate and is sure to please any crowd. This collection offers fish lovers an assortment of home-style recipes-which are sure to make the day's catch taste its best-with the biological facts. Also included are discussions on the Louisiana seafood industry past and present and a fascinating essay following a day in the life of a fisherman.

Carmen Aboy Valldejuli was, according to New York Times food critic Craig Claiborne, the foremost authority on Puerto Rican cooking whose cookbooks are
the definitive books on island cooking.

Her cookbook, Juntos en la Cocina (Together in the Kitchen), is the result of fifty years of love, sharing and hard work. Carmen and her husband, Luis presented their favorite recipes in this new volume. Now these flavorful meals are available to anyone interested in learning the art of Puerto Rican cuisine from two of its finest teachers.

Written in Spanish, Juntos en la Cocina provides a complete tour of the culinary arts of Puerto Rico. Adobo and sofrito, the bases of many island dishes, are despcribed in detail. To enable both novice and experienced cooks to create savory meals, each recipe gives step-by-step instructions, with special emphasis on preparation and serving.

Sample Chili con Carne, Chicken Fiesta, Carne Empanada and traditional black beans and rice. Pasta is never dull with recipes for Lasagna a la San Juan and Spaghetti Florentine. And dessert temptations include chocolate and mango flan, queen's cake and other exotic pastries.

Whether you are working alone in the kitchen or with someone you love, Juntos en la Cocina is a friend you won't want to be without.

Featuring recipes from WYES PBS’s A Chef’s Journey, this collection brings the flavors of New Orleans to life through the recipes of Edgar “Dook” Chase IV. Alongside dishes showcased in the series, this book includes additional recipes that highlight his creativity and mastery of New Orleans cuisine.

Dook Chase is an acclaimed New Orleans chef and restaurateur, best known as the executive chef and co-owner of the legendary Dooky Chase’s Restaurant. A fourth-generation member of the iconic Chase family, he proudly carries forward the culinary and cultural legacy established by his grandparents, Leah and Edgar Chase Jr.



Dook brings a thoughtful, contemporary approach to the kitchen while honoring the classic Creole cuisine for which the restaurant is known. In 2025, the Chase family was awarded the James Beard America’s Classics: South Award.

The common Yankee cruller can trace its roots to the Scottish Aberdeen Crulla, the recipe for which is included in this book.

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.

“There was no way to anticipate the horrors of the holocaust that awaited us on the Dog Green Sector.”

—Dr. Harold Baumgarten

It was the bravery and heroism of the 116th Infantry that began one of the longest days of combat in American war history. In the face of heavy fire and despite suffering the loss of eight hundred men and officers, the 116th Infantry overcame beach obstacles, took the enemy-defended positions along the beach and cliffs, pushed through the mined area, and continued inshore to successfully accomplish their objective.

A member of the 116th Infantry Regiment of the 29th Infantry Division, veteran Harold Hal Baumgarten gives his firsthand account of the June 6, 1944, landing on Dog Green sector of Omaha Beach. A multidecorated hero, Baumgarten was wounded five times before being evacuated. In 1991, he served as a consultant for the filming of the WWII movie Saving Private Ryan.

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.

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.

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.

A guide to the unique tastes of New Orleans' world-renowned gumbos and soups.

GOURMET MAGAZINE'S FEBRUARY 2009 COOKBOOK CLUB SELECTION

FEATURED ALTERNATE FOR THE GOOD COOK BOOK CLUB.

Award-winning culinary enthusiast Kit Wohl continues her celebration of New Orleans style and taste with dozens of signature gumbo and soup recipes. From Arnaud's Oysters Stewed in Cream to Chef John Folse's Smoked Wood Duck and Andouille Gumbo, Wohl collects the secrets from the Crescent City's most famous restaurants and chefs, including Leah Chase, John Besh, and Kevin Vizard. From fish to fowl and broths to bisques, each recipe is accompanied by a New Orleans anecdote, a touch of history, and gorgeous photography.

Quintessential desserts from America's favorite food city.

This gift cookbook is a collection of favorite delights from world-renowned New Orleans restaurants and chefs. The 45 recipes compiled include examples of signature New Orleans dishes invented or raised to their highest level in this city. Legends, lore, and musings accompany each recipe, topped off with delicious photographs.

Selections include bread pudding from Bon Ton Café, bananas Foster from Brennan's, cherries jubilee from Broussard's, sweet potato pie from Dooky Chase, crème caramel from Galatoire's, pecan pie from Camelia Grill, crème brûlée from Arnaud's, turtle cookies from the once-ubiquitous McKenzie's bakeries, pralines from the Poor Clares, and banana cream pie from Emeril's.

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!

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War, this 2025 deluxe printing of Dr. Joseph Warren is in every way befitting the notable and impactful patriot. Readers will be pleased with this handsome volume: hard bound in red cloth, with full color illustrations and frontispiece, endpapers adorned by engravings of the Tea Party and marbleized paper, and a matte dust jacket with raised lettering.

This book, notable for original scholarship and engaging style, remains a definitive biography of the Revolutionary War hero. An American doctor, Bostonian, mason, and early Son of Liberty, Joseph Warren played a central role in the events leading to the American Revolution. Warren dispatched Paul Revere on his famous ride and was the hero of the Battle of Bunker Hill, where he was killed in action. Physician to the history makers of early America, political virtuoso, and military luminary, Warren comes to life in this comprehensive biography.

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

Become a part of history with this interactive book about George Washington!

From the documents that drafted a nation to hand written notes from George Washington himself, this book is a treasure trove of historical information. Opening with a detailed description of Washington's death from a common infection and his harrowing final moments, each chapter is meticulously researched and documented with reference material and fascinating details of Washington's life. Inside hidden pockets and envelopes are documents, letters, and interesting facts guaranteed to keep even the most jaded readers enthralled as they learn about one of America's founding fathers and the first president of the United States.

Seventy-seven home-style shrimp recipes are interspersed with historical, biological, and food preparation advice. From an inside look at the seafood industry in Louisiana, past and present, to techniques on how to identify fresh shrimp at the local market, this complete resource includes all the information shrimp lovers need. Taking readers from the shrimp boat to the table, the authors share the art of catching, buying, peeling, storing, freezing, and thawing shrimp so that they can be turned into a delicious dish.

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.

Get to know one of the most unique cities in the world!

New Orleans is unlike anywhere else on Earth—the fusion of cultures, people, and food all establish a whole greater than its constituent parts. From migration to politics to music to ethnic culture and identity, this comprehensive volume touches on all aspects of New Orleans history for the past 300 years.

With contributions from some of the leading influencers and scholars of New Orleans cultural history, including a foreword by Professor Emeritus Lawrence N. Powell, no stone is left unturned. This is the quintessential book on New Orleans for every history buff, citizen of New Orleans, or visitor wanting to know more about who we are and how we got here.

The Foreword Writer and Contributors

Foreword by Lawrence N. Powell

Professional historian Lawrence N. Powell is the executive director of the National Center for the Urban Community. With a distinguished educational career, he is professor emeritus in Tulane University’s history department. His many books, papers, and articles have earned him extensive awards and accolades from the history community.

Distinguished Contributors and Their Topics

Natchez, Mississippi, attracts thousands of visitors annually. One look through these pages and it is easy to see why. Beautiful exterior shots, rare interior photographs, and moving descriptions capture the essence of one of the largest and best-preserved collections of antebellum architecture in the country. Natchez truly is a living museum.

King's Tavern, circa 1789, is believed to be the oldest building in Natchez and still operates as a tavern and restaurant. The stately Greek Revival Stanton Hall occupies an entire city block and is considered one of America's finest house museums. Longwood, the largest octagonal house in the country, stands unfinished today because Northern workers stopped in their tracks and left for home at the outbreak of the Civil War.

For those fortunate enough to experience this bastion of the Old South or for those who hope to visit one day, The Majesty of Natchez makes the perfect memento or gift book. It presents the grandeur of this quintessential Southern town in all its radiant splendor.

Pelican's acclaimed Majesty Series takes detailed looks at the unique architecture of historic cities and geographic areas throughout the South. The nine titles currently in the ever-growing series include Colonial Williamsburg, Savannah, and New Orleans.

New Orleans celebrates better than any other city. It's our way of doing just about anything. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and more, this gorgeous cookbook offers more than fifty festive recipes from famous New Orleans restaurants, along with photographs, history, musings, and stories. These classic Crescent City celebration recipes are knockouts for the eye and the taste buds.

These fifty recipes are an invitation to New Orleans-style celebrations with the tastes that enliven any gathering. Contemporary and classic dishes for the city's unique events all come to the party. Festival recipes are a riff on stuffed crawfish bread, crawfish pasta, and meat pies. Consider Mardi Gras served with pots of fried chicken gumbo and jambalaya. For saints' feast days, Chef Emeril Lagasse offers Italian Cookies. Even the other-worldly spirits of New Orleans can feast on Chef John Folse's Death by Gumbo.

Reveillon, St. Patrick's Day, and Seafood Festival menus feature Turducken, Boysie's Eggplant Shrimp, and Redfish on the Halfshell. Gumbo z'Herbs from Dooky Chase's, Blue Crab Beignets from La Petite Grocery, and Creole Onion Soup from Arnaud's delight the senses and the spirit. Desserts shine with Sucré's shimmering King Cake. The chefs comprise an honor roll of New Orleans' best. From highfalutin to down home, they create the greatest neighborhood food in America. We know this to be true-that's a promise.

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.

In an exciting exposition, Michael R. Bradley brings to life the Confederate cavalry operations during the winter of 1862. These strategic plans centered on an unprecedented use of horsemen in carefully orchestrated maneuvers to successfully strike behind enemy lines. The series of daring raids by Confederate riders were led by Nathan Bedford Forrest, John Hunt Morgan, Earl Van Dorn and Joseph Wheeler. Although of widely different backgrounds and military expertise, these men earned a spot in history by taking advantage of the one area in which the Confederacy held superiority - their cavalry. Under their leadership, relatively small numbers of horsemen in gray held vastly superior Union forces in place for five months. Through a detailed, day-by-day analysis of their bold forays deep into Union territory, Bradley presents a clear and concise picture of exactly how these leaders revolutionized mobile warfare. This fascinating exploration of military strategy includes a final section that contains a breakdown of the regiments and individuals who were a part of what Bradley terms the "horsemen of the Confederate apocalypse."

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. 

A melting pot of New Orleans' diverse flavors, cultures, and history.

“Reading Mr. Okra Sells Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, wonderful memories came running through my mind like a river. Being born in New Orleans, the people selling fruits and vegetables were a big part of the community I lived in. This book also brings to life the beauty and history of the city.”

Martha Giddens Nesbit provides a contemporary take on Savannah food and parties with a casual appeal. Photographed in and around beautiful historic and modern homes in the city and at Tybee Beach, these great party dishes enhance traditional and fun Savannah celebrations. Chapters include a birthday dinner, christening party, oyster roast, Christmas dinner, and more.

A visual narrative of this groundbreaking New Urbanism development in the Florida Panhandle. Designed by planning pioneers Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, Rosemary Beach is a decidedly different community. Renowned photographer Richard Sexton became an advocate of Rosemary Beach, finding it a positive example of how future communities can become better and more stimulating places. His admiration is palpable throughout this thoroughly descriptive and artful photo essay, which features a vicarious stroll through residential and civic buildings and public spaces, and details the prescribed house types that define the community. A secondary photo essay focuses on an intimate view of how residents live in Rosemary Beach. The final section provides a walking tour experience.

In New Orleans, it's often been said that people don't eat to live; they live to eat. Famous for its culinary delights and the pride it takes in its diverse cooking heritage, this is a city of food and a city for food lovers. So, it makes perfect sense that New Orleanians, known for living in and savoring the moment, would glean such a multitude of delicious recipes enjoyed at thousands of dinner tables each night. In addition to dishes from today's best chefs, Wohl has added classic restaurants and establishments no longer with us. The inclusion of these establishments demonstrates how influential they have been and how favorite recipes continue to permeate today's menus, not only in New Orleans, but throughout the country. This gorgeously photographed book celebrates the city's renowned seafood and shares how to make these great recipes. The 45 recipes compiled feature signature dishes, accompanied by history, stories, and photographs to make cooking New Orleans-style just what dining New Orleans-style has always been-an unforgettable, unmatchable experience.

Step into the vibrant world of New Orleans with Bébés, Beauty & Bees, a captivating blend of family recipes, beauty secrets, and heartfelt stories from author Amanda Hampton Bravender's colorful life.

In this enchanting cookbook, Amanda invites you on a journey through her experiences, from her upbringing in Harvey, Louisiana, to her bustling career as a local hairstylist and makeup artist. With each turn of the page, she shares cherished family recipes passed down through generations, infusing the flavors of New Orleans into every dish.

More than just a collection of recipes, Bébés, Beauty & Bees is a celebration of Amanda's journey toward self-discovery, from her humble beginnings to her endeavors as a homesteader, beekeeper, and proud horse owner. Through her anecdotes and reflections, she imparts lessons of resilience, sustainability, and the importance of cherishing one's roots.

Join Amanda as she navigates the joys and challenges of raising five children—four boys and a daughter—while finding inspiration in the strong women who have shaped her life. With warmth and nostalgia, she invites readers to embrace the beauty of times past and savor the simple pleasures of home-cooked meals, homemade beauty remedies, and the sweet buzz of life on the farm.

Discover this testament to the enduring spirit of New Orleans and the remarkable journey of one woman determined to create a life filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.

“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.

Journey to the new world with a privateer! Christopher Newport made history when he founded the first British colony in America. This biography takes young readers through Newport's exciting adventures on the high seas as a privateer-full of sword fights, pirates, exotic foods, and shipwrecks-to his landing in Jamestown.

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.

New Orleans’ Magazine Street has undergone remarkable changes over it’s long history. From an overlooked district of mostly unassuming residences and businesses, it has evolved into one of the country’s most dynamic and attractive business thoroughfares. Once host to neighborhood grocers, druggists, and cleaners, today Magazine has become a destination of fashion boutiques, gift shops, design studios, antique stores, and galleries. It is also one of the most important dining and drinking streets in town. Still home to little neighborhood eateries, Magazine now hosts some of the city’s most renowned restaurants. Yet even with the transformation the street has seen, the soul of Magazine retains its residential charm.

A beautiful coffee table book, The Incomparable Magazine Street traces the history and culture of the road that curves between stately St. Charles Avenue and the river. It speaks to not only how Magazine fits into the urban growth of the Crescent City, but it also highlights what it has become: an enchanting combination of both elegance and the down-to-earth.

A stroll through the book immerses visitors in history and nostalgia while introducing them to the people and places that make the six-mile-long street one of New Orleans’ greatest assets. Glowing photographs capture the small details, the varying streetscapes, and the unique people that make Magazine Street one of a kind. While areas of the city have evolved into a world of visitors, Magazine Street has developed its own character that combines the past and present to become a vibrant community destination.

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.

The 25th anniversary edition of the classic motivational and self-improvement book that has sold more than 1.6 million copies in hardcover.

For more than three decades, Zig Ziglar, one of the great motivators of our age, has traveled the world, encouraging, uplifting, and inspiring audiences. His groundbreaking best-seller, See You at the Top, remains an authentic American classic. Its basic premise—that you can get everything you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want—has guided generations of readers to personal success.

This revised and updated twenty-fifth anniversary edition stresses the importance of honesty, loyalty, faith, integrity, and strong personal character. See You at the Top emphasizes the value of a healthy self-image and shows how to build it. Setting personal goals is an essential part of any program for success. This important book tells you how to set—and achieve—those goals and provides step-by-step instructions on how to change the way you think about yourself and your surroundings.

See You at the Top is widely used by corporations large and small, schools, government agencies, correctional institutions, and sales organizations—wherever motivation and self-improvement are considered major priorities.

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!

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.

2026 Winner National Parenting Product Award

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.)

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!

Clap your hands and tap your toe! This vibrant story by beloved New Orleans children’s author and illustrator Shannon Kelley Atwater captures the imagination while celebrating the Cajun tradition of the fais do-do dance party. Do a little two-step just in time for bed!

Shannon Kelley Atwater was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and came to New Orleans to attend Loyola University, where she received a degree in visual arts. After selling her art on the fences of Jackson Square and opening a gallery space in the French Quarter, she now stays busy raising her three spirited children and taking on various commissioned projects. She is the author and illustrator of Alligators Don’t Like Flowers, Five Little Termites, and Goodnight Pothole and the illustrator of Rainbow Rodney, all published by Pelican.