South

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.

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.

Ghost stories from Florida's Ocala National Forest have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

Welcome to spooky Ocala National Forest!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that not far from the happiest place on earth, ghosts roam the swamps and woodlands of Central Florida? Or that eerie children ask passing cars for rides along the famously haunted Tiger Trail Road in Dunnellon? Can you believe a mysterious wanderer stalks the streets of Astor at night? 

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Ocala National Forest forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Welcome to the spooky streets of New Orleans!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms. Did you know that New Orleans cemeteries are built above ground? Or that thousands of visitors each year come to see what ghosts and spirits may appear in these beautiful Cities of the Dead? Can you believe that the ghost of Marie Laveau—the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans—was once seen dancing on a tomb, with a snake wrapped around her? Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see the Big Easy, and have you sleeping with the light on!

Ghost stories from America’s Holy City have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

Charleston’s haunted history and local legends come to life—even when the main players are dead. From the dire warnings of the Gray Man of Pawley’s Island, to the long-dead cadets who have never left the original Citadel, this spooky chapter book will keep readers rapt. Dive into suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

Ghost stories from Winston-Salem, North Carolina have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

The haunted history of Camel City comes to life—even when the main players are dead. Take a look at the cursed painting that once hung in the Zinzendorf Hotel. Or look for ghosts in the houses that line Poplar Street. Dive into this spooky chapter book for suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

Join Joshua and his grandpa for a heartwarming history of the brave African American Tuskegee Airmen of World War II.

Young readers can sit with Joshua and his friends as his grandfather tells him the story of his service in World War II as a Tuskegee Airman. Topics like war, racism, and segregation may be unfamiliar to young readers, but this story explains complicated topics in ways that any child can understand. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American military pilots, and some of the bravest among all of the armed forces, but pilots weren’t the only important faction— both men and women worked as mechanics, instructors, nurses, cooks, and many more invaluable jobs. As Joshua’s grandpa says, “Everybody who helped America to win the war was a hero. Some people fought America’s enemies in battles overseas. Others fought for freedom at home.”

Learn about the service and sacrifice made by Joshua’s grandpa, grandma, and countless others who made the Tuskegee Airmen legacy last for generations.

Ghost stories from America’s “Heart of Dixie” have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

Welcome to the spooky state of Alabama!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms. 

Did you know that every February, a sunken ship rises again on the Tombigbee River? Or that the man peeking out of the Pickens County Courthouse window was wrongfully imprisoned there…150 years ago? Can you believe the sounds of a Civil War horse still echo on the porch of an old house in Suggsville?  

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Alabama and have you sleeping with the light on! 

Ghost stories from America’s oldest city have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

The haunted history of St. Augustine comes to life—even when the main players are dead. Visit the Castillo de San Marcos to help a headless soldier look for a lost wedding ring. Or spot the ghostly boy dashing among the headstones at Tolomato Cemetery. And if you visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse, beware of the mischievous spirits who have been known to tie visitors’ shoelaces together! Dive into this spooky chapter book for suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

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. 

Let the GHOUL times roll!

Henry can’t wait for his field trip to the French Quarter, New Orleans’ oldest—and spookiest!—neighborhood. Not only will he and his best friend, Lily, find some cool facts for their local history project, they’ll get to eat delicious beignets while they’re at it. (Yum, y’all.) 

But inside historic Meredith Mansion, they find way more than they bargained for—including paintings that move, a possibly haunted music box, and one VERY grumpy ghost! Along with their friends, Henry and Lily will have to follow the creepy clues, explore mystical signs and symbols, and uncover an old family secret that someone may still be guarding, even from beyond the grave! And if they can’t . . . it could be the last field trip any of them ever take.

Ghost stories from Fredericksburg have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

Welcome to spooky Fredericksburg, Virginia!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that every seven years, a spectral woman in white walks the grounds of Chatham Manor? Or that at the Rising Sun Tavern, a rowdy spirit has been spooking people for centuries? Can you believe the ghost of Mary Washington still tends her beloved garden, waiting for her son George to visit?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Fredericksburg forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

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.

Ghost stories from America’s Hostess City of the South have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

Savannah’s haunted history and local legends come to life—even when the main players are dead. From the legend of Rene Rhondolia to the many spirits who haunt the Sorrel-Weed house, this spooky chapter book will keep readers rapt. Dive into suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

Ghost stories from Treasure Coast, Florida have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

The haunted history of Treasure Coast comes to life—even when the main players are dead. Visit the Driftwood Resort and catch a glimpse of past tenants who checked in, but never checked out. Or see a show at the Sunrise Theatre, but expect to be distracted by the specters who call this place home. Dive into this spooky chapter book for suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

Ghost stories from the American South have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

The haunted history of cities across the southeast come to life—even when the main players are dead. Have you heard about the ghosts at the Mayberry Inn in Hot Springs, Arkansas? Their connection to the Inn is so strong—and grisly—they may never check out! Did you know the Springer Opera House in Columbus, Georgia, is haunted by the brother of one of the most infamous men in American history? Do you know the history of the majestic—and haunted—tombs of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans, Louisiana?  Dive into this spooky chapter book for suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

Ghost stories from Virginia’s Blue Ridge Highlands have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

The haunted history of the highlands comes to life—even when the main players are dead. Visit the Bolling Wilson Hotel in Wytheville to meet its charming elderly ghost. Or head to the Inn at Wise to play with the fun-loving boys whose spirits linger in the halls. Perhaps you’ll spot the ghost horse in Abington as it gallops across the grounds of the Martha Washington Inn! Dive into this spooky chapter book for suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

Ghost stories from the Scenic City have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

The haunted history of Chattanooga comes to life—even when the main players are dead. Dare to visit Raccoon Mountain Caverns to see if a ghostly night watchman returns for his shift. See the spirits who haunt several area schools. Or explore the Chickamauga Battlefield to learn Civil War history—and perhaps meet the ghosts of fallen soldiers. Dive into this spooky chapter book for suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

Ghost stories from the Birthplace of Rock ’n Roll have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

The haunted history of Memphis comes to life—even when the main players are dead. Come for the blues and barbecue, but stay for the ghosts. Have you heard about the spirits at the Memphis Zoo? Or how about the grisly history surrounding the Grand Carousel? Dive into this spooky chapter book for suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

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.

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.

Home to thousands of US sailors, the USS Alabama fought bravely in World War II, but after she finished her service, the battleship was set to be scrapped. The people of Alabama decided they had to save the ship named for their proud state. No one was more determined than Alabama’s schoolchildren.

Author Karyn Tunks traces the story of the children’s efforts in this informative and entertaining account. Tunks reveals a wealth of detail about life at sea before the ship was decommissioned and the many challenges Alabamians faced in securing the ship’s permanent home.

Artist Julie Dupré Buckner captures the feeling of the era in her detailed, vivid illustrations of the ship, those who called her home, and those who saved her for future generations. Complete with a glossary, illustrated ship’s diagram, and timeline, USS Alabama: Hooray for the Mighty A! offers beginning readers a glimpse of the fascinating history of the battleship and how even the smallest of actions can produce incredible results.

Spooky stories and behind-the-scene incidents from the award-winning PBS documentary "The Haunting of Louisiana

Welcome to spooky Louisiana!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that ghost pirates haunt Louisiana's bayous in search of buried treasure? Or that at the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge, you might find a trail of ghostly footprints? Can you believe that in New Orleans, ghosts and spirits come alive in the famously haunted Cities of the Dead?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Louisiana forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Adapted from Haunted Louisiana by Barbara Sillery

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.

All new story in this second edition of the collective tales of Bayou Bogeyman Presents Hoodoo and Voodoo.

The night might have started as a normal camping trip, but it soon becomes a nightmare from the swamp when a group of students are joined by the Bayou Bogeyman! With their teacher missing and no way home, the children have no choice but to play the Bogeyman's twisted game: tell a campfire story spooky enough to satisfy the monster's appetite or get eaten alive! This supernatural collection features spine-tingling tales from nine different Louisiana writers, each with their own share of screams to add to the trove of Southern lore. Lock the door, grab a flashlight, and pull the blankets over your head, because you're in for the fright of your life!

Ghost stories from Orlando have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

Welcome to spooky Orlando, Florida! 

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that restless spirits who went down with the ship may haunt Orlando's Titanic exhibit? Or that in Kissimmee, a headless horseman rides in search of his missing head? Can you believe that "the most magical place on earth" . . . might actually be crawling with ghosts?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Orlando forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Ghost stories from Florida's Haunted Lighthouses have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

Welcome to the spooky shores of Florida!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms. 

Did you know St. Augustine is home to the most haunted lighthouse in all of Florida? Or that ghostly pirates stalk the lighthouse on Garden Key in search of buried treasure? Can you believe that when the sun sets at Carysfort Reef Light, the dead... come alive?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Florida's Haunted Lighthouses, and have you sleeping with the light on! 

Adapted from Haunted Florida Lighthouses by Heather Leigh, PhD

Ghost stories from Tampa, Florida have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

The haunted history of Burlington comes to life—even when the main players are dead. Visit the Oaklawn Cemetery for a glimpse of the ghost of Vincent Martinez de Yeor. Or catch a spectral show at the Tampa Theater. Dive into this spooky chapter book for suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

Ghost stories from the Florida Panhandle have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

Welcome to the spooky Florida Panhandle!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that Panama City Beach was once home to a real Castle Dracula? Or that the restless spirit of Elizabeth Bellamy haunts the Bellamy Bridge in Marianna? Can you believe the man in scrubs hanging around the Old Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola might just be . . . a ghost?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see the Florida Panhandle forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Ghost stories from North Carolina's Haunted Coast have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

Welcome to the spooky shores of the North Carolina coast!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that ghost ships and their undead crews stalk the waters along North Carolina's coast? Or that a mysterious "Gray Man" appears on the windswept shores of Cape Hatteras just before deadly storms strike? Can you believe that the restless spirit of Blackbeard himself haunts the shadowy paths of Springer's Point . . . in search of his missing head?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see the haunted North Carolina coast forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Deep in the bayou where critters reside lived a lovable little crawfish they all knew as Clyde. The big crawfish said he would always be too small to play, but Clyde had an idea of how his giant cousin up in Maine could help! Young readers will enjoy the trick while also learning the importance of inclusion.

Within these colorful pages, it’s Carnival time all year long!

A young storyteller relives the memories from her most recent Mardi Gras, describing ladders on the neutral ground and the perennial favorite of a fried chicken meal on the parade route. From a streetcar ride on Twelfth Night, she rolls on through Fat Tuesday and meets Mardi Gras Indians and revels in king cake and the music of a marching band, capturing all the highlights of a local’s Mardi Gras season. Who can forget spray string and stink bombs, the cotton candy cart, masking in the streets, and flambeaux lighting the way for night parades? As she Mardi Gras mambos and dances in the streets, she calls out for friends and relatives riding on floats to throw her something a little extra special.

This homage in verse captures a true local’s version of a family-friendly Mardi Gras and celebrates a city’s joy in its traditions. Children will find similarities between their own Carnival experiences and reflect on their own family’s customs. For those new to the festivities, the images—saturated with all things purple, green, and gold—will introduce visitors and newcomers alike to the real Mardi Gras. The celebration is so much more than a party and parades. It’s a holiday steeped in the culture of New Orleans and the joie de vivre of families and friends who come together during a special time of year to share in the revelry.

Visit Florida from A to Z and discover that the state is more than just a vacationer’s dream. Throughout each brightly colored page, young readers will identify fun and familiar places, food, and activities while learning new words and concepts on their alphabetical journey of the Sunshine State. From alligators and egrets to mangroves and oranges, this friendly introduction to Florida’s weather, geography, and more will be rewarding to read and reread both in classrooms and at home. The state’s wildlife, flowers, landscapes, and more are captured in the breezy, balmy illustrations, which feature fun facts and a  picture search. 

Did you know that more than one thousand shipwrecks have been found off the Florida Keys? Or that the Florida panther, the state animal, can travel more than twenty miles in a single night? These fascinating Florida facts are just a few of the engaging concepts that children (and adults) will learn on their educational jaunt through America’s southernmost state. A list of Florida state symbols completes this delightfully rhyming primer.

WINNER OF THE SCBWI CRYSTAL KITE AWARD

AN IN THE MARGINS LIST NOMINEE

This incisive coming-of-age story is set against the backdrop of Hurricane Katrina and its severe devastation to US soil. A compelling tale of growth and independence, this debut novel brings a fresh, evocative voice to the stage: Hollis Williams, whose resilience, strength of character, and personal growth are powerfully portrayed by the author's authentic narrative. This book will last for generations, giving voice to every young reader struggling to find his or her place in the world.

Hollis Williams is a middle-school student in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans. His father absent and his mother dead, Hollis and his siblings live with his grandmother. He dreams of reconnecting with his father, but Hurricane Katrina strikes and devastates his home and his plans. The young boy's family is trapped on the roof of their house, hoping and waiting to be rescued. When help finally arrives, Hollis and his family are separated and sent hundreds of miles apart. Taken to a shelter in a West Virginia church, Hollis must reunite his family against all odds.

Ghost stories from the Florida Keys have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

Welcome to the spooky Florida Keys!  

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum is haunted? Or that the waters off Key Largo are home to sharks and ghostly pirates? Can you believe the Keys' most famous resident is a haunted doll named Robert⏤and if you don't follow his rules, he might just put a CURSE on you?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see the Florida Keys forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Ghost stories from Coastal Virginia have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

Welcome to spooky Coastal Virginia! 

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted across Hampton Roads.

Did you know that a phantom pirate prowls the woods at First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach? Or that a cast of Caspers sometimes steals the show at the Wells Theatre in Norfolk? Can you believe that every July—above the Lynnhaven River's blue crabs and oysters—a ghostly light glimmers at the site of the Witch Duck?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Coastal Virginia forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Ghost stories from Southwest Florida have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

Welcome to spooky Southwest Florida!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that in Arcadia, ghostly children play tag at the site of an old orphanage? Or that when the moon rises over the Manatee River in Bradenton, a spectral song echoes across the water? Can you believe a headless camper haunts Myakka River State Park?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Southwest Florida forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

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.

In the swamp, Gary the gator befriends Jerry, a cellphone who has fallen off a swamp boat.

Jerry offers Gary access to many wonders of the world, but Gary misses slowing down and enjoying his bayou life with his friends and family. In this colorful picture book, young readers will discover if Gary and Jerry can strike a good balance between modern technology and the simple life.

On the first warm and sunny day of the year, Washington, D.C., Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School principal Sharon Riggs needs one more substitute teacher. Victor Kennedy, the father of the school�s secretary, agrees to teach the seventh-grade American-history class for the day and tells the students about the Tuskegee Airmen. During World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen were the first black men allowed into combat, flying over 1,500 missions over the course of the war and winning a significant battle against segregation at home. Young readers will experiencefor themselves the triumphant pride of these men in serving their country.

Take a spine-tingling plunge into Florida's pirate-filled past! 

Meet Florida's spooky pirates!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms. 

Did you know that the city of St. Augustine is positively packed with ghostly pirates? Or that on Gasparilla Island, you might just spot a headless buccaneer and his "spirited" steed galloping down the beach? Can you believe a three-hundred-year-old ghost ship and its cursed crew still haunts the waterways of the Florida Everglades? Shiver me timbers!

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Florida forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on! 

Adapted from Ghosts and Legends of Florida's Pirates by Heather Leigh, PhD

Embark on a magical journey through Florida’s diverse landscapes.

Join our young protagonist aboard the Panhandle Pullman for an unforgettable adventure filled with breathtaking sights and exciting discoveries. From the emerald waters of St. George Island to the historic streets of St. Augustine, each stop offers new wonders to explore. Taste the Tupelo honey, and marvel at the wildlife of the Florida Keys. Encounter manatees and sea turtles, alligators, crocodiles. Blast off at a NASA rocket launch! All Aboard, Florida! celebrates the beauty, history, and wonders of Florida in a captivating tale for children of all ages. Climb aboard and get ready for a journey of a lifetime.

Ghost stories from Northwest Florida have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!/

em>Welcome to the spooky beaches and piers of Panama City!/em>

Stay Alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Panama City forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

A South Carolina girl reckons with her own beliefs—and the Revolutionary War—in this “engaging” historical novel for children(Lily Herndon Weaks, coauthor of East Cooper: A Maritime Heritage).

For eleven-year-old Sarah Boone, the year 1780 is full of confusion and excitement. Living at Boone Hall in Charles Towne, South Carolina—the capital city that will soon be renamed Charleston—she finds herself observing constant changes to the world in which she lives. Struggling to please her parents, Sarah is often caught between her desires to act like a rebellious tomboy and a proper young lady. Just when she begins to adjust to the changes around her, plantation life is made more interesting with the arrival of a baby sister and new slave family.

Sarah is drawn toward the responsibility of being a big sister and role model, as well as being a good friend to Rose. However, it is her new friendship that causes her to question the principles of slavery and the life of privilege in which she lives. In addition to the activity at Boone Hall, British forces invade and occupy Charles Towne, causing everyone in Sarah’s life to become fearful of the future. The family’s yearly return to the city is disrupted, and the cruelty of political injustice is witnessed by all walks of life. As Sarah strives to understand and cope with the obstacles around her, she learns the value of family, friends, and faith in herself.

Archie Dare is not a troublemaker, no matter what the filing folder in the principal’s office says. But it’s hard to shake a peculiar reputation when living with an eccentric, bookworm grandfather whose favorite obsession is Jean Lafitte, a famous New Orleans pirate.

After attending a fancy Mardi Gras party at his one-and-only friend Lou’s mansion, a break-in occurs at Archie’s house, and Papa is taken. Archie receives little support from police officers and decides to investigate on his own. He is joined by Lou and his precocious, quick-witted neighbor Drea. The three discover the first of several clues Papa seemingly left behind. As Archie pieces together the first clues—a library call number that leads to a rhyme in a book about Jean Lafitte’s lost treasure—he realizes the reason his grandfather was taken: he knows the location of Jean Lafitte’s lost treasure.

In this middle-grade journey beneath the waves, author Sarah Fabiny dives into the fascinating history and lore of shark encounters along Florida's coast.

Every year, millions of people flock to Florida for some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. From Miami's bustling shores to the crystal-clear Gulf waters and tropical Keys, visitors splash in Florida's waves seeking adventure and sunshine. But some come face to face with much more.

"...a fun and engaging read for football fans and realistic fiction fans alike." —Kirkus Reviews

A Team Against All Odds

Hatcher has big football dreams. He wants to be a play-calling star. A legend. So, he joins a city youth team with the hopes of helping them design plays to win a championship. But when his inability to read plays correctly gets him cut to the B-team––a group of scrappy misfits––his dream of winning turns to surviving a season of Cajun craziness. 

Enter cousin Heatha, who, forced to live with them, attempts to discover the root of Hatcher’s problems. How can latchkey kids Hatcher and Heatha work together to defy the odds?

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.

It’s Christmas time in Louisiana! This year Elise and her mother are traveling from New Orleans to join her family in Natchitoches to celebrate the season in a very special way.

Along north Louisiana’s Cane River, holiday traditions include parades—even a boat parade!—along the river and a Christmas festival with arts and crafts and carolers singing. The light-bedecked city of Natchitoches enchants Elise. Christmas lights blink from every lamppost and storefront. The twinkling colors are reflected in the river, and fireworks light up the sky. The sugary scent of funnel cakes and cotton candy saturates the evening breeze. But Elise’s favorite holiday treat is the famous Natchitoches meat pie that Maw-Maw sells at her festival booth every year. Can you guess her secret ingredient?

Natchitoches, Louisiana’s oldest city, has celebrated the Christmas season with a festival for a century. Today, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival lasts six weeks long and features hundreds of thousands of lights, days of entertainment for children and adults, and visits from Santa. And everyone’s favorite festival food? The Natchitoches meat pie, of course! The official recipe for this yummy snack concludes the tale of Elise’s family Christmas.

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?