Children's Sale

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.

“No, mon ami! You can’t catch me!”

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

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

A wacky spin on an Old West favorite. This tall tale about a famous American cowboy takes readers on a romp into the Wild West. When Pecos Bill cannot seem to find the best hat to fit his head, he searches for creative ways to keep his noggin covered. His often humorous ideas lead to the invention of the cowboy hat. A glossary includes cowboy terms.

Freed slaves who headed West to start careers in the army after the Civil War were nicknamed buffalo soldiers by the Cheyenne Indians because of their hair and their displays of strength. A buffalo soldier's account of the bravery and courage of the Tenth Calvary during the Indian wars and the Spanish-American War.

When the cotton candy machine at the Texas State Fair malfunctions, Jake leaves a very sticky situation in his wake.

From his classroom at school to streets near and far,
Paul looks for a snoball by foot and streetcar.
Sip up and slurp up this sweet, sticky story
that's chock-full of snoballs in their sugary glory.
Bursting with colors like mango and grape
—and spearmint and cherry and rich wedding cake—
these bright pictures sparkle like fresh-shaven ice.
You will read it again—to start, at least twice.
This triple-fun story's a scrumptious delight.
Snoballs for all? That sounds just right!

Give a crab a crawfish, and he won’t eat for the day!

A long time ago, when Crab and Crawfish were still best friends, Crawfish was feeling particularly lazy—and particularly hungry-as he loafed around the muggy bayou. When Crab arrived with a fish, Crawfish took one listen to his empty belly and decided to trick his good-natured friend. After Crab realizes Crawfish has made a fool of him again, he isn't happy, and before he knows it, Crawfish gets exactly what he deserves. A charming tale cautioning children about the consequences of cheating your friends, this colorful picture book from the critically acclaimed Johnette Downing will delight readers of all ages with its timeless and gentle lesson about integrity.

In this inventive retelling of There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly, an old Cajun accidentally swallows a gnat.

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

Afraid of life in the zoo, the little giraffe escapes. She finds herself in the French Quarter, where she is befriended by Claude and Angelle, who agree to help Jenny.

One day, a little old lady decides to bake a Gingerbread Man. But he turns out to be not just any Gingerbread Man--this one has special powers, like the ability to fly. He flies to a bakery and helps save the other baked goods from a crazed macaroon, in this hilarious picture book for young readers.

Annie longs to know more about her family. One rainy day, Grandma Marilyn takes out dusty photos, faded letters, and a fragile wedding bouquet while telling the stories that bind them together. Annie learns that her Aunt Claire was famous for the beauty creams she created in her kitchen and that an uncle won a medal in the war. Connected to her past, Annie creates a special scrapbook with room at the end to add to as her family grows.

Jenny Giraffe is all set for the big Christmas parade, the caroling, and especially, the arrival of Papa Noel. But Jenny has never experienced the holiday season and hasn’t any idea what Christmas is all about or even who Papa Noel is! Luckily, her friends T-Boy, Lita, Claude, and Angelle are going to teach her all about the joyous season through the special Christmastime celebrations in Louisiana.

Jenny Giraffe Discovers Papa Noel brings the holiday spirit to homes everywhere through the fun-loving adventures of everyone’s favorite four-legged artist. From the celebrated Christmas parade to the tradition of the Christmas tree to the story of Baby Jesus’ birth, Jenny learns to appreciate the excitement and love of the season. She even gets to participate in some truly unique Louisiana festivities like the lighting of the bonfires along the river to guide Papa Noel on his route to deliver his gifts. But Jenny is still puzzled about who this jolly man is and why it is that some people call him Santa Claus. Perhaps only on Christmas Eve will everything become much clearer.

Author and stand-up comedian Michael Strecker tells jokes about po’ boys and ferries, and crawfish and oil—everything under the New Orleans sun! Paired with the comically animated illustrations of Vernon Smith, fans of the Crescent City will be belly-laughing about the unique yet familiar places, people, and things. Included are silly takes on local favs such as this gem: “Why did the Chihuahua need to go to the optometrist? It had Popeyes!”

Featuring a “What Dat?” glossary of local terms and their pronunciations, this collection of hilarious and guaranteed age appropriate jokes will have readers laughing ‘til the remoulade comes out of their nose!

Creole cooking with Grandma!

Bell peppers, shrimp, oysters, onions, and okra—Grandma stirs up these and other traditional fresh ingredients to create this special Southern dish. Add generous portions of rice and hot sauce with a handful of filé seasoning, and you’ve got a classic Creole gumbo! Now available as a board book, this delightful rhyming story features colorful collage-style illustrations surrounded by the charming and infectious poetic rhythm. Early readers and pre-readers alike will be enchanted as Grandma adds more and more items to her big black pot. Every ingredient plays an important part in the formation of this delicious dish, making it the tastiest treat in Louisiana. Bon appétit!

Take a streetcar ride through the Crescent City!

Snowballs, second lines, balconies, and gardens—when you’re in New Orleans, you won’t want to miss any of the sights and sounds! In this colorful new picture book, hop on the streetcar at St. Charles Avenue and follow the rolling rhymes past Uptown mansions and Garden District greenery. Switch to the red line and glide by Mid-City homes and through the historic French Quarter. This book is your family’s ticket to the wildlife, buildings, and culture that make New Orleans a place unlike any other! Hold on tight to the handrail, because with Marion Rea Brian’s charming storytelling and Jennifer Lindsley’s light-hearted illustrations, you’re in for the ride of your life!