Louisiana

A curse is no match for a generous heart.

Once upon a time on New Year's Eve night, hundreds of suitors lined up to kiss the graceful hands of Mademoiselle Grands Doigts. Jealous of the lovely maiden, the other girls cast a terrible gris gris turning her into a creature with long gnarled fingers and warts. Ashamed, she vanished, never to be seen again. The resentful girls turned as green as their hearts and fled to the swamp. Now, every New Year's Eve, Mademoiselle Grands Doigts finds nice children and fills their shoes with treats proving pretty is as pretty does. Johnette Downing deftly weaves this slightly scary Cajun morality tale accompanied by the moody colors of Heather Stanley's luscious illustrations.

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!

This baby mosquito is in for the meal of his life!

Swept away by a hurricane shortly after his birth, Boudreaux the mosquito has one biting question that needs to be answered: what are mosquitos supposed to eat? Across the swamps of Louisiana he goes, determined to find a breakfast fit for a pest. Unfortunately for Boudreaux, not a single animal is able to help: The alligator tells him to ask the wolf, who tells him to ask the bear, who tells him to ask the wild hog. Before he knows it, Boudreaux has exhausted his wings buzzing from one ear to the next, and he's still no closer to finding his first meal! He finally receives a very intriguing answer . . . but what will become of Boudreaux when he tests this theory?

Based on the PBS documentary of the same name that aired across the country, The Haunting of Louisiana highlights many of the stories that would not fit into the one-hour television program.

This miniature book of Gaston Goes to Mardi Gras
to hang on your tree tells the story of how Gaston the green-nosed
alligator has returned from the swamp and is taking adventurous readers on
a tour of Mardi Gras. The things he sees on his journey are the real
events that take place during Carnival! In Cajun country, Gaston joins a
Courir du Mardi Gras group, enjoys spicy gumbo, and dances in a fais
do-do until dawn.
Gaston's voyage then leads him to New Orleans for even more new
sights. On his way, he spies a secret krewe building beautiful floats.
Gaston gets to ride along with the Krewe of Zulu as they deliver painted
coconuts to the crowds who are yelling, "Throw me something,
Mister!" The magnificent parade of Rex, King of Carnival, delights
Gaston. The festivities continue late into the night as krewe members
dance the night away at magical balls. Come join Gaston in his Mardi Gras
discovery!

What's in your po' boy? It takes a lot of skill to put together the perfect New Orleans-style po' boy. Talented children's author and musician Johnette Downing takes readers through step by step to create this classic meal, adding in a heaping dash of humor. From French bread and Blue-Plate' mayonnaise to Creole tomatoes and debris, all delicious ingredients are included. This book is a tasty read for even the youngest child and a great laugh for adults of all ages!

D.J. enrolls in etiquette school and learns that manners take hard work. After a series of mishaps, Mom decides etiquette school is not for D.J., but with his grandfather's help, D.J. polishes his manners, learns how to be a gentleman, and gets his bike.

When Madame Poulet realizes her friend Monsieur Roach is a no-good lazy bug who is taking advantage of her, it isn't long before Madame Poulet puts an end to her roach problem for good.

Kid-friendly foods made healthy! Whip up nutritious meals with America's favorite kid chef. Wholesome, fresh, and flavorful ingredients are the centerpiece in these tasty dishes, which include Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, Crab-Stuffed Tomatoes, and Inside-Out Peach Crumble. Children (and adults!) can prepare these international recipes with ease.

WINNER OF THE SCBWI CRYSTAL KITE AWARD

AN IN THE MARGINS LIST NOMINEE

The storm pulled them apart. Can they stay strong while far away?

In this dramatic coming-of-age story, Hollis Williams matures in the traumatic events of Hurricane Katrina. Living with his siblings and his grandmother, Hollis's greatest wish has always been to reconnect with his absent father. Through the turmoil of the storm and the ensuing tests of his determination, Hollis keeps this dream alive. Their home destroyed, Hollis and his younger siblings are taken to a shelter in West Virginia, where he discovers what family means and finds his own inner strength.

On Monday, there are red beans to eat, and on Tuesday, po'boys and on it goes throughout the week, each day bringing a unique and tasty Louisiana dish to the table. Based on a song by New Orleans singer/songwriter Johnette Downing, Today Is Monday in Louisiana offers the best of Cajun, Creole, African, and French foods.