Name: Cajun Night Before Christmas 50th Anniversary Edition
Brand: Trosclair
SKU: 9781455627141
Price: 24.95 USD
Availability: InStock

Cajun Night Before Christmas 50th Anniversary Edition

9781455627141

$24.95

“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 special Fiftieth Anniversary 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.

Cover image for Cajun Night Before Christmas 50th Anniversary Edition, isbn: 9781455627141

Cajun Night Before Christmas 50th Anniversary Limited Edition

9781455627165

$39.95

“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.

Cover image for Cajun Night Before Christmas 50th Anniversary Limited Edition, isbn: 9781455627165

Cajun Night After Christmas

9781565547797

$19.99

Drifting down the bayou the night after Christmas, Boudreau discovers a fat alligator named Pierre, whom he takes home as a pet. The Boudreau children give Pierre their full attention, much to Pierreï¿½s dismay, but in the end, itï¿½s a very happy Cajun night after Christmas all through the year!

The Teachers' Night Before Christmas

9781565548336

$19.99

The traditional trappings of Christmas at school--the pageant, a visit to a local nursing home, crafts, and the room mothers' party--all end in chaos, but Santa Claus appears to present a solution to all the teachers' Christmas woes.

Firefighter's Night Before Christmas

9781589800540

$19.99

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!

Goodnight Pothole

9781455627370

$19.99

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.

Andrew Higgins and the Boats That Landed Victory in World War II

9781455625277

$16.99

Andrew Higgins built boats that could "crunch through driftwood, bounce over logs, climb a beach," and "wham up on a sloping concrete sea wall." In World War II, that was exactly what was needed to get soldiers and Jeeps from the ocean to land. This biography for young readers traces the invention of the legendary Higgins boat-and the adventurous childhood of the remarkable man behind it.

Andrew Higgins and the Boats That Landed Victory in World War II

Bayou Ballet

9781455626625

$19.99

Whether you join hands with an armadillo in the pas de deux or pirouette with the panther, you'll find plenty of talented and agile creatures to mimic in this enchanting introduction to ballet for emerging readers. Even the bears are dancing in this picture book from mom, author, and illustrator Alexis Braud. Budding ballerinas will love the humorous illustrations paired with beginner-friendly explanations of dance terms, making the moves both easy to understand and memorable.

Cover image for Bayou Ballet, isbn: 9781455626625

Gumbo Weather

9781455627615

$19.99

Adaleigh, a young Cajun girl, has the envie for her grandmother's chicken and sausage gumbo. But there is a problem. It's summer, and Mamere does not cook her gumbo until the weather has just the right chill in the air. Adaleigh tries various get-gumbo techniques, including learning to ask for it in French, but she will have to wait. This picture book for young readers, peppered with Cajun words, celebrates the Cajun culture and the importance of generational bonds.

The New Orleans Twelve Days of Christmas

9781455624539

$17.99

Christmas in the Crescent City is unique. Welcome to the land of secondliners, oyster po' boys, shotgun houses, and king cakes. This holiday picture book celebrates the special quirkiness of New Orleans.

The New Orleans Twelve Days of Christmas

Couillon the Crawfish

9781455626106

$19.99

Survival in the swamp is hard work, especially for a delicious little mudbug. Couillon the crawfish is a whole lot of crazy. Despite his small size, he's way more than a handful of tough. Always stand up for yourself!

The Little Bead Tree

9781455626366

$19.99

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 will 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.

Cover image for The Little Bead Tree, isbn: 9781455626366

12 Days of Mardi Gras

9781455626403

$19.99

Repetition, alliteration, and visual humor abound in this Mardi Gras themed riff on the iconic holiday song, perfect for emerging readers and early counters. As each day of the Mardi Gras season passes, a gift is given. Each of the many, many, many gifts is familiar to those who embrace the season's traditions. Coming in twos, twelves, fives and fours, the gifts include majestic masks, floats a rolling, golden shoes, and cherished cups. Colorful illustrations provide lots of additional hijinks and engagement in this soon-to-be-classic holiday tale!

The Legend of Roux-Dolph the Gumbo Pot

9781455627592

$19.99

When Santa is flying over the Southern bayou and his stomach growls, little Viola invites him down for some of her mother's gumbo. But wait--now Santa has eaten it all! Young readers will delight in the Christmas magic that Santa brings to the empty gumbo pot, making sure it never runs low again.

The Wheels on the Floats

9781455627974

$19.99

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.

Cover image for The Wheels on the Floats, isbn: 9781455627974

The Tuskegee Airmen Story

9781589800052

$19.99

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.

The Flying Horses of City Park

9781455624713

$17.99

A girl and her nana take the streetcar to City Park in New Orleans for a big day on the carousel. The "flying horses" are not only beautiful and exciting but have an interesting story behind them. This charming picture book brings both the thrill and the history of this beloved icon of the Crescent City to life for young readers.

Who Got the Baby in the King Cake?

9781455626038

$17.99

Believed to have originated in twelfth-century France, the king cake tradition is an homage to the wise men (three kings). In New Orleans, as in Europe, a charm or plastic baby is hidden inside the cake and whoever finds the treasure is crowned king or queen for the day. The unofficial regent is also expected to host the next king cake party--or at least provide the cake! So, of course, everyone asks "Who got the baby in the king cake?" Downing's hand-cut colorful collage illustrations accompany her original song in this joyous story designed to entertain and educate kids of all ages. The full song, and many others celebrating her Louisiana home, can be found on her album Swamp Romp: A Louisiana Dance Party for Children.

Thibodeaux Turtle and Boudreaux Bunny

9781455624508

$16.99

Once upon a Louisiana time, there was a turtle and a bunny. The turtle was polite, quiet, and careful; the bunny was rather rude, loud, and impatient. The turtle finally agrees to a big race against the bunny. In this Louisiana version of the Aesop tale, young children will discover that slow and steady wins the race.

Goodnight Cajun Land

9780984671069

$16.99

Goodnight seafood gumbo, goodnight etouffee! From iconic dishes to sports teams, music, and the region’s unique natural environment, this lullaby for young ones celebrates all that Southwest Louisiana has to offer.

Cover image for Goodnight Cajun Land, isbn: 9780984671069

Clovis Crawfish and His Friends Sixtieth-Anniversary Edition

9781455625635

$19.95

Friendship is the underlying subject as the beauty and dangers of bayou life are depicted in this first story in the landmark Clovis Crawfish series. This commemorative edition features an introduction by the author's daughter and archival material from the beloved series.

Clovis Crawfish and His Friends Sixtieth-Anniversary Edition

Someone in Louisiana Loves You

9781455627691

$19.99

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.

Cover image for Someone in Louisiana Loves You, isbn: 9781455627691

Mon Cher Bebe

9781455625932

$19.99

Author and illustrator Ariane O'Pry Trammell offers a sweet and lyrical prayer for little ones everywhere. Her illustrations lovingly capture the innocence of childhood and the cherished bond between siblings and parents. Each beautiful illustration is framed in context with a longer prayer filled with the lush imagery of the Louisiana landscape. To round out this heirloom book are scriptures derived from various versions of the Christian Bible. Each scripture has been rephrased and simplified by the author to assist young readers in understanding the word of God.

Bonfires on the Levee

9781455625918

$15.99

Louisiana author and illustrator Johnette Downing captures charming holiday traditions in this counting book for emerging readers. From one to ten the images of holiday bonfires and Christmas practices along the levees fill the pages. The vibrant illustrations created in cut paper and foam collage enhance the text, offering little ones further engagement in this soon to be classic Christmas tale of waiting for Papa Noel along the levee.

Mardi Gras in Alabama!

9781941879221

$17.99

Follow Folly as he celebrates Mardi Gras in Alabama! Hang on tight; he wants to see every parade in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Folly has a front-row seat as he rides with kings and queens and tags along with Joe Cain. From catching throws with the crowd to joining in with the marching bands, Folly is a part of all the festivities. With bouncing rhyme and lively illustrations, author Karyn Tunks and illustrator Alexis Braud capture the unique flavor of Carnival season along Alabama's Gulf Coast. Highlighting the best of the local revelry, Folly brings young readers along as he explores favorite Mobile-area traditions. A glossary of people, places, and things completes the introduction to the most colorful season of the year. So come along and join the fun as we celebrate Mardi Gras in Alabama in this informative picture book for locals--and those who wish they were!

Cover image for Mardi Gras in Alabama!, isbn: 9781941879221

Rougarou at Mardi Gras

9781455627554

$19.99

Rougarou loves to play, and sing, and dance--just like you do! But she looks a little different, and sometimes people who don't know her think she is scary. So she stays in the swamp and acts silly with her friends, who love her just the way she is. But on one very special day each year, Rougarou leaves the swamp. It is a day when everyone loves to play, and sing, and dance. People dress up in colorful costumes and go to parades. Can you guess what day it is? It's Mardi Gras, of course! In her sequined costume, Rougarou sparkles and dazzles on Mardi Gras Day as she hits the streets. She stops for beignets, and then she tracks down the Mardi Gras Indians, whose costumes are even more fabulous than her own. A quick bite of gumbo and she is off to cheer on Rex. There are so many adventures to have on Mardi Gras Day! Everywhere there is music. Everywhere there are smiling people. This fun, brightly colored tour of a New Orleans Mardi Gras introduces children to what makes the day so special as well as everyone's favorite Carnival customs.

The Great Holiday Cookie Swap

9781455625239

$17.99

December is full of holidays around the world: Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, and more. When eight cookies representing different cultures come together, they scramble for a spot on top of the holiday pile. The wise Indian shortbread counsels peace, in this rhyming picture book filled with recipes and facts about traditional cookies from Greece, Germany, Israel, central Africa, the U.S., and Mexico.

Oak Tree, The

9781455627172

$19.99

Life is good for an old Southern oak tree and the family who lives next to it. The tree enjoys watching the children play around it. The family enjoys the shade it provides. Everything seems so perfect. Then, one day, a bad storm heads their way. The oak tree, which has experienced many storms, senses great danger. Its immediate concern is for the family it loves. What will become of the tree? Or the family? Will they see each other again?

Things that Geaux

9781455626014

$19.99

In unique Louisiana style, Scott Campbell and daughter Tallulah present an alphabet of things that geaux! Things that zoom, things that crawl, things that dance, things that roll, things that fly, and things that run are all featured in this fun-filled jaunt for emerging readers who need to move. Whether you are down in Grand Isle or up by Grand Bayou or are just visiting the Pelican State, you'll find a cleverly illustrated alphabet of items to identify. Each page features multiple things that move and start with the same letter. Labels assist emerging readers as they match words to images and encourage a discussion of things that go in their lives. A perfect choice for classroom, travel, and family reading!

Three Little Crawfish

9781455626564

$18.99

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.

Louisiana Night Before Christmas

9781941879320

$19.99

Down in the swamps of Louisiana, Papa Noël has a big problem. He’s hit his head and forgotten who he is. How will the good boys and girls of Louisiana get any presents this year? Mama Noël puts the animals to work alongside the elves to finish the toys and pack this bayou Santa’s unique sleigh. Working throughout the night, Mama and her krewe travel up and down the state, guided by levee bonfires. Mama’s team of animal helpers are rewarded for their hard work with some delicious local treats left out for Santa and his elves. Louisiana children and their parents will love this new holiday story filled with humorous references to what makes this time of year so special in Louisiana.

Wicked Smaht Baby

9781455627325

$24.95

Keep track of your baby's essential New England firsts in this unique baby book. Place birthday photos and record milestones on colorful pages with hand lettered text. Capture baby's experiences with the iconic foods of the region! Colorful pages provide guided journaling of baby's first baseball game and more. Illustrated end sheets give space to record blessings from the baby shower and well wishes from loved ones in this book that will become an heirloom for generations.

Alligator Tales

9781565548473

$6.95

This delightful collection of poems alters our image of alligators and crocodiles from ferocious reptiles into everyday individuals who explore their environment with the curiosity of a small child.

Cop's Night Before Christmas

9781589808003

$19.99

It's Christmas Eve, and this police officer is on patrol. He encounters Sergeant Kringle, who takes over his patrol so the cop can go home to his family. This whimsical illustrated tale for young readers is a tribute to law-enforcement officers everywhere.

G Is for Grits

9781455616985

$19.99

From alligators to winding country lanes and fried zucchini, this picture book is an alphabetized list of Southern delights. Breezy rhymes recall an appreciation for good food, laid-back evenings, and the gentle dispositions the region is known for.