Spooky Season Reads

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.

To the staccato of snare drums and the riffs of jazz bands, a Fat Tuesday ruckus ensues. Two bitter rivals take to Jackson Square to battle for control of the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans. As the hair flies and the claws come out, the pups in the Krewe of Barkus and the felines of the Krewe of Meoux vie for supremacy of the streets. Amidst swishing tails and dangerous footwork, the cool cats and hot dogs battle in a winner-take-all dance-off! The festive animals compete to be top dog or top cat once and for all. In this "catcophony," who has the right voodoo to claw their way to the top? Will it be the Persians and calicos or the bulldogs and pugs? In this bright, bold, and very hip story of two New Orleans rivals, author and illustrator Lindsay "Bones" Cordero" brings to life the colorful world of the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux.