Pelican

This book presents a slice of the American songbook from 1920 to 2020, with the author recommending 365 of the best recordings of lesser-known standards and sambas of the period. From Whose Baby Are You? (Jerome Kern, music; George Gershwin, piano; 1920) to Baltimore (Randy Newman, 2011, not the original orchestral version) and beyond, this carefully curated list will set readers on a wonderful path of discovery.

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.

This original Cajun tall tale is a familial love story between a child and his godfather. Like children on the playground, the child boasts to the reader about his parrain's superhuman strength and wolflike qualities as proof that the godfather is in fact the legendary mythical creature, the Loup Garou. As playmates, the child and the parrain set out on magical adventures, perhaps too good to be true. This lighthearted twist to the often dark oral traditions of the Cajun werewolf is sure to make children laugh and, hopefully, wildly dream

Halloween is one of the most exciting days of the year for students. Imaginations--and children--run amok, fueled by thoughts of pumpkins, trick-or-treat plans, and sugar highs. But at school, their teachers dread the yearly shenanigans, and this year, the students have started celebrating a day early. With princesses running a tiara trade ring in the girls' bathroom and a laser sword battle among fourth-grade space rangers, the kids are quickly taking control of the school! When a group of fifth-grade monsters tie up two first-graders and prepare to eat them, the teachers are ready to call it quits! It's up to the students and their parents to show the teachers a new kind of Halloween and give them a holiday treat they'll never forget.

The recently retired CEO of New Orleans City Park shares here all the major events that impacted the park in the last twenty years, from Hurricane Katrina to COVID-19. Located in the center of New Orleans, the park and its post-Katrina recovery were essential to the recovery of the entire city. This striking book with color images recounts the experiences, both funny and heartbreaking, of the board, staff, and visitors to the park at a time of great upheaval. Bob Becker was a highly visible member of the community during his tenure as park CEO, and his behind-the-scenes stories will be of interest to fans of the park as well as professional city planners, park managers, disaster recovery experts, and universities worldwide.

Mardi Gras is the most magical time of year for Petite Float and her papa. This season, Petite is extra excited because, for the first time, she will be joining the other floats in the parade as they roll down the streets of town. Even her dreams haven't prepared her for the splendor that is Carnival: the happy crowds, the hand-painted throws, the dazzling flambeaux, and the sparkling floats. As day turns to night, Petite experiences all the best memories of a childhood Mardi Gras. She wonders at the beads flying through the sky, marvels at the bass drums of the marching bands, and delights in the twirling dancers and caped riders on horseback. As Petite Float makes her way down the parade route, the magic of Mardi Gras fills the air and stirs the imagination. Bright, cheerful art perfectly complements this sweet story and captures the innocent joy of a child's first Mardi Gras.

"Honey, if cookin' is a chore, then you ain't been doin' it right."--author and Lord Honey chef Jason Smith From Kentucky 'Nanners Foster Waffles to 'Lasses-Glazed Carrots to Sweet Tea and Bourbon Fried Chicken, celebrate the art of "Country Bling" cooking with recipes that will have you digging out the cast-iron skillet and running to the store for some butter. Complete with colorful descriptions, accessible ingredients, simple directions, and helpful tips, this book will teach you everything you need to know about cooking with love. Kentucky born and bred, Lord Honey Chef Jason Smith honors his roots and, at the same time, refashions cherished classics. Enjoy beloved Southern traditions and odes to the homespun--dishes always perfect just the way Granny did it--but with a twist. Some of these recipes have won awards, and others haven't made it to the competition yet, but all of them are just right for a sit-down with family and friends.

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.

A young boy rides the train through Tennessee's beautiful, historic, and interesting landscapes. From the Blue Ridge to the Appalachian Ridge and Valley Region, the Cumberland Plateau, the Highland Rim, and the Nashville Basin, the narrator experiences the marvels of his home state. He hikes, fishes, and even tours Graceland! This is Maggie Bunn's fifth project and she is looking forward to sharing and creating more stories. Rosalind Bunn is the author of nine children's books and is excited to share her newest story with everyone--especially her grandchildren.

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.

Way down at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, a very special flamingo stood out among his krewe. For he was not just pink but red, yellow, purple, green, and even orange. Could it be from all the delicious foods that New Orleans has to offer? Young readers will eat their way through the city with Rainbow Rodney in this celebration of classic Crescent City dishes.

In the swamp, young Gary the alligator receives a visit from the Tooth Fairy. She teaches him the proper way to take care of his teeth, discusses healthy nutrition and habits, and takes him on a tour of a dental office. The author and his wife own Uptown Pediatric Dentistry in New Orleans, and through this colorful picture book, he introduces young readers to the dental environment.