Kids’ Books
Scroll down for more information about these titles.
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The Unknown Soldier’s Journey Home
From the Battlefields of France to Arlington National Cemetery
By Nancy Rust and Carol Stubbs
Illustrated by Melissa Vandiver
A 40-page hardcover book in handy 7 x 6" format that tells the adventurous true story of how the remains of the Unknown Soldier were retrieved from a battlefield in France and brought home to the U.S. to his final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery. A little-known episode in American military history, this story is intended to honor not only one but all who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. The book's publication in 2021 coincides with the 100th anniversary of the return of the Unknown Soldier.
The Rose Without A Name
The Story of the Katrina Rose
By Nancy Rust and Carol Stubbs
Illustrated by Melissa Vandiver
When Hurricane Katrina swept everything from its path, Peggy Martin’s famous rose garden was left under 20 feet of water and mud. Everyone thought nothing would recover. But when the water receded, a singe no-name old-fashioned rose stood alone. The rose finally earned a name and brought hope to all for miles around.
By Gary Mallon, Illustrated by Melissa Vandiver
Bruno and Frida are brother and sister French Bulldogs who live in the French Quarter in New Orleans. Frida is always ready to go on an adventure. Bruno is less adventurous but usually does whatever Frida tells him to do.
Mardi Gras is a big party and one of the best days of the year - especially in New Orleans. Frida never misses out on a fun time, and Bruno always goes along. Come join them on one of their adventures as Bruno and Frida go to Mardi Gras.
To get your copy, click here!
The Octopus’s Holiday
For more, visit paulpycraft.com.
By Paul Pycraft, Illustrated by Melissa Vandiver
Christmas will never be the same again in the little town of Fishery. And it will never be the same again for you, thanks to two one-of-a-kind octopus friends named Doris and Shelly.
“The Octopus’s Holiday” is not like any other Christmas story you have read. We all know fish like to swim in schools, where everyone is just the same as everyone else. For the fish, every year Christmas has to be just the same as every year before. But octopuses are different. And this year, when Shelly comes for a special holiday visit with her best friend Doris, you’ll see how different they—and Christmas!—can be. But don’t give away the special ending! Dive into this underwater adventure with Doris and Shelly, and you’ll find more joy and fun than anyone with eight arms could ever hold at once. O Spectacular, O Tentacular, O Christmas O!
Things That Geaux
By Scott & Tallulah Campbell. Illustrated by Melissa Vandiver. Published by River Road Press.
Ready, Set, GEAUX !
In Louisiana, we take pride in doing things a little bit differently.
We don’t just go, we G-E-A-U-X!
This joyfully illustrated book introduces little ones to all the things that move in Louisiana, whether you are down in Grand Isle or up by Grand Bayou. 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 that will satisfy lovers of planes, trains, automobiles, boats, and more. Arranged alphabetically, each object is clearly labeled to encourage young learners to read along as they identify familiar things and discover some new ones along the way. The father-daughter team of Scott and Tallulah Campbell hope to inspire a discussion about all the unique aspects of the Pelican State, from how we get around to the ways we stamp our feet and sway to the beat. Readers will learn, smile, and laugh as they share their own ideas about all the things that geaux.
The Mermaids of New Orleans
With author Sally Asher and University of Louisiana at Lafayette Press, I’m proud to present The Mermaids of New Orleans - the first children’s book I’ve illustrated.
Limited edition, signed prints are for sale. Some of the original art is also available - click here to inquire!
The Mermaids of New Orleans tells the story of the mermaids who reside in the Mississippi River, surrounding the Big Easy. These citizens of the sea are much like their land counterparts, culturally and ethnically. Many New Orleans mermaids play in bass bands, eat roeballs in the summer, live in narrow trident houses, and have their own parades (with floats that really float!). And true to mermaid lore, the mermaids are allowed on land one day a year. New Orleans mermaids, of course, choose Mardi Gras, where they can blend in with the vibrant and decorative costumes.
The Mermaids’ Night Before Christmas
By Sally Asher; Illustrations by Melissa Vandiver. Published by UL Press.
Limited edition, signed prints are for sale. Some of the original art is also available - click here to inquire!
While Santa delivers presents around the globe to good girls and boys.
Calliope does the same for mermaids, bringing gems, trinkets, and toys.
With imagination and warmth, author Sally Asher and illustrator Melissa Vandiver bring a bustling underwater North Pole and all of its inhabitants to life. The Mermaids’ Night Before Christmas tells the enchanting tale of Mermaid Chief Calliope Claus and her team of narwhals on their joyful Christmas Eve journey delivering gifts to mermaids around the world.
