"Johnette Downing of New Orleans explains the origin of pearls in "Why the Oyster has the Pearl," illustrated by Bethanne Hill. In Downing's story, the oyster is the keeper of the world's jewels until sly snake comes along, a good lesson in greed and the virtues of generosity."
-Monroe News-Star
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
WHY THE OYSTER HAS THE PEARL Coloring Sheet
This coloring sheet is now online at www.johnettedowning.com . Click on Book Activities and then click on Why the Oyster Has the Pearl.
Today is Monday In Kentucky Book Cover Sneak Peek
Check out the book cover illustrated by Deborah Kadair for TODAY IS MONDAY IN KENTUCKY.
November 2011 Tour Schedule
November 4 at 11:00, Concert, New Orleans Jazz Park Visitors Center, New Orleans, LA
November 4 at 12:00-1:00, Book Signing, Tisket A Tasket Book Shop, Decatur, New Orleans, LA
November 5 from 10:00-12:00, Book Signing, Sam's Club, Kenner, LA
November 5 from 2:00-4:00, Book Signing, Sam's Club, Metairie, LA
November 11 at 1:00, Concert, Dularge Library, Dularge, LA
November 12 from 1-2, Book Reading/Signing, LeJouet, Metairie, LA
November 13 at 12:30 & 3:30, Concerts, Three Rivers Art Festival, Children's Stage, Downtown Covington, LA
November 16 from 1-2, Book Reading/Signing, Isidore Newman Book Fair, New Orleans, LA
November 19 at 10:00, Book Reading/Signing with Bethanne Hill for Oyster Book, Monty Stabler Gallery, Birmingham, AL
November 19 at 2:00, Concert/Book Signing, Avondale Library, Birmingham, AL
November 20-30, North Carolina
November 4 at 12:00-1:00, Book Signing, Tisket A Tasket Book Shop, Decatur, New Orleans, LA
November 5 from 10:00-12:00, Book Signing, Sam's Club, Kenner, LA
November 5 from 2:00-4:00, Book Signing, Sam's Club, Metairie, LA
November 11 at 1:00, Concert, Dularge Library, Dularge, LA
November 12 from 1-2, Book Reading/Signing, LeJouet, Metairie, LA
November 13 at 12:30 & 3:30, Concerts, Three Rivers Art Festival, Children's Stage, Downtown Covington, LA
November 16 from 1-2, Book Reading/Signing, Isidore Newman Book Fair, New Orleans, LA
November 19 at 10:00, Book Reading/Signing with Bethanne Hill for Oyster Book, Monty Stabler Gallery, Birmingham, AL
November 19 at 2:00, Concert/Book Signing, Avondale Library, Birmingham, AL
November 20-30, North Carolina
Why the Oyster Has the Pearl Reviewed in Acadiana Life
"In 'Why the Oyster Has the Pearl' we learn the oyster was Keeper of all the ocean's jewels, and gave some to whoever asked, but the greedy snake wanted them all, and in the end, got none while the oyster kept the pearl."
-Acadiana Life, "Gift Books Make Shopping Easy," November 2011
-Acadiana Life, "Gift Books Make Shopping Easy," November 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
WHY THE OYSTER HAS THE PEARL Book is IN!
My latest book WHY THE OYSTER HAS THE PEARL is in! Purchase them online or in retail book stores!
You'll be a gem if you do!
You'll be a gem if you do!
Boogie Woogie Bugs on the preliminary Grammy Ballot
My latest CD titled BOOGIE WOOGIE BUGS is on the preliminary Grammy Ballot in the Children's Music category. I am crossing my fingers and toes to move up to the next level which is Nominee.
Monday, October 17, 2011
WWNO: New Book From Award-Winning Singer, Songwriter and Author Johnette Downing - "Why The Oyster Has The Pearl" (2011-10-12)
Here is the link to my radio interview with Fred Kasten on WWNO Radio with regard to the release of my latest book:
WWNO: New Book From Award-Winning Singer, Songwriter and Author Johnette Downing - "Why The Oyster Has The Pearl" (2011-10-12)
WWNO: New Book From Award-Winning Singer, Songwriter and Author Johnette Downing - "Why The Oyster Has The Pearl" (2011-10-12)
Sunday, August 28, 2011
WHY THE POSSUM HAS A LARGE GRIN
Just signed and mailed my 12th children's book contract with Pelican Publishing Company for WHY THE POSSUM HAS A LARGE GRIN, slated for a Fall 2012 release. Christina Wald will be the illustrator!
Tour Dates - September 2011
September 9 at 11:00, Concert, New Orleans Historical Jazz Park, New Orleans, LA
September 9 at 12:00, Book Signing, A Tisket A Tasket Book Shop, New Orleans, LA
September 15-October 10, Concert and Workshop Tour, Indonesia and the Philippines
Mailbox - Letters from Fans and Friends
"My girls have grown up on your music & continue to do so. We discovered you while living in Mandeville for a year. We still sing, listen to, & laugh at your songs & we share them with as many other people as we can. Please know that you are huge blessing in our lives. Thanks for doing such a GREAT job. You truly do celebrate the joy of childhood through music. We have to check out your books now!"
-Kim Raymond
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Today is Monday In Kentucky
Deborah Kadair just sent me two illustrated pages for our upcoming TODAY IS MONDAY IN KENTUCKY book! They are so sweet! The setting is a horse farm! Perfect for Kentucky, right????
Tour Dates - July 2011
July 1 at 11:00, Family Friendly Fridays Concert Series, National Jazz Park Visitors Center, 916 N St. Peter, New Orleans, LA
July 1 at 12:00-1:00, Book Signing, Tisket A Tasket Book Shop, Decatur, New Orleans, LA
July 7 at 10:00 & 2:00, Concerts, St. James Parish Library, Lutcher & Vacherie, LA
July 8 at 10:00 & 2:00, LaSalle Parish Libraries, Jena and Olla, LA
July 9 at 1:00, Book Signing and Reading, LeJouet Toy Store, Metairie, LA
July 16, Concert, Seabrook Library, Seabrook, TX
July 19 at 9:30, Castletree Camp, New Orleans, LA
July 19-31, Workshop Tour, Quepos, Coto, Perez Zeledon, San Carlos, Upala, Liberia and Santa Cruz, Costa Rica
July 1 at 12:00-1:00, Book Signing, Tisket A Tasket Book Shop, Decatur, New Orleans, LA
July 7 at 10:00 & 2:00, Concerts, St. James Parish Library, Lutcher & Vacherie, LA
July 8 at 10:00 & 2:00, LaSalle Parish Libraries, Jena and Olla, LA
July 9 at 1:00, Book Signing and Reading, LeJouet Toy Store, Metairie, LA
July 16, Concert, Seabrook Library, Seabrook, TX
July 19 at 9:30, Castletree Camp, New Orleans, LA
July 19-31, Workshop Tour, Quepos, Coto, Perez Zeledon, San Carlos, Upala, Liberia and Santa Cruz, Costa Rica
ALA Conference in New Orleans
Had a great time signing books, seeing old friends, and meeting librarians, authors, editors, and publishers at the American Library Association Conference in New Orleans last week. I signed books on three days and met people and fans from all over North America and the Caribbean! Here is a photo some fans, Kim Bearden, a school librarian from Slidell, and on the right, Sarah Birney who is a school librarian in New Orleans. sent me from the Conference:
Thanks for the photo ladies!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Boredom Buster - Amazon Alphabet
Here is a great review for my AMAZON ALPHABET book from Grandmas Briefs - Books and Boredom Busters!!
Book: Amazon Alphabet by Johnette Downing. This colorful adventure takes kids of all ages from A to Z through the Amazon, introducing familiar folk such as frogs and jaguars, as well as the unfamiliar including the caiman and quetzal. Facts and features accompany each alphabetic selection.
Boredom buster: Zoo time! Many zoos have an Amazon Rainforest feature where kids can enjoy an A-to-Z scavenger hunt of things featured in the book. If your local zoo doesn't have such an exhibit, enjoy an A-to-Z hunt of other animals. If schedules, weather, or budgets nix a zoo visit, use the pictures in the book as inspiration for drawing Amazon animals for creating your own rainforest in your backyard or home.
http://www.grandmasbriefs.com/home/2011/5/26/5-books-and-boredom-busters.html
Book: Amazon Alphabet by Johnette Downing. This colorful adventure takes kids of all ages from A to Z through the Amazon, introducing familiar folk such as frogs and jaguars, as well as the unfamiliar including the caiman and quetzal. Facts and features accompany each alphabetic selection.
Boredom buster: Zoo time! Many zoos have an Amazon Rainforest feature where kids can enjoy an A-to-Z scavenger hunt of things featured in the book. If your local zoo doesn't have such an exhibit, enjoy an A-to-Z hunt of other animals. If schedules, weather, or budgets nix a zoo visit, use the pictures in the book as inspiration for drawing Amazon animals for creating your own rainforest in your backyard or home.
http://www.grandmasbriefs.com/home/2011/5/26/5-books-and-boredom-busters.html
Another WHY THE OYSTER HAS THE PEARL Advance Review
Here is an advance review of my WHY THE OYSTER HAS THE PEARL book from a man who knows about oysters!!!
“Oysters have fascinated people for centuries with the many stories told about their existence. Johnette’s story has captured the allure of oysters in an imaginative way that will endure a lifetime…”
Al Sunseri, President, P & J Oyster Company, Inc.
“Oysters have fascinated people for centuries with the many stories told about their existence. Johnette’s story has captured the allure of oysters in an imaginative way that will endure a lifetime…”
Al Sunseri, President, P & J Oyster Company, Inc.
WHY THE OYSTER HAS THE PEARL Book cover
Here is a sneak peek at the book cover for my upcoming book illustrated by Bethanne Hill of Birmingham, AL.
Monday, May 23, 2011
WHY THE OYSTER HAS THE PEARL Review
Here is the first review for my upcoming children's book WHY THE OYSTER HAS THE PEARL:
“Like a Greek myth, Johnette Downing’s charming tale highlights the dangers of greed and the rewards of generosity.” - George Rodrigue, Painter
“Like a Greek myth, Johnette Downing’s charming tale highlights the dangers of greed and the rewards of generosity.” - George Rodrigue, Painter
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Johnette Downing Performs on STEPPIN OUT, WYES TV
Here is the link to my performance on
Steppin' Out, WYES TV New Orleans, with Peggy Scott Laborde on April 29, 2011.
http://wyesondemand.org/SteppinOutNEW.shtml
Steppin' Out, WYES TV New Orleans, with Peggy Scott Laborde on April 29, 2011.
http://wyesondemand.org/SteppinOutNEW.shtml
Boudreaux Likes to Read Johnette's Books!
Check out what Boudreaux, the mascot for the Zephyrs Baseball team in New Orleans, LA likes to read...WHY THE CRAWFISH LIVES IN THE MUD by yours truly!! Boudreaux, you have good taste in books, yeah you right!
Boudreaux was caught reading. How about you?
Get Caught Reading - May 5
On May 5, the Louisiana State Museum in Baton Rouge and New Orleans will host 400 second grade students in Get Caught Reading, a statewide celebration of the joys of recreational reading. In Baton Rouge, the volunteer readers will include Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne and Louisiana authors Dee Scallan and Claire Bateman. Boudreaux T. Nutria, the Zephyr mascot, and the Hornet Bookmobile will make special appearances at the New Orleans program. To volunteer as a reader or to donate books for the event, please contact the Louisiana State Museum Education Department. Registration for the program is required. New Orleans contact number: 504-568-7056. Baton Rouge contact number: 225-342-5428.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Mailbox - Letters from Fans
I play your music often in my In Home Licesned Daycare setting. The kids just love your music. I have taken it to the next level with my daycare kids and I am now learning hoe to play guitar to incorporate in my daycare circle times and music n movement activities...I was wondering if you have sheet music or guitar chords to go along with your lyrics?
Blessings,
Amy
kiddieclubhousechildcare@gmail.com
Hey Amy: You go girl!!! Yes, check out my Book Activity section. Several of the songs that go with the books have song sheets in the book activity packets. I am working on adding more song sheets though I have to have someone else produce them for me since I play by ear!!!
Blessings,
Amy
kiddieclubhousechildcare@gmail.com
Hey Amy: You go girl!!! Yes, check out my Book Activity section. Several of the songs that go with the books have song sheets in the book activity packets. I am working on adding more song sheets though I have to have someone else produce them for me since I play by ear!!!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
On the Road Again...
April and May bring many trips and major festival performances for me. I'll be in Louisiana, Texas, North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi and New York. Here are some highlights:
April 13 from 10-12, Book Signing, Texas Library Association Conference, Austin, TX
April 15 at 11:00, Concert, New Orleans Jazz Park Visitor's Center, New Orleans, LA
April 16-25, North Carolina
April 29, TV Interview, Steppin Out, New Orleans, LA
April 30 at 10:30 & 2:00, Concert, Oxford Double Decker Arts Festival, Oxford, MS
May 6 at 11:00, Concert, New Orleans Jazz Park, New Orleans, LA
May 7 from 10:30-11:00, Author Presentation, Hudson Children's Book Festival, Hudson, NY
May 8 from 12:45-1:30, Concert, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans, LA
May 11-14, Nashville, TN
May 15-19, North Carolina
April 13 from 10-12, Book Signing, Texas Library Association Conference, Austin, TX
April 15 at 11:00, Concert, New Orleans Jazz Park Visitor's Center, New Orleans, LA
April 16-25, North Carolina
April 29, TV Interview, Steppin Out, New Orleans, LA
April 30 at 10:30 & 2:00, Concert, Oxford Double Decker Arts Festival, Oxford, MS
May 6 at 11:00, Concert, New Orleans Jazz Park, New Orleans, LA
May 7 from 10:30-11:00, Author Presentation, Hudson Children's Book Festival, Hudson, NY
May 8 from 12:45-1:30, Concert, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans, LA
May 11-14, Nashville, TN
May 15-19, North Carolina
Boogie Woogie Bugs a Silver Parents' Choice Award Winner!!
I am quite pleased to announce that my BOOGIE WOOGIE BUGS CD just received a Silver Parents' Choice Award! Here is the review!
Boogie Woogie Bugs
Spring 2011 Music
Ages: All Ages
Producer: Wiggle Worm Records
CD Price: $15.99
Review:
New Orleans native Johnette Downing's Boogie Woogie Bugs, her eighth children's music album, celebrates the incredible world of insects. The CD includes a generous helping of twenty songs, starting with the swinging "Backyard is Buzzin' Alive," the gypsy fiddle driven creepiness of "Arachnid," and the Spanish/English sung tale of butterflies "Mariposa." While the majority of the songs are original, when Downing does turn to traditional fare such as "Head, Thorax, Abdomen," "There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs," and "Five Little Butterflies," she brings fresh arrangements to them, such as her country blues rendition of "Itsy Bitsy Spider." Her strengths lie in her self-penned songs, such as her sweet multi-tracked acapella voice on "Ladybug," the string band backed "Bug Band," and the Dixieland Jazz of "Milli the Millipede." Downing even makes the more undesirable denizens of the bug world sound fun, as in her snappy (and biting) "Bed Bugs," or her hilarious Blues tribute to the "Cockroach," with its chorus of children sighing "ewww." Among all the fun, Downing imparts a fair amount of knowledge about bugs and does so with her own inimitable style and grace. With full lyrics included, this is both a valuable resource for parents and educators, as well as a wonderfully fun album that gets better with each listen.
-Lahri Bond ©2011 Parents' Choice Lahri Bond is a father, a writer and the art director for Dirty Linen: The Magazine of Folk and World Music. His published books include Spinning Tales Weaving Hope (with the Stories For World Change Network) for New Society Press and People of the Earth (coauthored with Ellen Evert Hopman) for Destiny Books.
Look for this product at:
Wiggle Worm Records http://www.johnettedowning.com
Major, Specialty & Online Retailers Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B004IS2Z5I/parentschoice-20
Boogie Woogie Bugs
Spring 2011 Music
Ages: All Ages
Producer: Wiggle Worm Records
CD Price: $15.99
Review:
New Orleans native Johnette Downing's Boogie Woogie Bugs, her eighth children's music album, celebrates the incredible world of insects. The CD includes a generous helping of twenty songs, starting with the swinging "Backyard is Buzzin' Alive," the gypsy fiddle driven creepiness of "Arachnid," and the Spanish/English sung tale of butterflies "Mariposa." While the majority of the songs are original, when Downing does turn to traditional fare such as "Head, Thorax, Abdomen," "There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs," and "Five Little Butterflies," she brings fresh arrangements to them, such as her country blues rendition of "Itsy Bitsy Spider." Her strengths lie in her self-penned songs, such as her sweet multi-tracked acapella voice on "Ladybug," the string band backed "Bug Band," and the Dixieland Jazz of "Milli the Millipede." Downing even makes the more undesirable denizens of the bug world sound fun, as in her snappy (and biting) "Bed Bugs," or her hilarious Blues tribute to the "Cockroach," with its chorus of children sighing "ewww." Among all the fun, Downing imparts a fair amount of knowledge about bugs and does so with her own inimitable style and grace. With full lyrics included, this is both a valuable resource for parents and educators, as well as a wonderfully fun album that gets better with each listen.
-Lahri Bond ©2011 Parents' Choice Lahri Bond is a father, a writer and the art director for Dirty Linen: The Magazine of Folk and World Music. His published books include Spinning Tales Weaving Hope (with the Stories For World Change Network) for New Society Press and People of the Earth (coauthored with Ellen Evert Hopman) for Destiny Books.
Look for this product at:
Wiggle Worm Records http://www.johnettedowning.com
Major, Specialty & Online Retailers Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B004IS2Z5I/parentschoice-20
Monday, March 28, 2011
Children's Book Council Features AMAZON ALPHABET!!
The Children's Book Council features my AMAZON ALPHABET book under their Go Green section of their website this month. See the review here: http://www.cbcbooks.org/readinglists/Go%20Green!%20(Off%20Website)/book/406
Amazon Alphabet by Johnette Downing
Award-winning author and musician Johnette Downing invites children of all ages to go wild in the rainforest with dozens of exotic animals in this colorful trek through the Amazon. This A to Z adventure includes fascinating facts about some of the world’s most unique creatures, from woolly monkeys and pink dolphins to electric eels, ocelots, jaguars, and more. A special list of facts about the rainforest and its conservation complete this exotic escapade.
Ages: 2-7
Illustrated by: Johnette Downing
ISBN: 9781589808799
Price: $16.99
Published By Pelican Publishing Company, Inc.
Amazon Alphabet by Johnette Downing
Award-winning author and musician Johnette Downing invites children of all ages to go wild in the rainforest with dozens of exotic animals in this colorful trek through the Amazon. This A to Z adventure includes fascinating facts about some of the world’s most unique creatures, from woolly monkeys and pink dolphins to electric eels, ocelots, jaguars, and more. A special list of facts about the rainforest and its conservation complete this exotic escapade.
Ages: 2-7
Illustrated by: Johnette Downing
ISBN: 9781589808799
Price: $16.99
Published By Pelican Publishing Company, Inc.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Baby's First Book Signing
Scott Campbell of Pelican Publishing
with his daughter Talluah at her first book signing!
Thanks to Marcie and Scott for sharing just one of your many joyful firsts with me at my THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED SOME BUGS Book Bash at Maple Street Book Shop in New Orleans!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Reader Views, Reviews by Kids for Kids
Reader Views, Reviews by Kids for Kids
www.readerviewskids.com
admin@readerviews.com
Amazon Alphabet by Johnette Downing
Pelican Publishing (2011)
ISBN 9781589808799
Reviewed by Cayden Aures (age 6) and Mom for Reader Views (3/11)
Cayden‟s comments:
“I really liked this book a lot! It is a book about things in the Amazon. I didn‟t know where that was but we looked it up on a map. The Amazon River goes through South America.
For every letter in the alphabet there is something that lives there. A lot of the animals I didn‟t know until now. I liked the katydids. It said that they sing a song that sounds like „Katy did; Katy didn‟t.‟ I have never heard them before but we found it on the computer and listened to them on there.
I liked trying to find the letters that were hidden on every page. That was a lot of fun. The pictures in this book are awesome! They are made from cut-up pieces of paper. I even made one page out of the book by myself, the piranha page. I cut out colored papers like in the picture and glued it on a piece of paper and it looks like the picture in the book. I might try to do more of them too.”
Parent‟s comments:
We loved this highly educational book about the Amazon! There was so much great information about the different animals presented and we learned a lot. The unique collage illustrations were so much fun and my son has had a blast trying to recreate them. We highly recommend “Amazon Alphabet!”
www.readerviewskids.com
admin@readerviews.com
Amazon Alphabet by Johnette Downing
Pelican Publishing (2011)
ISBN 9781589808799
Reviewed by Cayden Aures (age 6) and Mom for Reader Views (3/11)
Cayden‟s comments:
“I really liked this book a lot! It is a book about things in the Amazon. I didn‟t know where that was but we looked it up on a map. The Amazon River goes through South America.
For every letter in the alphabet there is something that lives there. A lot of the animals I didn‟t know until now. I liked the katydids. It said that they sing a song that sounds like „Katy did; Katy didn‟t.‟ I have never heard them before but we found it on the computer and listened to them on there.
I liked trying to find the letters that were hidden on every page. That was a lot of fun. The pictures in this book are awesome! They are made from cut-up pieces of paper. I even made one page out of the book by myself, the piranha page. I cut out colored papers like in the picture and glued it on a piece of paper and it looks like the picture in the book. I might try to do more of them too.”
Parent‟s comments:
We loved this highly educational book about the Amazon! There was so much great information about the different animals presented and we learned a lot. The unique collage illustrations were so much fun and my son has had a blast trying to recreate them. We highly recommend “Amazon Alphabet!”
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
March 2011 Tour Dates
March 1-8, North Carolina
March 10, School show
March 11 at 11:00, Concert, Family Friendly Fridays Concert Series, National Jazz Park Visitors Center, 916 N St. Peter, New Orleans, LA
March 11 at 12:00-1:00, Book Signing, Tisket A Tasket Book Shop, Decatur, New Orleans, LA
March 14, School show
March 15, Two school shows
March 16 at 2:30, Educator Workshop, TESOL Conference, New Orleans, LA
March 17 at 7:30, Breakfast Session, TESOL Conference, New Orleans, LA
March 18 at 10:00, Featured Speaker, TESOL Conference, New Orleans, LA
March, Educator Workshop Tour, Astana, Kazakhstan - Postponed
March 21, School show
March 22, School Show
March 23, School show
March 25, School show
March 10, School show
March 11 at 11:00, Concert, Family Friendly Fridays Concert Series, National Jazz Park Visitors Center, 916 N St. Peter, New Orleans, LA
March 11 at 12:00-1:00, Book Signing, Tisket A Tasket Book Shop, Decatur, New Orleans, LA
March 14, School show
March 15, Two school shows
March 16 at 2:30, Educator Workshop, TESOL Conference, New Orleans, LA
March 17 at 7:30, Breakfast Session, TESOL Conference, New Orleans, LA
March 18 at 10:00, Featured Speaker, TESOL Conference, New Orleans, LA
March, Educator Workshop Tour, Astana, Kazakhstan - Postponed
March 21, School show
March 22, School Show
March 23, School show
March 25, School show
Mailbox - Letters from Fans
Johnette,
THANK YOU for being a part of our Extravaganza once again. As usual, you received wonderful reviews by the children and teachers alike. I have gotten so many comments from kids parents who went home and told them all about you and your songs with huge smiles on their faces.
-Jill Purser, Opelousas Catholic School
THANK YOU for being a part of our Extravaganza once again. As usual, you received wonderful reviews by the children and teachers alike. I have gotten so many comments from kids parents who went home and told them all about you and your songs with huge smiles on their faces.
-Jill Purser, Opelousas Catholic School
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Mailbox - Letters from Fans
Alyson McNutt English posted on Johnette Downing Fan Page's Wall.
Alyson wrote:
"My 5-year-old daughter listens to "Fins and Grins" constantly -- literally! She even sleeps with it on! She forgot to turn it off this morning when she came downstairs, and now that she's at preschool, I can hear it playing. I'm fairly sure this is one of the only CDs she has that I wouldn't run upstairs to turn off as soon as she was gone! Last night my husband started humming one of the songs and I joined in. Thank you for putting out music that not only is great to listen to, but that teaches her something, too! She was born in Baton Rouge, but now we live in Huntsville, Alabama -- I love that she gets a little "Louisiana cultural heritage" from the album, too! ("just a little crustacean that the Cajuns lo-ove..."!)"
Alyson wrote:
"My 5-year-old daughter listens to "Fins and Grins" constantly -- literally! She even sleeps with it on! She forgot to turn it off this morning when she came downstairs, and now that she's at preschool, I can hear it playing. I'm fairly sure this is one of the only CDs she has that I wouldn't run upstairs to turn off as soon as she was gone! Last night my husband started humming one of the songs and I joined in. Thank you for putting out music that not only is great to listen to, but that teaches her something, too! She was born in Baton Rouge, but now we live in Huntsville, Alabama -- I love that she gets a little "Louisiana cultural heritage" from the album, too! ("just a little crustacean that the Cajuns lo-ove..."!)"
Photos from the Amazon Alphabet Book Launch on February 12, 2011
Outdoor craft activity table and two little artists!(Photo by Gary Smith)
Official groupies, my Dad and Ms. Jean!
Olivia, the first one to arrive, in all her loveliness as "V" the "Vampire Bat." 
Cindy Dyke of Maple Street Book Shop and Caitlin Smith of Pelican Publishing at the end of the event.
I'll add more photos as they come in!
Amazon Alphabet reviewed by Kirkus Reviews
Excerpt from the Feb. 1, 2011 issue of Kirkus Reviews.
AMAZON ALPHABET
Author: Downing, Johnette
Illustrator: Downing, Johnette
Review Date: February 1, 2011
Publisher:Pelican
Pages: 32
Price ( Hardcover ): $16.99
Publication Date: February 15, 2011
ISBN ( Hardcover ): 978-1-58980-879-9
Category: Picture Books
Classification: Alphabet Books
From A for the Amazon River to Z for zoologists who study its animals, this introduction to Amazonian fauna uses the English alphabet to organize fast facts about a variety of rainforest and river residents. The design is straightforward. Each page includes an upper-case letter, a statement—“Q is for quetzal,” for instance—and two or three facts about the species (with only three exceptions, all letters correspond to different animals). Simple cloth-and-paper collage illustrations incorporate pieces of paper with the appropriate letters printed in both upper and lower case....
AMAZON ALPHABET
Author: Downing, Johnette
Illustrator: Downing, Johnette
Review Date: February 1, 2011
Publisher:Pelican
Pages: 32
Price ( Hardcover ): $16.99
Publication Date: February 15, 2011
ISBN ( Hardcover ): 978-1-58980-879-9
Category: Picture Books
Classification: Alphabet Books
From A for the Amazon River to Z for zoologists who study its animals, this introduction to Amazonian fauna uses the English alphabet to organize fast facts about a variety of rainforest and river residents. The design is straightforward. Each page includes an upper-case letter, a statement—“Q is for quetzal,” for instance—and two or three facts about the species (with only three exceptions, all letters correspond to different animals). Simple cloth-and-paper collage illustrations incorporate pieces of paper with the appropriate letters printed in both upper and lower case....
Can Clapping Along with a Song Make You Smarter
Check out this article and video clip of my performance and TV interview in Opelousas, LA.
Did you do hand-clapping games as a child? Play patty-cake with a sing-song rhyme? Guess what? You were improving your cognitive skills. A recent study at Ben Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Israel shows that clap-and-sing-along songs improve children's motor development, and thinking abilities. In fact, the study, "Impact of Hand-clapping Songs on Cognitive and Motor Tasks" showed striking differences between children who took a standard music appreciation program and those who were in hand-clapping song training for 10 weeks.
Jenise Fernandez is in Opelousas this morning at a performace by Singer Johnette Downing. She'll have the information from the study and thoughts from a local pediatrician on the study while she showcases kids clapping along with childhood favorites.
http://www.katc.com/news/can-clapping-along-with-a-song-make-you-smarter-/
Did you do hand-clapping games as a child? Play patty-cake with a sing-song rhyme? Guess what? You were improving your cognitive skills. A recent study at Ben Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Israel shows that clap-and-sing-along songs improve children's motor development, and thinking abilities. In fact, the study, "Impact of Hand-clapping Songs on Cognitive and Motor Tasks" showed striking differences between children who took a standard music appreciation program and those who were in hand-clapping song training for 10 weeks.
Jenise Fernandez is in Opelousas this morning at a performace by Singer Johnette Downing. She'll have the information from the study and thoughts from a local pediatrician on the study while she showcases kids clapping along with childhood favorites.
http://www.katc.com/news/can-clapping-along-with-a-song-make-you-smarter-/
Amazon Alphabet Book Review
The Feb. 19 issue of the Waycross Journal-Herald (Waycross, GA) published a review of my Amazon Alphabet book.
“An amazing way to present the alphabet.”
-Waycross Journal-Herald, Waycross, GA
February 19, 2011 Issue
“An amazing way to present the alphabet.”
-Waycross Journal-Herald, Waycross, GA
February 19, 2011 Issue
Mailbox - Letters from Fans
There are loads of fan letters this week including some from some adorable 2nd Graders who put me on their "You Filled Someone's Bucket Today" list. Here are a few of them:
Hi Johnette,
Ella Grace has listened to her new CD (Boogie Woogie Bugs) only about 4 times this week, and has already learned most of the words. She told me she cannot pick a favorite song- she loves them all. I, however, am quite partial to your very bluesy Cockroach- even though they tend to freak me out.
She also has made every adult entering our house look for the hidden letters in Amazon Alphabet (book)- specially on the F page.
Thanks again for your wonderful books and music!
Have a great weekend!
-Nancy
---------------------------
Dear Johnette:
We’ve been listening to your (Dixieland Jazz for Children) CD in the car and it is a delight! You have a lovely, lilting voice. My favorites are “Busy Beeline,” “New Orleans Strut,” and, of course, “Tiger Rag.” I especially enjoy hearing Tom Fischer again—we were neighbors!
Sincerely,
-Nina Kooij
Pelican Publishing
-------------------------
Johnette,
Thank you again for coming to PES! The students AND teachers are still talking about the performances! Thank you,
-Tammy Maher
Pontchartrain Elementary PTA
---------------
Dear Johnette:
The kids LOVED it! So did the teachers!
-Melissa Baker
Title I Lead Ext. Teacher
Bridge City Elementary School
----------------
Dear Jhonnett Downing:
Thank you for coming to are school And for praforming to ur. Thank you much!(Smiley face)
-Morgan, 2nd Grade
Dularge Elementary
--------------------
Dear Jhonnett Downing:
thak you for comeing to are school today. (smiley face) I hope you ejey to be in are school.
-Erica, 2nd Grade
Dularge Elementary
-----------------------
Dear Jeanett Downing:
Thank you for reading to us. I apreeceat it! (Smiley faces and hearts)
-Sydney B, 2nd Grade
Dularge Elementary
----------------------
Jollet Downing:
thank you for come ing to our school!! (smiley face)
-Christian, 2nd Grade
Dularge Elementary
Hi Johnette,
Ella Grace has listened to her new CD (Boogie Woogie Bugs) only about 4 times this week, and has already learned most of the words. She told me she cannot pick a favorite song- she loves them all. I, however, am quite partial to your very bluesy Cockroach- even though they tend to freak me out.
She also has made every adult entering our house look for the hidden letters in Amazon Alphabet (book)- specially on the F page.
Thanks again for your wonderful books and music!
Have a great weekend!
-Nancy
---------------------------
Dear Johnette:
We’ve been listening to your (Dixieland Jazz for Children) CD in the car and it is a delight! You have a lovely, lilting voice. My favorites are “Busy Beeline,” “New Orleans Strut,” and, of course, “Tiger Rag.” I especially enjoy hearing Tom Fischer again—we were neighbors!
Sincerely,
-Nina Kooij
Pelican Publishing
-------------------------
Johnette,
Thank you again for coming to PES! The students AND teachers are still talking about the performances! Thank you,
-Tammy Maher
Pontchartrain Elementary PTA
---------------
Dear Johnette:
The kids LOVED it! So did the teachers!
-Melissa Baker
Title I Lead Ext. Teacher
Bridge City Elementary School
----------------
Dear Jhonnett Downing:
Thank you for coming to are school And for praforming to ur. Thank you much!(Smiley face)
-Morgan, 2nd Grade
Dularge Elementary
--------------------
Dear Jhonnett Downing:
thak you for comeing to are school today. (smiley face) I hope you ejey to be in are school.
-Erica, 2nd Grade
Dularge Elementary
-----------------------
Dear Jeanett Downing:
Thank you for reading to us. I apreeceat it! (Smiley faces and hearts)
-Sydney B, 2nd Grade
Dularge Elementary
----------------------
Jollet Downing:
thank you for come ing to our school!! (smiley face)
-Christian, 2nd Grade
Dularge Elementary
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Amazon Alphabet Book is IN!!!
Also just in is my AMAZON ALPHABET book!! Yippee!! You can purchase the book at www.pelicanpub.com and www.johnettedowning.com
It's a jungle out there - READ!
It's a jungle out there - READ!
Today is Monday In New York Book Has Arrived!!!
I just heard from my publisher that my TODAY IS MONDAY IN NEW YORK book has arrived. You can order them from www.pelicanpub.com or my website at www.johnettedowning.com
It's a New York must, fagitaboutit.
It's a New York must, fagitaboutit.
Mailbox - Letters from Fans
Dear Johnette,
You are amazing. Your music in so many ways is inspirational. While I don't have kids it's what I listen too while doing illustrations for my kids books. My brother and his family who live in Slidel are the one's who introduced me to your music. You are one of the most talented individuals, with a true gift for touching children and helping them to learn new words and sounds. I've been telling everyone here in California from friends, to my biology and chemistry teacher about your unique and fun music.
You truly are a treasure from the south. I wish you continued success. Keep the music and lyrics coming.
Cheers,
Audra
You are amazing. Your music in so many ways is inspirational. While I don't have kids it's what I listen too while doing illustrations for my kids books. My brother and his family who live in Slidel are the one's who introduced me to your music. You are one of the most talented individuals, with a true gift for touching children and helping them to learn new words and sounds. I've been telling everyone here in California from friends, to my biology and chemistry teacher about your unique and fun music.
You truly are a treasure from the south. I wish you continued success. Keep the music and lyrics coming.
Cheers,
Audra
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Boogie Woogie Bugs CD Has ARRIVED!!
My new CD arrived days before Christmas and is now available on my web site at www.johnettedowning.com.
It will appear on www.amazon.com in a few days and is already in these New Orleans area stores:
Maple Street Book Shop
Garden District Book Shop
Mignon Sharpe Children's Shop
Bzzzzzz!
It will appear on www.amazon.com in a few days and is already in these New Orleans area stores:
Maple Street Book Shop
Garden District Book Shop
Mignon Sharpe Children's Shop
Bzzzzzz!
Mailbox - Letters from Fans and Friends
This came in about my Boogie Woogie Bugs CD.
"I think at first the two six year olds were skeptical. They think they are already way too grown for kids’ CDs,. BUT, as soon as the music began THEY WERE INTO IT! The three of us danced, jumped, wiggled, giggled and pretended to sleep only to wake up and dance, wiggle and giggle again. We did this though the entire CD. It was so much fun and you are sooooo gooood!
Finally, when my son looked at the cover of the CD he asked me if you were still alive and if I knew you. I said yes to both! He was in awe that his mommy knew a famous person.
Thanks for a wonderful CD and a great time with my little baby."
-Miranda Restovic
Thanks Miranda for being a great mom and for dancing and playing to my music with the little ones in your life.
"I think at first the two six year olds were skeptical. They think they are already way too grown for kids’ CDs,. BUT, as soon as the music began THEY WERE INTO IT! The three of us danced, jumped, wiggled, giggled and pretended to sleep only to wake up and dance, wiggle and giggle again. We did this though the entire CD. It was so much fun and you are sooooo gooood!
Finally, when my son looked at the cover of the CD he asked me if you were still alive and if I knew you. I said yes to both! He was in awe that his mommy knew a famous person.
Thanks for a wonderful CD and a great time with my little baby."
-Miranda Restovic
Thanks Miranda for being a great mom and for dancing and playing to my music with the little ones in your life.
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