Johnette Downing

The Monroe News Star reviews WHY THE OYSTER HAS THE PEARL

2011-12-06T12:08:00.000-06:00

"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

WHY THE OYSTER HAS THE PEARL Coloring Sheet

2011-11-09T09:02:00.001-06:00

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

2011-11-09T08:56:00.003-06:00

Check out the book cover illustrated by Deborah Kadair for TODAY IS MONDAY IN KENTUCKY.

November 2011 Tour Schedule

2011-11-09T08:53:00.001-06:00

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

Why the Oyster Has the Pearl Reviewed in Acadiana Life

2011-11-09T08:50:00.001-06:00

"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

WHY THE OYSTER HAS THE PEARL Book is IN!

2011-10-24T12:28:00.002-05:00

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!

Boogie Woogie Bugs on the preliminary Grammy Ballot

2011-10-24T12:25:00.002-05:00

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.

WWNO: New Book From Award-Winning Singer, Songwriter and Author Johnette Downing - "Why The Oyster Has The Pearl" (2011-10-12)

2011-10-17T16:52:00.000-05:00

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)

WHY THE POSSUM HAS A LARGE GRIN

2011-08-28T15:48:00.002-05:00

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

2011-08-28T15:46:00.002-05:00

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

2011-08-28T15:42:00.000-05:00

"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

Today is Monday In Kentucky

2011-06-30T10:25:00.001-05:00

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

2011-06-30T10:23:00.000-05:00

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

ALA Conference in New Orleans

2011-06-30T09:53:00.005-05:00

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!

Boredom Buster - Amazon Alphabet

2011-05-30T15:09:00.002-05:00

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

Another WHY THE OYSTER HAS THE PEARL Advance Review

2011-05-30T13:42:00.002-05:00

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.

WHY THE OYSTER HAS THE PEARL Book cover

2011-05-30T13:36:00.001-05:00

Here is a sneak peek at the book cover for my upcoming book illustrated by Bethanne Hill of Birmingham, AL.

WHY THE OYSTER HAS THE PEARL Review

2011-05-23T23:29:00.002-05:00

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

Johnette Downing Performs on STEPPIN OUT, WYES TV

2011-05-03T23:20:00.001-05:00

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

Boudreaux Likes to Read Johnette's Books!

2011-05-03T23:14:00.004-05:00

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.

Mailbox - Letters from Fans

2011-04-08T09:35:00.002-05:00

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!!!

On the Road Again...

2011-04-07T19:30:00.002-05:00

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

Boogie Woogie Bugs a Silver Parents' Choice Award Winner!!

2011-04-07T19:24:00.004-05:00

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

Children's Book Council Features AMAZON ALPHABET!!

2011-03-28T10:06:00.004-05:00

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.

Baby's First Book Signing

2011-03-13T22:26:00.005-05:00

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!

Reader Views, Reviews by Kids for Kids

2011-03-12T15:15:00.001-06:00

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!”

March 2011 Tour Dates

2011-03-01T14:47:00.002-06:00

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

Mailbox - Letters from Fans

2011-03-01T14:44:00.001-06:00

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

Mailbox - Letters from Fans

2011-02-24T16:39:00.001-06:00

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..."!)"

Photos from the Amazon Alphabet Book Launch on February 12, 2011

2011-02-24T16:08:00.005-06:00

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

2011-02-24T15:55:00.003-06:00

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....

Can Clapping Along with a Song Make You Smarter

2011-02-24T15:39:00.002-06:00

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-/

Amazon Alphabet Book Review

2011-02-24T13:27:00.001-06:00

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

Mailbox - Letters from Fans

2011-02-24T09:01:00.004-06:00

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

Amazon Alphabet Book is IN!!!

2011-01-18T21:55:00.002-06:00

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!

Today is Monday In New York Book Has Arrived!!!

2011-01-18T21:51:00.003-06:00

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.

Mailbox - Letters from Fans

2011-01-18T21:49:00.000-06:00

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

Boogie Woogie Bugs CD Has ARRIVED!!

2011-01-12T15:32:00.001-06:00

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!

Mailbox - Letters from Fans and Friends

2011-01-12T15:28:00.002-06:00

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.

Why the Oyster Has the Pearl

2010-12-29T09:08:00.003-06:00

Just signed a new book contract for WHY THE OYSTER HAS THE PEARL with Pelican Publishing Company. Bethanne Hill is the illustrator. We are hoping for a fall 2011 release! Yippee!! This is my favorite story I have ever written and I can't wait to see it in print!

Thank you Pelican Publishing for your continued support of my work! Merci beaucoup!!!

"Johnette Downing has done it again." - The Advocate Reviews THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED SOME BUGS

2010-12-29T09:04:00.001-06:00

L'Observateur calls There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs a "Crowd Pleaser."

2010-12-28T16:44:00.001-06:00

BOOK REVIEW

"One of the latest local books to hit the shelves is “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs” by Johnette Downing. Downing is a New Orleans-based children’s author an entertainer. She performed at St. John the Baptist Parish public libraries this summer as part of the annual summer reading program.

With her latest book, Downing takes the familiar tale of the old lady who swallowed a fly and adds her own twist.

The uniquely illustrated book has a few things going for it. Children will enjoy both the singsong quality and the funny ending. It is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for months to come."

By David Vitrano, L’Observateur, 12/10

Two New Books this January!!

2010-12-06T18:31:00.002-06:00

TODAY IS MONDAY IN NEW YORK

and

AMAZON ALPHABET

are expected to arrive on January 15, 2011!

What a great way to start the New Year!!

Hurrah!

Reader Views Reviews THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED SOME BUGS

2010-12-06T18:27:00.001-06:00

Reviewed by Zoey Crane (age 6) for Reader Views (12/10)

THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED SOME BUGS
by Johnette Downing

What a cute new way to add onto the old classic. This is such a catchy-written book that you will find yourself singing the tune! The pictures are so cute – it looks as if someone made them using crafts.

Zoey:
“Fun, Fun! After you read it you should sing it. Then you can teach your friends a new song. It was very easy to read and I really liked the pictures. It looked like the person who did the pictures [the illustrator] made the pictures out of craft paper. I love to do crafts and it gave me some good ideas. Everyone knows this song and so now we just have new words. I bet that old lady had a full tummy of everything she ate.”

Nana:
“There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs” was a fun book for Zoey. She really loved the new version of this story and after she quit laughing at all the bugs the old lady ate she started singing the song. It is a catchy tune and you can’t help but sing it.

Photos from Bug Book Bash at Maple Street Book Shop

2010-11-29T14:42:00.007-06:00

Here are some of the photos from my THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED SOME BUGS Book Bash at Maple Street Book Shop in New Orleans.

Mailbox - Letters from Fans

2010-11-29T13:29:00.001-06:00

"The students enjoyed your songs so very much and I can't keep your books in the library. They are always checked out. So . . . thank you so very, very much. You were delightful and such a great addition to our children's book week celebration."

Gratefully,
Susan Melsheimer
Parkview Baptist School

Mailbox - Letters from Fans

2010-11-29T07:25:00.000-06:00

"I just wanted to say thank you. My daughter is a student at an elementary school in Pearl River and every morning she and her class mates listen to your music with their teacher. She loves your music, so much that I am going to order your cd's for her for Christmas!"

--Lorri Perkins

Today is Monday in New York Book Cover

2010-11-01T17:38:00.002-05:00

Here is a sneak peek at the book cover for my upcoming book TODAY IS MONDAY IN NEW YORK!

AMAZON ALPHABET in Publishers Weekly

2010-11-01T17:29:00.002-05:00

My upcoming AMAZON ALPHABET book gets a nice nod from Publishers Weekly.

"Amazon Alphabet by Johnette Downing, an alphabetical exploration of the rainforest."

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/43860-children-s-books-spring-2011-sneak-previews.html

Bug Book Receives Rave Review from Kelley Huston of Suite 101

2010-10-27T16:45:00.002-05:00

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs
Oct 27, 2010 Kelley Huston

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs - Johnette Downing
The classic story gets an interesting new telling with a fun twist at the end.

Joynette Downing is a singer/songwriter/author from Louisana. She is an award winner for her music and books. She has written several chidren's book. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs.

Plot of There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs

Everyone know the classic song story of the old lady who swallowed stuff. In the classic she swallows bugs and animals. Joynette Downing has adapted the tale to include all bugs.

The story begins with the old lady swallowing a fly and spider much like the original. Then she goes on to swallow other bugs: a flea, an ant, a slug, a worm, a mosquito, and a roach. As she swallows each bug a description of why she swallowed each bug. For example when she swallows the mosquito the description is "...Well, it was eating her burrito, so she swallowed the mosquito."

Each bug joins the others in the old lady's tummy until she is very full. The tummy is descriped as being tight and the little old lady croaks. But who the little old lady is in the end is the surprise twist to this story.

Illustrations of There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs

Johnette Downing is known for her colorful collage illustrations. The illustrations in this book fit beautifully into this type. She has selected bright colors for the background of each picture. The insects are pictured in the traditional color for each type. The illustrations practically pop right off the page with their vibrant colors and texture. The book is beautiful and prereaders will enjoy just looking at the pictures which can be used by these children to retell the story.

Verses in There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs

The verses in the book are catchy and easy to remember. The verses feature rhymes and fun descriptions of what the bugs were doing before being swallowed or do after being swallowed. The child listening to the story will quickly catch on to the verses and by the fourth or fifth bug is actually reciting the spider and fly part with the reader.

The verses are written featuring color as well to add emphasis to the bug names as well as other words in the text. The color adds emphasis to the text and helps the reader associate the bug name with the bug.

Uses for There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs

This book would be a wonderful addition to any library of Old Lady books. Not only could it be used in a unit with these other books, but it could be a starting place for older students to do a rewrite of the old lady story featuring their own things she eats. Most kids would find this an exciting activity and would enjoy being creative in such a way.

This book would also be a good introduction to some less common types of bugs such as slugs and roaches. It provides a chance for the teacher to explain what these insects are and what they really look like. It may be a catalyst for some students to do further research to learn more about the types of bugs mentioned in the book.

The combination of colorful illustrations and rhythmic verses as well as the surprise twist at the end make this a book that will be enjoyed by all readers. Parents can enjoy it time and time again with their children.

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs Adapted and Illustrated by Johnette Downing

Pelican Publishing Company, 2010

ISBN: 9781589808584

Read more at Suite101: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs http://www.suite101.com/content/there-was-an-old-lady-who-swallowed-some-bugs-a298643#ixzz13b8XW9P2

Mailbox - Letters from Fans and Friends

2010-10-11T15:11:00.001-05:00

"My aunt and cousin introduced me to your music several years ago! I LOVE your scarf dancing CD with the New Orleans music. I would love to purchase a CD to use in my first grade classroom. Can you tell me where I can find it??"

Thank you,
B. Boyer
a BIG fan in California

TODAY IS MONDAY IN TEXAS Book Featured in Cowboys & Indians Magazine

2010-10-11T10:17:00.000-05:00

Picture book TODAY IS MONDAY IN TEXAS was selected for digital December Gift Guide for Cowboys & Indians magazine. See Zinio.com

Book Review for THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED SOME BUGS

2010-10-11T10:15:00.001-05:00

"Louisiana storyteller and musician Johnette Downing offers a new take on an old story with "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs." Most of these creatures are Louisiana insects so it's a regional take on the old tale as well, but this one has a unique ending. The book is illustrated by Downing using felt collages."

-The News Star

Five Star Review from Feathered Quill Book Reviews

2010-10-07T09:54:00.002-05:00

Check out this great review for my THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED SOME BUGS book -

A creative adaptation, September 28, 2010
By Feathered Quill Book Reviews (Goshen, MA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)

This review is from: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs (Hardcover)
"There was an old lady who swallowed a fly. I don't know why she swallowed a fly; perhaps she'll cry." How many of us learned this somewhat whacky, and very fun, song when we were young? I remember singing it over and over and giving myself a good laugh as I imagined all the strange things the old lady swallowed. Now, singer/songwriter Johnette Downing has put her own unique spin on the famous children's song in this 2010 adaptation of There Was An Old Lady.

In this newest version, our friendly old lady decides to try some, um, rather interesting new tasty treats. Rather than swallow a cow (as she did in the version I was taught many years ago), our protagonist concentrates on the world of bugs with hysterical results:

"There was an old lady
Who swallowed a mosquito.
Well, it was eating her burrito,
So she swallowed the mosquito."

The artwork in this latest version of the tale is done in a vibrant collage format that fits perfectly with the story. We never actually see a depiction of the old lady; instead we are shown a big mouth and tongue as they consume each bug, followed by a slowly filling tummy as the creatures congregate in their new "home." The author also adds numerous colorful background visuals, such as flowers, a cattail, and a sunset. But wait! There's a surprise ending where we do finally see the "Old Lady" and I'm guessing it will make most kids giggle with glee. Who is she? I can't tell you that - you'll have to read the book!

Quill says: A creative adaptation to a well known song that will have kids reading/singing along over and over.

http://www.amazon.com/There-Lady-Swallowed-Some-Bugs/dp/1589808584/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1284920891&sr=8-1

A Year of Reading: And Yet Another Song Book

2010-10-07T01:57:00.000-05:00

A Year of Reading: And Yet Another Song Book: "As you know if you read my blog posts, I love new songbooks. I think they are quite fun and I also know how important they are for early lit..."

Reading Year Reads and Reviews My Bug Book!

2010-10-07T01:50:00.001-05:00

And Yet Another Song Book

As you know if you read my blog posts, I love new songbooks. I think they are quite fun and I also know how important they are for early literacy development. When I heard about THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED SOME BUGS by Johnette Downing, I ordered it immediately. I love all of the different versions of this story/song. And this one is a bit unique. The story follows the typical "There was an old lady" format and in this version, the old lady eats a variety of bugs including a mosquito, a worm, a slug and a roach. UGH! The illustrations are unique in that you don't see the entire Old Lady getting bigger and bigger. Instead, each page focuses on the tongue and the stomach--close ups of the "old lady" eating each bug and them gathering in her tummy. But this one has a fun surprise ending that I think kids will love.

The text of this one is a bit tricky in that some pages contain a lot of text and some of the bug names might be unknown to young kids but I think this book will be enjoyed by kids of all ages--a fun version of a well-loved song!

http://readingyear.blogspot.com/2010/09/and-yet-another-song-book.html

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

My Crawfish Book Featured at National Book Festival in Washington DC!

2010-10-04T22:56:00.000-05:00

New Orleans Jazz Historical Park Concert 10/8

2010-10-04T22:51:00.002-05:00

Hope to see many of my little fans at my upcoming Free Family Friendly Friday Concert for children at the New Orleans Historical Jazz Park Visitor Center on October 8, 2010 at 11:00. A book signing at A Tisket A Tasket follows the concert at noon.

See you there!

Costa Rica Tour Was a Blast!

2010-10-04T22:40:00.002-05:00

I have just returned from a fabulous two week tour in Costa Rica! Thanks to all the teachers and advisors who made my trip so memorable. A special thanks to my dear friend Carmen! Here are some of the comments the teachers and advisors in my workshop sent me:

"I was participating in the workshop you shared in Turrialba, Costa Rica. Thank you very much because I learned a lot, and had a great time !!!!"

=Marcela Ramos Chacon

"I hope this email finds you well. Thank you for your kind words. No doubt you are a great writer with such an inspirational message. You can conquer the world with your way of expressing, not only through writing but also through your sweet and angelical voice. The honor was mine. I hope to see you soon!

It will a pleasure to have you in our network as a special guest.

Blessings!"

-Lic. Manuel Rojas Mata
Asesor Pedagógico de Inglés

"Hi miss Johnette I was one of the teachers of Limon-Costa Rica that were presented in your presentations. I enjoyed your songs and also your techniques of teaching the days of the week...excelent Gongratulations for all your success."

-Anthony Grau Leon

"Dear Jonnette, Hi it is Paola!!! It was a pleasure to have a talented musician like you in my region... we were so happy with your creativity and charisma. Please come back as soon as you can. This time I promise a delicious tamal and coffeee for you." -Hugs Paola

Mailbox - Letters from Fans and Friends

2010-10-04T22:38:00.000-05:00

"Ok. So in addition to influencing our trips around LA, this week the kids want to eat dinner the way that TODAY IS MONDAY IN LOUISIANA, spells out! ;)"

-Anamaria Villamarin-Lupin

Monday in New York Poll Results

2010-09-09T09:54:00.002-05:00

The results of the TODAY IS MONDAY IN NEW YORK book poll show, in order of number of votes:

NY Cheese Cake
Nathan's Hot Dogs
Pastrami on rye
NY Pizza
Bagels and lox
Waldorf salad

...and a tie for #7

Buffalo wings
Manhattan clam chowder

The actual foods selected for the book are:

Apples (the state fruit)
Buffalo wings
Pastrami on rye
Nathan's hot dogs
NY Pizza
NY Cheese cake
Bagels and lox

There you have it. Come and eat it up!!

Tour Dates -September 2010

2010-09-09T09:42:00.001-05:00

September 17 at 11:00, Family Friendly Fridays Concert Series, National Jazz Park Visitors Center, 916 N St. Peter, New Orleans, LA
September 17 at 12:00-1:00, Book Signing, Tisket A Tasket Book Shop, Decatur, New Orleans, LA
September 19-30, Educator Workshop Tour, San Jose, Costa Rica

Mailbox - Letters from Friends and Fans

2010-09-09T09:36:00.001-05:00

"I received my copy of There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bug, and it is wonderful. The text is bright and lively and has just the right twist at the end to delight children. The illustrations are magical and so innovative. I wish you all good luck and I can just hear you performing the work. My hope is that some day I get to hear you in person."

all best wishes always,
Darrell Bourque
Louisiana Poet Laureate

THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED SOME BUGS book is IN!

2010-09-08T10:55:00.002-05:00

Just picked up my new books from Pelican Publishing yesterday and they look great!! Thanks to the Pelican Publishing team for making my books so awesome!

My new book is now available to purchase in my website Store at www.johnettedowning.com

Thanks!

Store Window of the Week!

2010-09-08T10:42:00.004-05:00

I am happy to announce that J Kids in Canal Place, New Orleans, LA has the good taste of putting my book in their store window earning them the title of STORE WINDOW OF THE WEEK! This photo was taken by New Orleans photographer Thom Bennett of www.thombennettphotographs.com, earning him the title of SPY OF THE WEEK!! Thanks to both J Kids and Thom for having great taste and a keen eye!

Who will be the next Store Window of the Week and Spy of the Week??? If you put my books in your store window or if you take a photo of my books in a store window, you could be featured here as well.

Game on!

Music Video at Ouachita Library Show

2010-08-04T16:57:00.001-05:00

Music at the Library Video:

Multi-award winning childrens musician and author Johnette Downing performs at Ouachita Public Libraries.

http://www.thenewsstar.com/section/VideoNetwork?bctid=309175131001#/Music%20at%20the%20Library/309175131001

Johnette has 2 New CDs!

2010-08-01T21:44:00.001-05:00

TWO NEW CDs!

Great news! The long awaited BOOGIE WOOGIE BUGS CD is now available to download from the Johnette Downing web site Store at http://www.johnettedowning.com/digital.html The physical CD will not be released until Fall 2010, but you can download the entire 20 song CD for only $10 today!

BOOGIE WOOGIE BUGS

Spiders and slugs and roaches, oh my! The backyard is buzzing alive with a boogie-woogie jive. Play in the bug band and sing some creepy, crawly and catchy songs about insects. You'll get these great fan favorite songs: Cockroach, Mariposa, Bug Band, and Backyard is Buzzing Along as well as some traditional songs like Skip to My Lou, Itsy Bitsy Spider, and Five Little Butterflies. There is a new sure-fire hit titled Bed Bugs so if you love the “Wiggle Worm” song, you’ll love this one too. Also included on this recording is the song that goes along with my upcoming book THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED SOME BUGS.

NEW MOON, MUSIC FOR LITTLE FOLKS

Next, as if that is not cool enough, we are also releasing the 20th Anniversary Edition of Johnette's first recording for children with Dickie Knicks as the children's music duet "New Moon." Only 100 copies were printed of this original recording in 1990. The original recording has been digitized and is being released now to the general pubic for the first time. This recording planted the seeds of all the CDs that followed and you won’t believe how young I sound!

Download the two new CDs today at http://www.johnettedowning.com/digital.html

Accelerated Reader Quiz Number

2010-08-01T21:42:00.000-05:00

For all the Accelerated Readers out there, here is the pertinent information you will need to earn points for my AR book Why the Crawfish Lives in the Mud:

AR Quiz No.135220 EN
Book Level: 4.3
AR Point: 0.5
Yeah AR! Now go out and read, read, READ!

Tour Dates - August 2010

2010-08-01T21:08:00.000-05:00

August 6 at 11:00, Family Friendly Fridays Concert Series, National Jazz Park indoor Visitors Center, 916 N St. Peter, New Orleans, LA
August 6 at 12:00-1:00, Book Signing, Tisket A Tasket Book Shop, Decatur, New Orleans, LA
August 12 at 11:00 & 7:00, High Point Library, High Point, NC
August 14 at 2:00, New Hanover County Library, Wilmington, NC
August 16 at 2:00, Chapel Hill Public Library, Chapel Hill, NC
August 17-31, North Carolina

Publishers Weekly

2010-08-01T21:02:00.002-05:00

Fall Children's Listings

THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED SOME BUGS ($16.99) by Johnette Downing tells of a woman who gulps down all sorts of bugs (5-8).

-Publishers Weekly, July 19, 2010
Page 82

State Library of Louisiana Home Page Feature!

2010-07-23T09:19:00.001-05:00

Check out this link from the State Library of Louisiana home page:

http://www.state.lib.la.us/about-the-state-library/spotlight-on/johnette-downings-book-selected-to-represent-louisiana-at-national-book-festival

Whooo hooo!

Fan Fotos!

2010-07-10T07:46:00.002-05:00

2010-07-10T07:39:00.002-05:00

This from a lovely volunteer at my book signing at East Jefferson General Hospital yesterday:

I had fun like a kid at the book signing today. We played music and read books when it wasn't busy. We sold a lot of books and CD's. the benefit was EJGEN Hospital nurses scholarships.

- Jackie Elliott

Bill Elliott Realty

Tour Dates - July 2010

2010-07-04T08:35:00.002-05:00

July 1 at 10:00, East Carroll Parish Library, Lake Providence, LA
July 2 at 11:00, Family Friendly Fridays Concert Series, National Jazz Park, 916 N St. Peter, New Orleans, LA
July 2 at 12:00-1:00, Book Signing, Tisket A Tasket Book Shop, Decatur, New Orleans, LA
July 5 at 10:00, National Education Association Conference concert, New Orleans, LA
July 7 at 10:00 & 2:00, Allen Parish Library, Kinder & Oberlin, LA
July 8 at 10:00, Allen Parish Library, Oakdale, LA
July 9 from 10:00-2:00, Book signing, East Jefferson General Hospital Gift Shop, Metairie, LA
July 12 at 9:30 and 1:30, Summer camp performances, New Orleans, LA
July 15 at 10:00 & 2:00, Jackson Parish Library, Jonesboro, LA
July 19 at 10:00& 2:00, Iberia Parish Library, Parkview and Coteau, LA
July 20 at 10:00 & 2:00, Iberia Parish Library, New Iberia and Jeanerette, LA
July 26-29, Ouachita Parish Libraries, Monroe, LA

Spring 2011 release of TODAY IS MONDAY IN NEW YORK

2010-07-04T08:19:00.003-05:00

TODAY IS MONDAY IN NEW YORK
Children's Book Release - slated for Spring 2011

Come and eat it up! Pelican Publishing Company is proud to announce the upcoming spring 2011 release of TODAY IS MONDAY IN NEW YORK written by multi-award winning children's book author and musician Johnette Downing and illustrated by award winning illustrator Deborah Ousley Kadair. The book, the third in a series, takes children through a culinary calendar describing a delicious New York dish for each day of the week. From Buffalo wings to Nathan's hot dogs, this yummy book will tempt the taste buds of young readers.

To celebrate the book release, Johnette Downing and Deborah Kadair will be giving author/illustrator visits and book signings throughout New York. To request an author/illustrator visit in spring 2011, please fill out the request form at: http://johnettedowning.com/booking.html To preorder books, contact Joseph Billingsley, Sales Manager, Pelican Publishing Company, jbillingsley@pelicanpub.com

Dig in to fun with a heaping spoonful of New York culinary tradition!

Johnette Downing's Book Selected to Represent Louisiana at National Book Festival

2010-07-01T21:37:00.000-05:00

Johnette Downing’s Book Selected to Represent Louisiana at National Book Festival

Author and professional storyteller Johnette Downing’s book Why the Crawfish Lives in the Mud has been selected to represent the state of Louisiana at this year’s National Book Festival, which is held in the fall on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Each year, a popular feature of the Festival is a free USA map given to attendees. When people enter the Pavilion of the States, organized by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, they may pick up a map and have it stamped or stickered at a table for each state within the Pavilion. Every state’s Center for the Book is asked to recommend one book title and author to represent its state. That list of books appears on the back of the map. There is only one title on the list from each state, a work of either fiction or non-fiction, a book about the state or by an author from the state.

The selection committee of the Louisiana Center for the Book in the State Library of Louisiana chose Why the Crawfish Lives in the Mud as the book that will represent the state of Louisiana and its literature for youth so well. Congratulations to Johnette Downing!

Mailbox - Letters from Fans and Friends

2010-07-01T21:20:00.000-05:00

Johnette, just to let you know our camp was a huge success thanks to your precious books and music. The children absolutely loved both. I have heard so many moms say they have heard Chef Creole numerous times since camp was over. I loved the books so much I bought four of them for my NO grandchildren, and we sent home a note telling the parents about your books and music. Thanks for being so creative. Have a great summer.

-Carol Anne Caraway

Mailbox - Letters from Fans and Friends

2010-06-30T20:15:00.002-05:00

We just wanted to send you a BIG CONGRATULATIONS from Plaquemines Parish Libraries for you and “Why the Crawfish Lives in the Mud” being selected to represent Louisiana at the National Book Festival!!!

We could not think of a better book or a better author to represent Louisiana!!!

Sending our very best,

- Patrisha Walker

Assistant Library Director
Plaquemines Parish Libraries

Tour Dates - July 2010

2010-06-19T12:49:00.002-05:00

July 1 at 10:00, East Carroll Parish Library, Lake Providence, LA
July 2 at 11:00, Family Friendly Fridays Concert Series, National Jazz Park, 916 N St. Peter, New Orleans, LA
July 2 at 12:00-1:00, Book Signing, Tisket A Tasket Book Shop, Decatur, New Orleans, LA
July 5 at 10:00, Entertainment Conference Concert, New Orleans, LA
July 7 at 10:00 & 2:00, Allen Parish Library, Kinder & Oberlin, LA
July 8 at 10:00, Allen Parish Library, Oakdale, LA
July 12 at 9:30 & 1:30, Summer camp performances, New Orleans, LA
July 15 at 10:00 & 2:00, Jackson Parish Library, Jonesboro, LA
July 19 at 10:00& 2:00, Iberia Parish Library, Parkview and Coteau, LA
July 20 at 10:00 & 2:00, Iberia Parish Library, New Iberia and Jeanerette, LA
July 26-29, Ouachita Parish Libraries, Monroe, LA

NOLA Baby Reviews Chef Creole!

2010-06-19T12:44:00.001-05:00

Book Reviews...What We're Reading

Chef Creole: Traditional
Song Adapted by Johnette Downing
Johnette Downing, illustrated by Deborah Ousley Kadair • $15.95
• Published by Pelican Publishing Company

New Orleans’ award-winning
songwriter and author Johnette
Downing introduces us to Chef
Creole in this delightful children’s
read (or sing) along. From the red
beans for eyes, his okra nose, and a praline mouth, he’s
the tastiest homage ever to our state’s rich food heritage.
Kids will love Kadair’s bold, collage-style illustrations,
and a handy glossary will help them learn about the best of
Louisiana fare.

-NOLA Baby, September/October 2009, www.nolababy.com

Tour Dates - June 2010

2010-06-02T11:10:00.002-05:00

June 3 at 2:00, Montegut Library, Montegut, LA
June 4 at 10:00 & 2:00, Sabine Parish Library, Many & Zwolle, LA
June 5 at 12:00 & 1:00, Jefferson Parish Regional Library, Metairie, LA
June 8 at 10:00 & 2:00, St. James Parish Library, Lutcher & Vacherie, LA
June 10 at 10:00 & 2:00, Webster Parish Library, Minden & Springhill, LA
June 11 at 10:00, St. Bernard Parish Library, Chalmette, LA
June 12 at 1:00, Book Signing, A Tisket a Tasket Book Store, New Orleans, LA
June 12 at 3:00, Family Friendly Friday (on SATURDAY) Concert Series, New Orleans, LA, outdoors in the Dutch Alley Performance Pavillion
June 13 at 3:00, Concert, Creole Tomato Festival, Dutch Alley outdoor Performance Pavillion Stage & Childrens Area, French Quarter, New Orleans, LA
June 14-18 and 21-22 at 10:00 & 2:30, East Baton Rouge Parish Library, Carver, Main, Baker, Scotlandville, River, Jones, Eden, Bluebonnet, Central Zachary, Delmont, Greenwell and Pride Branches, Baton Rouge Metro area, LA
June 18 at 7:00 p.m., Book Signing and Reading, Barnes & Noble, Perkins Rowe, Baton Rouge, LA
June 23 at 10:00 & 2:00,Iberville Parish Library, Plaquemine & Rosedale-Grosse Tete, LA
June 24 at 10:30 & 2:00, Iberville Parish Libraries, East Iberville & White Castle, LA
June 25 at 10:00, Iberville Parish Library, Bayou Sorrel, LA
June 29 at 10:00, West Feliciana Parish Library, St. Francisville, LA
June 30 at 10:00 & 2:00, West Carroll Parish Library, Oak Grove, LA

Boogie Woogie Bugs CD

2010-05-25T14:15:00.004-05:00

I have finished recording and mastering my Boogie Woogie Bugs CD! The cover photo has been taken and now I am working on the liner notes. The CD should be released in fall 2010! Some of the songs on the CD are: Cockroach, Mariposa, Bug Band, Head Thorax Abdomen, Skip to My Lou and Backyard is Buzzin' Alive.

Stay tuned for more details!

The Baton Rouge Advocate Reviews Today is Monday in Texas

2010-05-18T20:44:00.000-05:00

http://www.2theadvocate.com/entertainment/93807924.html?showAll=y&c=y

TODAY IS MONDAY IN TEXAS

By Johnette Downing, illustrated by Deborah Ousley Kadair; Pelican, $16.99

New Orleans singer/songwriter Downing has adapted another traditional song into the children’s book Today is Monday in Texas.

The lyrical text covers each day of the week and associates it with a favorite food of Texas, from Monday’s pan de campo, or camp bread, to Sunday’s strudel. Kadair returns with more colorful collage illustrations, adding a little whimsy to the words. Extras at the back of the book include a word menu, pan de campo recipe and the song score.

-Judy Bergeron

Children's Book Week Celebration on The Balancing Act (CBS)

2010-05-06T17:22:00.001-05:00

O2 Media’s Hit Morning Show The Balancing Act Welcomes The Children’s Book Council to the Program
Week-Long Series Celebrates Children’s Book Week
Pompano Beach 5/06/2010 03:19 PM GMT (TransWorldNews)

(Pompano Beach, FL—May 2010) The Balancing Act celebrates Children’s Book Week by featuring children’s book authors in a special week-long series. Join The Balancing Act along with The Children’s Book Council as the special series kicks off Monday, May 10th – airing every day through Friday, May 14th at 7:00am (ET/PT) on Lifetime Television.

Children’s Book Week is the longest running national literacy initiative in the country, and The Children’s Book Council (CBC) has been a main sponsor since 1945.

In our week-long series The Balancing Act spotlights children’s book authors Johnette Downing, Barbara Bottner, Carol Nevius, Jon Scieszka, and Josephine Nobisso. Each author talks about the importance and the magic of children’s books and reading, as well as introducing one of their own books to our viewers.

At the Children’s Book Council, they believe in order to foster a true love of reading, we need to expand the definition of what counts as reading. If children want to read a book online, or a graphic novel, or even a cereal box, it’s because that’s what interests them most -- and we need to encourage them.
Reading is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, and reading with your child is one of the greatest gifts either one of you will ever give -- or receive.

For more information, visit http://www.cbcbooks.org/ and http://www.bookweekonline.com/.
About The Balancing Act: The TV show airs on Lifetime Television at 7:00am (ET/PT) -- and is America’s only morning show that’s about women, for women, and trusted by women. Celebrating life and all there is to accomplish, The Balancing Act inspires and empowers with entertaining and educational segments, placing women in the best position to achieve success in every area of their lives. For additional information or to view a segment, visit www.TheBalancingAct.com.

Johnette Downing to appear on The Balancing Act for Lifetime Television

2010-04-30T15:27:00.002-05:00

Johnette will appear on the national TV morning show The Balancing Act on Lifetime TV! Johnette’s segment will air on Tuesday, May 11, during the program which starts at 7am. Eastern/Pacific Time.

This Book Week, watch The Balancing Act on Lifetime every morning from 7 to 8 a.m. for a daily dose of great children's authors! The CBC has paired with the show to produce a week-long celebration of Children's Book Week. Monday to Friday, May 10 - 14, one author each day will appear on air to talk about their work, writing for children, and of course, Children's Book Week. Read on for the viewing guide!

Monday: Jon Scieszka, inaugural National Ambassador for Young People's Literature (Penguin and Simon & Schuster)
Tuesday: Johnette Downing (Pelican Publishing)
Wednesday: Barbara Bottner (Random House)
Thursday: Joi Nobisso (Gingerbread House)
Friday: Carol Nevius (Marshall Cavendish)

Set your DVR or visit the CBC website to find links to the segments!

TMD Celebrity News Reviews Today is Monday in Louisiana

2010-04-30T09:49:00.002-05:00

Today Is Monday In Louisiana

Product Description
On Monday, there are red beans to eat, and on Tuesday, po-boys. On Wednesday, gumbo is served, and on it goes throughout the week, each day bringing another unique and tasty Louisiana dish to the table.

“Today Is Monday in Louisiana,” based on a song by New Orleans singer/songwriter Johnette Downing, rhythmically takes children through a culinary calendar, noting a meal a day that represents the best of Cajun, Creole, African, and French foods. Includes a glossary and a recipe for red beans and rice.

Read More at Amazon.com: Today Is Monday In Louisiana
TMD Celebrity News is Associated with Amazon.com
April 20, 2010
http://tmdcelebritynews.com/today-is-monday-in-louisiana/09844

3 Responses for “Today Is Monday In Louisiana”

Shu-chin Chen says:
April 30, 2010 at 9:01 am
Excellent book!! Even my 22-month-old daughter can read by herself, and she loves to read again and again everyday.Rating: 5 / 5

A. T. Stanga says:
April 30, 2010 at 9:55 am
awesome book! so true about how we eat here in southern louisiana! great pictures and easy for the kids to memorize!Rating: 5 / 5

Jenifer Kellystrauss says:
April 30, 2010 at 11:58 am
This is a fun book to read or sing a long to. Sometimes, we play Johnette’s CD, From the Gumbo Pot, and turn the pages to the song instead of reading words. My son loves this book and so do the kids in my Pre-K class! It exposes/teaches the children to so many things: great story, collage art as an illustrative tool, Louisiana culture, days of the week, rhythm…. My picky 2 1/2 year old has also become interested in trying some of these foods! So, I love it!Rating: 5 / 5

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs book cover

2010-04-26T13:53:00.004-05:00

Check it out! Here is the cover art for my upcoming book!!!

Store Window of the Week

2010-04-18T21:17:00.005-05:00

Congratulations to Blue Cypress Books on Oak Street in New Orleans, LA USA for being selected as the STORE WINDOW OF THE WEEK! You were caught with having the good taste to dress your store window with my Today is Monday in Louisiana book! Photographer Thom Bennett aka Spy snapped this photo of the store window earning him the esteemed position of being SPY OF THE WEEK for two weeks in a row! Way to go Thom!

If you see my books or CDs featured in any store window, snap a photo and send it to me! You and the store will be featured on my Blog and on Twitter! Spread the word!

Mailbox - Letters from Fans and Friends

2010-04-13T15:06:00.001-05:00

Dear Johnette:

I teach Pre-K at St. John Elementary in Lake Charles and you visited our students last year as part of the Banners Series. You were planning to do a certain show, but when we told you the kids know all of your LA books and songs you did your book show. You also signed all of your books for us. I have to tell you that we started our 4 week long Louisiana unit and I pulled your books out today. One of my children asked who "colored" in my book and I told them your story. They were so excited that I got to meet a "real" author (as they put it). Thank you so much for making books and reading come to life for young children. I appreciate your enthusiasm :)

-Katherine Yoes

Thanks Katherine! I appreciate your enthusiasm and kindness for writing such a nice note!

Store Window of the Week

2010-04-09T11:30:00.004-05:00

Thom Bennett aka Spy just caught Peach's Records 408 North Peters St. New Orleans, LA USA with the good taste of displaying my Chef Creole and Why the Crawfish Lives in the Mud books in their store window! Congratulations Thom Bennett for being the SPY OF THE WEEK and Peach's Records for being the STORE WINDOW OF THE WEEK!

Thom is a Southern photographer so check out his website at www.thombennettphotographs.com Thanks Thom for your keen spy eye!

Beauregard Daily News Article

2010-04-08T12:44:00.002-05:00

DERIDDER—The children of K.R. Hanchey Elementary were taught the richness Louisiana culture has to offer by singing and dancing with award winning author and musician Johnette Downing on Wednesday.

Downing is an author, singer, songwriter and musician performing music and presenting books about Louisiana. According to Downing she writes about what she knows, as she was born in Louisiana. Downing’s list of multiple awards include: six Parents’ Choice Awards, four iParenting Media Awards, two Parent’s Guide To Children’s Media Awards, four National Parenting Publications Awards, a Family Choice Award, a Family Review Center Award, an Imagination Award and a Haiku International Association Honorable Mention Award.
The books she performed for the students were ‘Today Is Monday In Louisiana’ which takes young readers through a culinary calendar describing a delicious Louisiana meal for each day of the week.

Another book she sang to the children was ‘Chef Creole’. In this book Downing presents a character Chef made entirely out of Louisiana cuisine, like boudin sausage arms.

“The students were very enthusiastic and knew my books and music already. So I know the teachers are using them in the classrooms and they were just a fabulous audience,” said Downing.

Every year the students at K.R. Hanchey have a Louisiana Culture program to help the students learn more about the state, according to K.R. Hanchey Principal Elizabeth Maricle.
“We had to book her a year in advance and we’ve been very, very excited about the prospect of her coming. We put on a Louisiana program every year and we use her books and songs so that’s how we knew of her and her music. So we thought what better way to promote our program than to have her come and actually sing and tell her stories,” said Maricle.

“It was so awesome. She is so active with her audience and with the kids. She really gets down to their level. We just enjoyed it tremendously. We have been honored to have her here at our school,” continued Maricle.

-By Billie Jo Rassat
Beauregard Daily News, DeRidder, LA

April 2010 Tour Schedule

2010-04-08T09:52:00.000-05:00

April 1-5, North Carolina
April 11 at 11:00 & 3:00, Aquarium Stage, French Quarter Festival, New Orleans, LA
April 15 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Educator Workshop, Family Guidance Center of Alabama, Montgomery, AL
April 16 at 9:00, Concert, Family Guidance Center of Alabama, Montgomery, AL
April 23 at 11:00, Family Friendly Fridays Concert Series, National Jazz Park, 916 N St. Peter, New Orleans, LA
April 23 at 12:00-1:00, Book Signing, Tisket A Tasket Book Shop, Decatur, New Orleans, LA
April 24 at 12:30, Concert, Kids Tent, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans, LA
April 24 at 2:00, Book Signing, Book Tent, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans, LA

Mailbox, Letters from Fans and Friends

2010-04-08T09:49:00.002-05:00

Dear Johnette:

Moving and shaking and laughing! Now that is the way to start a week. Thank you for coming to Trinity to share your books and music with our students. We all learned a little more about Louisiana, its animals, and food.

Best,

Michelle McCarthy
Trinity Episcopal School

Accelerated Reader List

2010-04-05T17:05:00.004-05:00

I am quite thrilled to announce that my Why the Crawfish Lives in the Mud book has been selected for the ACCELERATED READER LIST!!! Please visit

http://www.arbookfind.com/bookdetail.aspx?q=135220&l=EN&slid=95409860

for more details!

STORE WINDOW & DOOR OF THE WEEK!

2010-04-05T16:40:00.004-05:00

Congratulations A Tisket, A Tasket Book Shop on Decatur Street in New Orleans, LA USA! You have been selected as the STORE WINDOW OF THE WEEK! You have been caught with having the superb taste of dressing your window with my My Aunt Came Back from Louisiana and Today is Monday in Louisiana books as well as dressing your door with my Today is Monday in Louisiana book.

Merci beaucoup!

Reader Views Reviews Today is Monday in Texas

2010-04-05T16:32:00.003-05:00

Reader Views, Reviews, by kids for kids
Reviewed by Grayce Richardson (almost age 6) for Reader Views (03/10)
www.readerviewskids.com

Today is Monday in Texas by Johnette Downing, Illustrated by Deborah Ousley Kadair

Grayce: "I like that the illustrations are by the artist who did "Chef Creole." The illustrations are beautiful. It’s a creative book. Kids who are younger than me, like four-years-old, would like it too…and babies would like it as a singing song."

Parent’s Comments:
Days of the week are such a big part of children’s lives – helping them remember school days, vacation with parents and birthdays. "Today is Monday in Texas" by Johnette Downing is a delightful and original way to think of the days of the week. With "Chef Creole" gracing our shelves (the illustrator did both books), Grayce quickly recognized that the delightful depictions of children were original and in the form of mixed media (fabric, paper, drawing). The only improvement I would make is providing a music CD for parents who can’t read sheet music.

Mailbox - Letters from Fans and Friends

2010-03-31T11:14:00.001-05:00

I love your website and how organized you are! Your programs seem very thorough and fun! You are an inspiration! I am just beginning in this industry and have a lot to learn. ;) I'd love to see you live. Please let me know if you are ever in Florida.

Warmest regards,

Patty Shukla, www.pattyshukla.com

Mailbox - Letters from Fans and Friends

2010-03-31T11:10:00.002-05:00

Thank you so much! YOU are quite a lady. I am browsing your site and you are so talented. You certainly thought of everything on your site! Congrats, continued success, and again thanks.

Most Sincerely,

-Kim (Mama Pajama), www.mamapajama.com

Mailbox - Letters from Fans and Friends

2010-03-30T14:59:00.001-05:00

"Thank you. It was a pleasure meeting you and my little girl loves your CD. She cant stop dancing and clapping, she want me to play it over and over again. I know your products will do great and you are a very talented lady, best wish and thank you again."

-Craig, KLASSIQ TRANSPORT SERVICE

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs Advance Review

2010-03-18T17:41:00.001-05:00

You won't be swallowing any bugs in Chef John Folse's kitchen, unless of course it's a mudbug, but the beloved Louisiana Chef gave me and my upcoming Bug book a nice quote. Check it out:

"Johnette Downing is a true Louisiana artist. She sings and plays music; she paints; and she loves great Louisiana food. I fell in love with her work a few years ago when she sang “Today is Monday in Louisiana” on my PBS television series. Kudos to Johnette on another great work."

-Chef John Folse, A Taste of Louisiana TV