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
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
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.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Why the Oyster Has the Pearl
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!!!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
L'Observateur calls There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs a "Crowd Pleaser."
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."
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
Monday, December 6, 2010
Two New Books this January!!
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!
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
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.
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.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Photos from Bug Book Bash at Maple Street Book Shop
Mailbox - Letters from Fans
"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
Gratefully,
Susan Melsheimer
Parkview Baptist School
Mailbox - Letters from Fans
"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
--Lorri Perkins
Monday, November 1, 2010
Today is Monday in New York Book Cover
Here is a sneak peek at the book cover for my upcoming book TODAY IS MONDAY IN NEW YORK!
AMAZON ALPHABET in Publishers Weekly
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
"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
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Bug Book Receives Rave Review from Kelley Huston of Suite 101
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
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
Monday, October 11, 2010
Mailbox - Letters from Fans and Friends
"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
Thank you,
B. Boyer
a BIG fan in California
TODAY IS MONDAY IN TEXAS Book Featured in Cowboys & Indians Magazine
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
"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
-The News Star
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Five Star Review from Feathered Quill Book Reviews
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 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
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!
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
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
Monday, October 4, 2010
New Orleans Jazz Historical Park Concert 10/8
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!
See you there!
Costa Rica Tour Was a Blast!
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
"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
"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
-Anamaria Villamarin-Lupin
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Monday in New York Poll Results
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!!
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!!
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