The Tiny Librarian reviews Today is Monday in Louisiana in RevieWednesday

RevieWednesday: Today is Monday in Louisiana

It's that time of the week again...RevieWednesday!

For RevieWednesday, I will review the children's book, Today is Monday in Louisiana, by Johnette Downing, which is perfect for children from prekindergarten through second grade (yes, they even love this book!).  My students and I love this book, and I use it during my Louisiana lessons and activities each year, along with Johnette Downing's many others, including Chef Creole and Down in Louisiana.  The reason for this choice today, however, is twofold.  First, our family friend Sandy, who is also a children's librarian, was singing the song from the book on a beach trip with my mom and dad.  My mom asked me if I knew about the book because Sandy was singing the song, and now I can't get that song out of my head...I keep singing it on my run, in the hotel, at breakfast.  Thanks mom and Sandy!  :)  Second, it reminds me of all the delicious Louisiana food I miss!  I love traveling and trying new things, and California has different types of amazing food (sushi, Southwestern, Vietnamese, Mediterranean), but there is nothing better than Louisiana/Cajun cuisine.  Just thinking about it is making me crave some local favorites, and this book highlights many of my favorites, including red beans and rice, catfish, poboys, gumbo, and beignets...yum! 

Each day of the week focuses on a different Louisiana food.  The collage illustrations by Deborah Kadair are great, because they are simple, yet abstract.  This book is a great teaching tool for the days of the week, Louisiana culture, cooking, and unique Cajun/Louisiana cuisine.   This book may not be the best choice though for teaching healthy eating! :) 

This book can be purchased from Johnette Downing's website store for $16.99.

For all you teachers/librarians out there, check out Johnette Downing's website and free book activities here.  She has great teaching resources and printables available for this book and others.

Below is the video of the song sung by Johnette Downing along with the book's illustrations. Disclaimer: Don't watch if you are hungry...you will become even hungrier!

For all those Texans, New Yorkers, and Kentuckians (?), Johnette Downing has versions of the book for ya'll too, except the culinary calendars are probably not as delicious! :)

http://www.thetinylibrarian.com/2012/06/reviewednesday-today-is-monday-in.html