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!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
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
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Tour Dates - July 2010
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
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
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!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Johnette Downing's Book Selected to Represent Louisiana at National Book Festival
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!
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
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
-Carol Anne Caraway
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Mailbox - Letters from Fans and Friends
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
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Tour Dates - July 2010
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
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!
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
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
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Tour Dates - June 2010
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
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
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Boogie Woogie Bugs CD
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!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The Baton Rouge Advocate Reviews Today is Monday in Texas
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
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
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Children's Book Week Celebration on The Balancing Act (CBS)
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.
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.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Johnette Downing to appear on The Balancing Act for Lifetime Television
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!
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
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
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
Monday, April 26, 2010
There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs book cover
Check it out! Here is the cover art for my upcoming book!!!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Store Window of the Week
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!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Mailbox - Letters from Fans and Friends
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!
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!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Store Window of the Week
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!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Beauregard Daily News Article
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
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
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
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
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
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
Monday, April 5, 2010
Accelerated Reader List
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!
http://www.arbookfind.com/bookdetail.aspx?q=135220&l=EN&slid=95409860
for more details!
STORE WINDOW & DOOR OF THE WEEK!
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!
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