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!!!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
On the Road Again...
April and May bring many trips and major festival performances for me. I'll be in Louisiana, Texas, North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi and New York. Here are some highlights:
April 13 from 10-12, Book Signing, Texas Library Association Conference, Austin, TX
April 15 at 11:00, Concert, New Orleans Jazz Park Visitor's Center, New Orleans, LA
April 16-25, North Carolina
April 29, TV Interview, Steppin Out, New Orleans, LA
April 30 at 10:30 & 2:00, Concert, Oxford Double Decker Arts Festival, Oxford, MS
May 6 at 11:00, Concert, New Orleans Jazz Park, New Orleans, LA
May 7 from 10:30-11:00, Author Presentation, Hudson Children's Book Festival, Hudson, NY
May 8 from 12:45-1:30, Concert, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans, LA
May 11-14, Nashville, TN
May 15-19, North Carolina
April 13 from 10-12, Book Signing, Texas Library Association Conference, Austin, TX
April 15 at 11:00, Concert, New Orleans Jazz Park Visitor's Center, New Orleans, LA
April 16-25, North Carolina
April 29, TV Interview, Steppin Out, New Orleans, LA
April 30 at 10:30 & 2:00, Concert, Oxford Double Decker Arts Festival, Oxford, MS
May 6 at 11:00, Concert, New Orleans Jazz Park, New Orleans, LA
May 7 from 10:30-11:00, Author Presentation, Hudson Children's Book Festival, Hudson, NY
May 8 from 12:45-1:30, Concert, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans, LA
May 11-14, Nashville, TN
May 15-19, North Carolina
Boogie Woogie Bugs a Silver Parents' Choice Award Winner!!
I am quite pleased to announce that my BOOGIE WOOGIE BUGS CD just received a Silver Parents' Choice Award! Here is the review!
Boogie Woogie Bugs
Spring 2011 Music
Ages: All Ages
Producer: Wiggle Worm Records
CD Price: $15.99
Review:
New Orleans native Johnette Downing's Boogie Woogie Bugs, her eighth children's music album, celebrates the incredible world of insects. The CD includes a generous helping of twenty songs, starting with the swinging "Backyard is Buzzin' Alive," the gypsy fiddle driven creepiness of "Arachnid," and the Spanish/English sung tale of butterflies "Mariposa." While the majority of the songs are original, when Downing does turn to traditional fare such as "Head, Thorax, Abdomen," "There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs," and "Five Little Butterflies," she brings fresh arrangements to them, such as her country blues rendition of "Itsy Bitsy Spider." Her strengths lie in her self-penned songs, such as her sweet multi-tracked acapella voice on "Ladybug," the string band backed "Bug Band," and the Dixieland Jazz of "Milli the Millipede." Downing even makes the more undesirable denizens of the bug world sound fun, as in her snappy (and biting) "Bed Bugs," or her hilarious Blues tribute to the "Cockroach," with its chorus of children sighing "ewww." Among all the fun, Downing imparts a fair amount of knowledge about bugs and does so with her own inimitable style and grace. With full lyrics included, this is both a valuable resource for parents and educators, as well as a wonderfully fun album that gets better with each listen.
-Lahri Bond ©2011 Parents' Choice Lahri Bond is a father, a writer and the art director for Dirty Linen: The Magazine of Folk and World Music. His published books include Spinning Tales Weaving Hope (with the Stories For World Change Network) for New Society Press and People of the Earth (coauthored with Ellen Evert Hopman) for Destiny Books.
Look for this product at:
Wiggle Worm Records http://www.johnettedowning.com
Major, Specialty & Online Retailers Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B004IS2Z5I/parentschoice-20
Boogie Woogie Bugs
Spring 2011 Music
Ages: All Ages
Producer: Wiggle Worm Records
CD Price: $15.99
Review:
New Orleans native Johnette Downing's Boogie Woogie Bugs, her eighth children's music album, celebrates the incredible world of insects. The CD includes a generous helping of twenty songs, starting with the swinging "Backyard is Buzzin' Alive," the gypsy fiddle driven creepiness of "Arachnid," and the Spanish/English sung tale of butterflies "Mariposa." While the majority of the songs are original, when Downing does turn to traditional fare such as "Head, Thorax, Abdomen," "There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs," and "Five Little Butterflies," she brings fresh arrangements to them, such as her country blues rendition of "Itsy Bitsy Spider." Her strengths lie in her self-penned songs, such as her sweet multi-tracked acapella voice on "Ladybug," the string band backed "Bug Band," and the Dixieland Jazz of "Milli the Millipede." Downing even makes the more undesirable denizens of the bug world sound fun, as in her snappy (and biting) "Bed Bugs," or her hilarious Blues tribute to the "Cockroach," with its chorus of children sighing "ewww." Among all the fun, Downing imparts a fair amount of knowledge about bugs and does so with her own inimitable style and grace. With full lyrics included, this is both a valuable resource for parents and educators, as well as a wonderfully fun album that gets better with each listen.
-Lahri Bond ©2011 Parents' Choice Lahri Bond is a father, a writer and the art director for Dirty Linen: The Magazine of Folk and World Music. His published books include Spinning Tales Weaving Hope (with the Stories For World Change Network) for New Society Press and People of the Earth (coauthored with Ellen Evert Hopman) for Destiny Books.
Look for this product at:
Wiggle Worm Records http://www.johnettedowning.com
Major, Specialty & Online Retailers Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B004IS2Z5I/parentschoice-20
Monday, March 28, 2011
Children's Book Council Features AMAZON ALPHABET!!
The Children's Book Council features my AMAZON ALPHABET book under their Go Green section of their website this month. See the review here: http://www.cbcbooks.org/readinglists/Go%20Green!%20(Off%20Website)/book/406
Amazon Alphabet by Johnette Downing
Award-winning author and musician Johnette Downing invites children of all ages to go wild in the rainforest with dozens of exotic animals in this colorful trek through the Amazon. This A to Z adventure includes fascinating facts about some of the world’s most unique creatures, from woolly monkeys and pink dolphins to electric eels, ocelots, jaguars, and more. A special list of facts about the rainforest and its conservation complete this exotic escapade.
Ages: 2-7
Illustrated by: Johnette Downing
ISBN: 9781589808799
Price: $16.99
Published By Pelican Publishing Company, Inc.
Amazon Alphabet by Johnette Downing
Award-winning author and musician Johnette Downing invites children of all ages to go wild in the rainforest with dozens of exotic animals in this colorful trek through the Amazon. This A to Z adventure includes fascinating facts about some of the world’s most unique creatures, from woolly monkeys and pink dolphins to electric eels, ocelots, jaguars, and more. A special list of facts about the rainforest and its conservation complete this exotic escapade.
Ages: 2-7
Illustrated by: Johnette Downing
ISBN: 9781589808799
Price: $16.99
Published By Pelican Publishing Company, Inc.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Baby's First Book Signing
Scott Campbell of Pelican Publishing
with his daughter Talluah at her first book signing!
Thanks to Marcie and Scott for sharing just one of your many joyful firsts with me at my THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED SOME BUGS Book Bash at Maple Street Book Shop in New Orleans!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Reader Views, Reviews by Kids for Kids
Reader Views, Reviews by Kids for Kids
www.readerviewskids.com
admin@readerviews.com
Amazon Alphabet by Johnette Downing
Pelican Publishing (2011)
ISBN 9781589808799
Reviewed by Cayden Aures (age 6) and Mom for Reader Views (3/11)
Cayden‟s comments:
“I really liked this book a lot! It is a book about things in the Amazon. I didn‟t know where that was but we looked it up on a map. The Amazon River goes through South America.
For every letter in the alphabet there is something that lives there. A lot of the animals I didn‟t know until now. I liked the katydids. It said that they sing a song that sounds like „Katy did; Katy didn‟t.‟ I have never heard them before but we found it on the computer and listened to them on there.
I liked trying to find the letters that were hidden on every page. That was a lot of fun. The pictures in this book are awesome! They are made from cut-up pieces of paper. I even made one page out of the book by myself, the piranha page. I cut out colored papers like in the picture and glued it on a piece of paper and it looks like the picture in the book. I might try to do more of them too.”
Parent‟s comments:
We loved this highly educational book about the Amazon! There was so much great information about the different animals presented and we learned a lot. The unique collage illustrations were so much fun and my son has had a blast trying to recreate them. We highly recommend “Amazon Alphabet!”
www.readerviewskids.com
admin@readerviews.com
Amazon Alphabet by Johnette Downing
Pelican Publishing (2011)
ISBN 9781589808799
Reviewed by Cayden Aures (age 6) and Mom for Reader Views (3/11)
Cayden‟s comments:
“I really liked this book a lot! It is a book about things in the Amazon. I didn‟t know where that was but we looked it up on a map. The Amazon River goes through South America.
For every letter in the alphabet there is something that lives there. A lot of the animals I didn‟t know until now. I liked the katydids. It said that they sing a song that sounds like „Katy did; Katy didn‟t.‟ I have never heard them before but we found it on the computer and listened to them on there.
I liked trying to find the letters that were hidden on every page. That was a lot of fun. The pictures in this book are awesome! They are made from cut-up pieces of paper. I even made one page out of the book by myself, the piranha page. I cut out colored papers like in the picture and glued it on a piece of paper and it looks like the picture in the book. I might try to do more of them too.”
Parent‟s comments:
We loved this highly educational book about the Amazon! There was so much great information about the different animals presented and we learned a lot. The unique collage illustrations were so much fun and my son has had a blast trying to recreate them. We highly recommend “Amazon Alphabet!”
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
March 2011 Tour Dates
March 1-8, North Carolina
March 10, School show
March 11 at 11:00, Concert, Family Friendly Fridays Concert Series, National Jazz Park Visitors Center, 916 N St. Peter, New Orleans, LA
March 11 at 12:00-1:00, Book Signing, Tisket A Tasket Book Shop, Decatur, New Orleans, LA
March 14, School show
March 15, Two school shows
March 16 at 2:30, Educator Workshop, TESOL Conference, New Orleans, LA
March 17 at 7:30, Breakfast Session, TESOL Conference, New Orleans, LA
March 18 at 10:00, Featured Speaker, TESOL Conference, New Orleans, LA
March, Educator Workshop Tour, Astana, Kazakhstan - Postponed
March 21, School show
March 22, School Show
March 23, School show
March 25, School show
March 10, School show
March 11 at 11:00, Concert, Family Friendly Fridays Concert Series, National Jazz Park Visitors Center, 916 N St. Peter, New Orleans, LA
March 11 at 12:00-1:00, Book Signing, Tisket A Tasket Book Shop, Decatur, New Orleans, LA
March 14, School show
March 15, Two school shows
March 16 at 2:30, Educator Workshop, TESOL Conference, New Orleans, LA
March 17 at 7:30, Breakfast Session, TESOL Conference, New Orleans, LA
March 18 at 10:00, Featured Speaker, TESOL Conference, New Orleans, LA
March, Educator Workshop Tour, Astana, Kazakhstan - Postponed
March 21, School show
March 22, School Show
March 23, School show
March 25, School show
Mailbox - Letters from Fans
Johnette,
THANK YOU for being a part of our Extravaganza once again. As usual, you received wonderful reviews by the children and teachers alike. I have gotten so many comments from kids parents who went home and told them all about you and your songs with huge smiles on their faces.
-Jill Purser, Opelousas Catholic School
THANK YOU for being a part of our Extravaganza once again. As usual, you received wonderful reviews by the children and teachers alike. I have gotten so many comments from kids parents who went home and told them all about you and your songs with huge smiles on their faces.
-Jill Purser, Opelousas Catholic School
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Mailbox - Letters from Fans
Alyson McNutt English posted on Johnette Downing Fan Page's Wall.
Alyson wrote:
"My 5-year-old daughter listens to "Fins and Grins" constantly -- literally! She even sleeps with it on! She forgot to turn it off this morning when she came downstairs, and now that she's at preschool, I can hear it playing. I'm fairly sure this is one of the only CDs she has that I wouldn't run upstairs to turn off as soon as she was gone! Last night my husband started humming one of the songs and I joined in. Thank you for putting out music that not only is great to listen to, but that teaches her something, too! She was born in Baton Rouge, but now we live in Huntsville, Alabama -- I love that she gets a little "Louisiana cultural heritage" from the album, too! ("just a little crustacean that the Cajuns lo-ove..."!)"
Alyson wrote:
"My 5-year-old daughter listens to "Fins and Grins" constantly -- literally! She even sleeps with it on! She forgot to turn it off this morning when she came downstairs, and now that she's at preschool, I can hear it playing. I'm fairly sure this is one of the only CDs she has that I wouldn't run upstairs to turn off as soon as she was gone! Last night my husband started humming one of the songs and I joined in. Thank you for putting out music that not only is great to listen to, but that teaches her something, too! She was born in Baton Rouge, but now we live in Huntsville, Alabama -- I love that she gets a little "Louisiana cultural heritage" from the album, too! ("just a little crustacean that the Cajuns lo-ove..."!)"
Photos from the Amazon Alphabet Book Launch on February 12, 2011
Outdoor craft activity table and two little artists!(Photo by Gary Smith)
Official groupies, my Dad and Ms. Jean!
Olivia, the first one to arrive, in all her loveliness as "V" the "Vampire Bat." 
Cindy Dyke of Maple Street Book Shop and Caitlin Smith of Pelican Publishing at the end of the event.
I'll add more photos as they come in!
Amazon Alphabet reviewed by Kirkus Reviews
Excerpt from the Feb. 1, 2011 issue of Kirkus Reviews.
AMAZON ALPHABET
Author: Downing, Johnette
Illustrator: Downing, Johnette
Review Date: February 1, 2011
Publisher:Pelican
Pages: 32
Price ( Hardcover ): $16.99
Publication Date: February 15, 2011
ISBN ( Hardcover ): 978-1-58980-879-9
Category: Picture Books
Classification: Alphabet Books
From A for the Amazon River to Z for zoologists who study its animals, this introduction to Amazonian fauna uses the English alphabet to organize fast facts about a variety of rainforest and river residents. The design is straightforward. Each page includes an upper-case letter, a statement—“Q is for quetzal,” for instance—and two or three facts about the species (with only three exceptions, all letters correspond to different animals). Simple cloth-and-paper collage illustrations incorporate pieces of paper with the appropriate letters printed in both upper and lower case....
AMAZON ALPHABET
Author: Downing, Johnette
Illustrator: Downing, Johnette
Review Date: February 1, 2011
Publisher:Pelican
Pages: 32
Price ( Hardcover ): $16.99
Publication Date: February 15, 2011
ISBN ( Hardcover ): 978-1-58980-879-9
Category: Picture Books
Classification: Alphabet Books
From A for the Amazon River to Z for zoologists who study its animals, this introduction to Amazonian fauna uses the English alphabet to organize fast facts about a variety of rainforest and river residents. The design is straightforward. Each page includes an upper-case letter, a statement—“Q is for quetzal,” for instance—and two or three facts about the species (with only three exceptions, all letters correspond to different animals). Simple cloth-and-paper collage illustrations incorporate pieces of paper with the appropriate letters printed in both upper and lower case....
Can Clapping Along with a Song Make You Smarter
Check out this article and video clip of my performance and TV interview in Opelousas, LA.
Did you do hand-clapping games as a child? Play patty-cake with a sing-song rhyme? Guess what? You were improving your cognitive skills. A recent study at Ben Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Israel shows that clap-and-sing-along songs improve children's motor development, and thinking abilities. In fact, the study, "Impact of Hand-clapping Songs on Cognitive and Motor Tasks" showed striking differences between children who took a standard music appreciation program and those who were in hand-clapping song training for 10 weeks.
Jenise Fernandez is in Opelousas this morning at a performace by Singer Johnette Downing. She'll have the information from the study and thoughts from a local pediatrician on the study while she showcases kids clapping along with childhood favorites.
http://www.katc.com/news/can-clapping-along-with-a-song-make-you-smarter-/
Did you do hand-clapping games as a child? Play patty-cake with a sing-song rhyme? Guess what? You were improving your cognitive skills. A recent study at Ben Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Israel shows that clap-and-sing-along songs improve children's motor development, and thinking abilities. In fact, the study, "Impact of Hand-clapping Songs on Cognitive and Motor Tasks" showed striking differences between children who took a standard music appreciation program and those who were in hand-clapping song training for 10 weeks.
Jenise Fernandez is in Opelousas this morning at a performace by Singer Johnette Downing. She'll have the information from the study and thoughts from a local pediatrician on the study while she showcases kids clapping along with childhood favorites.
http://www.katc.com/news/can-clapping-along-with-a-song-make-you-smarter-/
Amazon Alphabet Book Review
The Feb. 19 issue of the Waycross Journal-Herald (Waycross, GA) published a review of my Amazon Alphabet book.
“An amazing way to present the alphabet.”
-Waycross Journal-Herald, Waycross, GA
February 19, 2011 Issue
“An amazing way to present the alphabet.”
-Waycross Journal-Herald, Waycross, GA
February 19, 2011 Issue
Mailbox - Letters from Fans
There are loads of fan letters this week including some from some adorable 2nd Graders who put me on their "You Filled Someone's Bucket Today" list. Here are a few of them:
Hi Johnette,
Ella Grace has listened to her new CD (Boogie Woogie Bugs) only about 4 times this week, and has already learned most of the words. She told me she cannot pick a favorite song- she loves them all. I, however, am quite partial to your very bluesy Cockroach- even though they tend to freak me out.
She also has made every adult entering our house look for the hidden letters in Amazon Alphabet (book)- specially on the F page.
Thanks again for your wonderful books and music!
Have a great weekend!
-Nancy
---------------------------
Dear Johnette:
We’ve been listening to your (Dixieland Jazz for Children) CD in the car and it is a delight! You have a lovely, lilting voice. My favorites are “Busy Beeline,” “New Orleans Strut,” and, of course, “Tiger Rag.” I especially enjoy hearing Tom Fischer again—we were neighbors!
Sincerely,
-Nina Kooij
Pelican Publishing
-------------------------
Johnette,
Thank you again for coming to PES! The students AND teachers are still talking about the performances! Thank you,
-Tammy Maher
Pontchartrain Elementary PTA
---------------
Dear Johnette:
The kids LOVED it! So did the teachers!
-Melissa Baker
Title I Lead Ext. Teacher
Bridge City Elementary School
----------------
Dear Jhonnett Downing:
Thank you for coming to are school And for praforming to ur. Thank you much!(Smiley face)
-Morgan, 2nd Grade
Dularge Elementary
--------------------
Dear Jhonnett Downing:
thak you for comeing to are school today. (smiley face) I hope you ejey to be in are school.
-Erica, 2nd Grade
Dularge Elementary
-----------------------
Dear Jeanett Downing:
Thank you for reading to us. I apreeceat it! (Smiley faces and hearts)
-Sydney B, 2nd Grade
Dularge Elementary
----------------------
Jollet Downing:
thank you for come ing to our school!! (smiley face)
-Christian, 2nd Grade
Dularge Elementary
Hi Johnette,
Ella Grace has listened to her new CD (Boogie Woogie Bugs) only about 4 times this week, and has already learned most of the words. She told me she cannot pick a favorite song- she loves them all. I, however, am quite partial to your very bluesy Cockroach- even though they tend to freak me out.
She also has made every adult entering our house look for the hidden letters in Amazon Alphabet (book)- specially on the F page.
Thanks again for your wonderful books and music!
Have a great weekend!
-Nancy
---------------------------
Dear Johnette:
We’ve been listening to your (Dixieland Jazz for Children) CD in the car and it is a delight! You have a lovely, lilting voice. My favorites are “Busy Beeline,” “New Orleans Strut,” and, of course, “Tiger Rag.” I especially enjoy hearing Tom Fischer again—we were neighbors!
Sincerely,
-Nina Kooij
Pelican Publishing
-------------------------
Johnette,
Thank you again for coming to PES! The students AND teachers are still talking about the performances! Thank you,
-Tammy Maher
Pontchartrain Elementary PTA
---------------
Dear Johnette:
The kids LOVED it! So did the teachers!
-Melissa Baker
Title I Lead Ext. Teacher
Bridge City Elementary School
----------------
Dear Jhonnett Downing:
Thank you for coming to are school And for praforming to ur. Thank you much!(Smiley face)
-Morgan, 2nd Grade
Dularge Elementary
--------------------
Dear Jhonnett Downing:
thak you for comeing to are school today. (smiley face) I hope you ejey to be in are school.
-Erica, 2nd Grade
Dularge Elementary
-----------------------
Dear Jeanett Downing:
Thank you for reading to us. I apreeceat it! (Smiley faces and hearts)
-Sydney B, 2nd Grade
Dularge Elementary
----------------------
Jollet Downing:
thank you for come ing to our school!! (smiley face)
-Christian, 2nd Grade
Dularge Elementary
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Amazon Alphabet Book is IN!!!
Also just in is my AMAZON ALPHABET book!! Yippee!! You can purchase the book at www.pelicanpub.com and www.johnettedowning.com
It's a jungle out there - READ!
It's a jungle out there - READ!
Today is Monday In New York Book Has Arrived!!!
I just heard from my publisher that my TODAY IS MONDAY IN NEW YORK book has arrived. You can order them from www.pelicanpub.com or my website at www.johnettedowning.com
It's a New York must, fagitaboutit.
It's a New York must, fagitaboutit.
Mailbox - Letters from Fans
Dear Johnette,
You are amazing. Your music in so many ways is inspirational. While I don't have kids it's what I listen too while doing illustrations for my kids books. My brother and his family who live in Slidel are the one's who introduced me to your music. You are one of the most talented individuals, with a true gift for touching children and helping them to learn new words and sounds. I've been telling everyone here in California from friends, to my biology and chemistry teacher about your unique and fun music.
You truly are a treasure from the south. I wish you continued success. Keep the music and lyrics coming.
Cheers,
Audra
You are amazing. Your music in so many ways is inspirational. While I don't have kids it's what I listen too while doing illustrations for my kids books. My brother and his family who live in Slidel are the one's who introduced me to your music. You are one of the most talented individuals, with a true gift for touching children and helping them to learn new words and sounds. I've been telling everyone here in California from friends, to my biology and chemistry teacher about your unique and fun music.
You truly are a treasure from the south. I wish you continued success. Keep the music and lyrics coming.
Cheers,
Audra
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Boogie Woogie Bugs CD Has ARRIVED!!
My new CD arrived days before Christmas and is now available on my web site at www.johnettedowning.com.
It will appear on www.amazon.com in a few days and is already in these New Orleans area stores:
Maple Street Book Shop
Garden District Book Shop
Mignon Sharpe Children's Shop
Bzzzzzz!
It will appear on www.amazon.com in a few days and is already in these New Orleans area stores:
Maple Street Book Shop
Garden District Book Shop
Mignon Sharpe Children's Shop
Bzzzzzz!
Mailbox - Letters from Fans and Friends
This came in about my Boogie Woogie Bugs CD.
"I think at first the two six year olds were skeptical. They think they are already way too grown for kids’ CDs,. BUT, as soon as the music began THEY WERE INTO IT! The three of us danced, jumped, wiggled, giggled and pretended to sleep only to wake up and dance, wiggle and giggle again. We did this though the entire CD. It was so much fun and you are sooooo gooood!
Finally, when my son looked at the cover of the CD he asked me if you were still alive and if I knew you. I said yes to both! He was in awe that his mommy knew a famous person.
Thanks for a wonderful CD and a great time with my little baby."
-Miranda Restovic
Thanks Miranda for being a great mom and for dancing and playing to my music with the little ones in your life.
"I think at first the two six year olds were skeptical. They think they are already way too grown for kids’ CDs,. BUT, as soon as the music began THEY WERE INTO IT! The three of us danced, jumped, wiggled, giggled and pretended to sleep only to wake up and dance, wiggle and giggle again. We did this though the entire CD. It was so much fun and you are sooooo gooood!
Finally, when my son looked at the cover of the CD he asked me if you were still alive and if I knew you. I said yes to both! He was in awe that his mommy knew a famous person.
Thanks for a wonderful CD and a great time with my little baby."
-Miranda Restovic
Thanks Miranda for being a great mom and for dancing and playing to my music with the little ones in your life.
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
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