"Johnette Downing's book brings to life all the things that Louisianians hold dear. The rich illustrations by Julia Marshall evoke a sense of child-like nostalgia for Louisiana's natural abundance and diversity. Educational and inspirational, it will encourage readers to explore the images and find all the different symbols that define this jewel of a state." --Lauren Davis, curator, Louisiana Secretary of State Museums Acclaimed musician, singer, and author Johnette Downing once again shares her reverence for the Pelican State with young readers. In Louisiana, the Jewel of the Deep South, Downing combines all of the unique and historical facts about the state into a delightful and educational picture book. Originally penned as a song by the same name, the book serves as a child's introduction to the state's symbols, realized in both the melodious text and the earthy illustrations. From the humble crawfish to the soaring brown pelican, the howling Catahoula to the bashful black bear, Downing familiarizes children with many interesting facts about their home. The iconic images of Louisiana are captured in abundant illustrations, which embody the bountiful cultural history of the state.
Awash in color, detail, and accuracy, the artwork brings the state's history to life! Johnette Downing is a multi-award-winning, internationally recognized singer, songwriter, and author. Her many accolades include eight Parents' Choice Awards, four iParenting Media Awards, and five National Parenting Publication Awards. She wrote and illustrated There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs, My Aunt Came Back from Louisiane, Why the Crawfish Lives in the Mud, Amazon Alphabet, and How to Dress a Po' Boy and is the author of Chef Creole, Down in Louisiana, Why the Oyster Has the Pearl, Why the Possum Has a Large Grin, Today Is Monday in Louisiana, Today Is Monday in Texas, Today Is Monday in New York, Today Is Monday in Kentucky, Macarooned on a Dessert Island, and The Fifolet, all available from Pelican. Downing and her husband reside in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Newburyport, Massachusetts. Julia Marshall attended the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia, and graduated magna cum laude with a BFA in illustration. She works as an illustrator and designer and has illustrated three other children's books as well as interior spreads for magazines and posters and programs for local events and productions. Marshall enjoys sewing costumes, gardening, cooking, and playing piano accompaniment for a children's musical-theater program. She lives with her husband, Dylan, cat, and four chickens in New Orleans, Louisiana.