Down in Louisiana

Book excerpt: Johnette Downing's picture book and song Down in Louisiana showcases the natural environment of the bayous, basins, wetlands, live oaks, marshes, and swamps and the creatures that inhabit them. Readers are encouraged to participate as active observers as they tour the landscape, counting the number of animals on each page. A mother and her pelican one begin the story, and a mosquito and her little skeeters ten conclude it. In between readers encounter alligators, Catahoula, nutria, possum, crawfish, and more as they swim, bark, eat, sleep, buzz, and snap. Deborah Ousley Kadair's mixed media collage illustrations add texture, warmth, and a hidden letter on each page for children to find. The sheet music for this "singable" story is included in the back of the book. "Attractively portrays wildlife in Louisiana's bayous and swamps . . . Offers good storytime possibilities." -School Library Journal "Louisiana wetland critters-including pelicans, of course-are shown in their habitat, with alligators, bears, armadillos, possums and mosquitoes among those getting their verse and their due." -Publishers Weekly "The rhythm is almost irresistible." -New Orleans Times-Picayune "A delightful gift that entertains and educates." -Acadiana LifeStyle