Book picks similar to
Louisiana, the Jewel of the Deep South by Johnette Downing


louisiana-culture
boys-and-girls-all-children
diversity
fellow-louisiana-authors

Susan Laughs


Jeanne Willis - 2000
    she rides, she swings.She gets angry, she gets sad, she is good, she is bad...Told in rhyme, this story follows Susan through a series of familiar activities. She swims with her father, works hard in school, plays with her friends -- and even rides a horse. Lively, thoughtfully drawn illustrations reveal a portrait of a busy, happy little girl with whom younger readers will identify. Not until the end of the story is it revealed that Susan uses a wheelchair.Told with insight, and without sentimentality, here is an inspiring look at one spunky little girl whose physical disability is never seen as a handicap.

My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers Growing Up with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.


Christine King Farris - 2003
    Martin Luther King Jr., joins with celebrated illustrator Chris Soentpiet to tell this “outstanding” (School Library Journal) and inspirational story of how one boyhood experience inspired a movement that would change the world as we know it.Mother Dear, one day I’m going to turn this world upside down. Long before he became a world-famous dreamer, Martin Luther King Jr. was a little boy who played jokes and practiced the piano and made friends without considering race. But growing up in the segregated south of the 1930s taught young Martin a bitter lesson—little white children and little black children were not to play with one another. Martin decided then and there that something had to be done. And so he began the journey that would change the course of American history.

Running Back Dreams (Team Jake Maddox Sports Stories)


Jake Maddox - 2010
    But when another player is injured, Coach puts Noah in. And soon, the outcome of the game rests on his shoulders.

Back to Front and Upside Down


Claire Alexander - 2012
    Slipper's birthday, and while the rest of the class gets busy writing cards for the occasion, Stan becomes frustrated when his letters come out all in a muddle. Stan is afraid to ask for help, until a friend assures him that nobody's good at everything. And after lots and lots of practice, Stan's letters come out the right way round and the right way up.This delightful book deals with a common childhood frustration and will remind readers that practice pays off and that everyone has to ask for help sometimes.Watch the trailer:

Treasured Tales from Beatrix Potter


Beatrix Potter - 1995
    Includes The Tale of Tom Kitten, The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher, The Tale of Benjamin Bunny and The Tale of Pigling Bland.

The Hello, Goodbye Window


Norton Juster - 2005
    They lovingly watch stars, play games, work garden, and listen to Poppy play harmonica. Bright simple illustrations. In many languages.

A Kite for Moon


Jane Yolen - 2019
    Y. Stemple, tells a heartfelt story about a young boy's fascination and unlikely friendship with the moon. With whimsical illustrations by award-winning artist Matt Phelan, the story begins when the little boy, who is flying his kite, notices a sad Moon. He sends up kites to her, even writing notes to Moon promising he will come see her someday. This promise propels him through years and years of studying, learning, and training to be an astronaut! Dedicated to Neil Armstrong, and a perfect children's book to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first United States moon landing, the cover of this book will captivate readers with eye-catching spot UV, foil, and embossing.

Pinkalicious: Fairy House


Victoria Kann - 2012
    Pinkalicious prepares by making sure the fairies have a pinkerrific place to stay. Welcome, fairies!Pinkalicious: Fairy House is a Level One I Can Read adventure and is carefully crafted using short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts for children eager to read on their own.

The Marshmallow Incident


Judi Barrett - 2009
    Unfortunately, the only ammunition they have around is marshmallows--50,000 boxes worth! So begins the Marshmallow Incident, a tale of Left and Right, and Right and Wrong, with an incredibly silly but delicious dose of Mallo-Puffs and Marsh-Pillows thrown in. Kids will read it once and then beg for s'more!

My Monsterpiece


Amalia Hoffman - 2021
    A green tongue, pointy horns, sharp teeth, and terrible claws are sure to make everyone scream!But what happens when rather than running away in a fright, they smile, laugh, and absolutely LOVE the monsters?Join the frustrated artist on this hilariously hair-raising journey where the scary and not scary meet and mingle, embarking on an adventure that reveals that overcoming fear and prejudice can lead to a wonderful friendship.With hand-drawn cutout illustrations, incorporating materials that kids actually use while making art, and a perfect mix of shivers and giggles, this bold, energetic picture book celebrates the power of a child’s imagination and appeals to a child’s love of the scary and the fun. This unique monster story touches on stereotyping and the fear of what is different in a way that young readers will relate to. It demonstrates that it’s possible to overcome bias, and helps children understand that acceptance and diversity make our lives far more colorful and enjoyable.

Puppy!


Keith Graves - 2016
    But Trog doesn't care about those things. He only wants one thing: a puppy. So he sets off to find one, but what he brings back may not be exactly what he thinks it is.Join Trog on his quest for the perfect pet in this hilarious picture book from the creator of The Monsterator and Second Banana.

These Bees Count!


Alison Ashley Formento - 2012
    Tate’s class listen, they learn how bees work to produce honey and make food and flowers grow. Bees count—they’re important to us all. Alison Formento’s gentle message is illustrated with Sarah Snow’s bright, realistic papercuts.

Those Darn Squirrels and the Cat Next Door


Adam Rubin - 2011
    But now that it's spring and his beloved birds are back, nothing can spoil his good mood--until a cat named Muffins arrives next door. Muffins terrifies the birds and interrupts Fookwire's painting. He even gives the squirrels wet willies! How can this bully be stopped? Someone had better come up with a plan.It's brains versus brawn in this hilarious picture book, and the results surprise everyone. Except, perhaps, those darn squirrels.

Cory Stories: A Kid's Book about Living with ADHD


Jeanne Kraus - 2004
    He also describes many ways of coping with ADHD: medication, therapy/counseling, and practical tips for school, home, and friendships.

Milk Goes to School


Terry Border - 2016
    Milk's dad gave her a sparkly new backpack and told her that she was the creme de la creme, but most of the other kids don't seem to agree. In fact, some of her new classmates think Milk is just little a bit spoiled. . . .In this latest hilarious picture book from Terry Border, our food friends go to school and learn that it's not just Milk that's the creme de la creme. Some other food can be just as sweet.Praise for Terry Border's picture books:Happy Birthday, Cupcake!"As in his earlier picture book, Border's characters are skillfully crafted food items with basic wire limbs arranged in simple landscapes....Preschoolers will be delighted with the visual mayhem."--Kirkus Reviews Peanut Butter & Cupcake:"Border’s witty food comedy will lure children who are hungry for clever visual entertainment."--Publishers Weekly"[Z]any creative photographs. [A] read-aloud hit."--School Library Journal