Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in new orleans, LA

Summer Reading with Berthe Amoss

by Kelly Leahy

July 27, 2009

The other day my husband stopped by Blue Cypress Books on Oak Street the other day with Adelaide to peruse their children's offerings. They walked out of there with two local books; A Cajun Little Read Riding Hood and The Cajun Gingerbread Boy. Both books were written and illustrated by New Orleans born author Berthe Amoss.

I've read each of these books to my kids and although the stories are incredibly familiar, they offer a bit of local flavor to the mix. Instead of a wolf lying in wait for Red Riding Hood, it is M’sieur Cocodrie. The gingerbread man jumps and escapes hungry folks through Cajun country and throws in a smattering of French for good measure. The illustrations are lovely and show familiar Louisiana territory from the shrimpers on the coast to tall pines in the forest.

These books are constructed with thick paper and come with cardboard cutouts that jump through slits in the pages making fine motor coordination necessary when reading to interested parties. I also have had to work on my Cajun accent which is rather poor. That said, they are incredibly fun and will be kept in rotation for a long time.

If you are not lucky enough to find a copy of Amoss' children's books locally, a great number of her works are on Amazon -- most through third party sellers. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more titles by this author.

This Weekend's Best Bet: Festivals Galore

by Kelly Leahy

December 05, 2008

There is no reason why you can't finish up your holiday shopping this weekend. There a a gazillion open air markets going on in and around the city (I've counted). The best thing about art markets (other than the simple fact that you don't have to step foot in the mall) is that you are supporting locals. The second best thing is that the kids love it! Algiers' Point Art & Fine Craft Market  Read more...

Blue Cypress Books

by Kelly Leahy

November 13, 2008

Last weekend I finally took the time to stop by my friend Elizabeth's new store, Blue Cypress Books . She recently relocated from the back of the Mockingbird Cafe to her own storefront on 8126 Oak Street. I am stating up front that I have a bias towards her shop because I know how long and hard she has been working to open and what a great opportunity it has been for her to get such a wonderful  Read more...

Storytime in New Orleans

by Kelly Leahy

November 11, 2008

This month's theme is all about books, books and more books . For today's list I have compiled a handful of bookstores, storytimes and attractions that bring words to life for your preschooler. Storytimes The Main Library (219 Loyola Ave.) hosts Kid Jam Time every Thursday at 10:30 am in the Children's Room. This activity is free and open to children up to five-years-old. Activities include  Read more...