Books with author James Rice

"Set in a Louisiana bayou and told in Cajun dialect-de chirren been nezzle/Good snug on de flo'--the poem has lively illustrations that perfectly suit the unique text."-Horn Book"Rice is especially good with facial expressions, whether they are on a Texas jack rabbit, a longhorn steer, a dusty cowboy, or the green and long-nosed alligator named Gaston."-Library JournalIt's the night before Christmas in a tiny shack on the Louisiana bayou, and Santa Claus, with his eight friendly alligators and toy-laden skiff, is on his way. Written in lively Cajun accents, the best-selling Cajun Night Before Christmas� is a beloved holiday classic. Now, with this innovative coloring book, children of all ages can put their own colorful spin on the story. These brilliant illustrations are sure to inspire some wide Cajun smiles.

The story is done in rhyme, which makes it great to read aloud. Thecolorful illustrations are just delightful, each covering two pages, thus givinga powerful sense of movement to the story.--Children's LiteratureJames Rice, known foremost as the illustrative master behind CajunNight Before Christmas , amuses and educates children all over thecountry through his works.One of his hallmarks has been the creation of recurring characters from hisChristmas stories to his cowboy legends. But among them all no characterattracts as much attention as the bayou alligator Gaston, whose numerousadventures introduce children to many aspects of the world around them.This time Gaston leaves the Louisiana bayous atop a Cajun steed named BlackLightning. Their destination is the world-famous Churchill Downs racetrack, homeof the Kentucky Derby. The first jewel of the Triple Crown, this race is seen bymillions either at the track or at home on television each year. Now through thelovable Gaston and his antics, children get to witness this American traditionas well.Gaston Goes to the Kentucky Derby teaches children about thegrand festival of the Derby in Louisville and the challenges all the riders faceto make it to the most esteemed horse race in the country. Peppered with humorand seasoned with Rice's colorful artwork, this is a delightful volume for youngand old and a must-have addition for anyone collecting Rice's books.James Rice is widely acclaimed as the South's leading author and illustratorof juvenile books. With more than one million copies of his books in print, heranks among the nation's top authors and illustrators. Rice completed his M.F.A.at Stephen F. Austin State University. He holds degrees in art from theUniversity of Texas and Howard Payne College and has taught art and music atboth the high school and college levels.

This is a book about phobias and obsessions, isolation and dark corners. It's about families, friendships, and carefully preserved secrets. But above everything else it's about love. Finding love - in any of its forms - and nurturing it. Miss Hayes has a new theory. She thinks my condition's caused by some traumatic incident from my past I keep deep-rooted in my mind. As soon as I come clean I'll flood out all these tears and it'll all be ok and I won't be scared of Them anymore. The truth is I can't think of any single traumatic childhood incident to tell her. I mean, there are plenty of bad memories - Herb's death, or the time I bit the hole in my tongue, or Finners Island, out on the boat with Sarah - but none of these are what caused the phobia. I've always had it. It's Them. I'm just scared of Them. It's that simple.

"'Twas the night before Christmas . . ." and Texasis ready and waiting for old Santy to appear. You may know the story, butyou've never heard it like this before. Based on Clement C. Moore's poem,Texas Night Before Christmas is filled with images of the LoneStar State.It is an icy Christmas Eve as this Texas family prepares for Santy's visit.A great ruckus arouses Pa, and he spies Santy himself in full Western garb:rawhide suit, Stetson, and cowboy boots. He fills the young'uns' waiting boots,then warms himself a while before leaving for his next stop. As Ma and Pa losesight of him in the fog, Santy calls out, "Merry Christmas, y'heah? Andy'all have a good night!"James Rice is one of the nation's leading creators of children's books withmore than one million books in print. Other titles in Pelican's famous NightBefore Christmas series include An Irish Night Before Christmas , Redneck Night Before Christmas andGullah Night Before Christmas . The classic CajunNight Before Christmas , which Rice illustrated in 1973, has more than389,000 copies in print. Also Available TEXAS NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Unprepared for his yearly trek because of a series of problems, a perplexed Santa sees Gaston in flight-suddenly the friendly alligator is employed to help save Christmas Eve. Gaston®, the intrepid green-nosed alligator from the bayou, ventures far and wide to satisfy his wanderlust. Gaston's creator, James Rice, wrote and illustrated nine books featuring the friendly swamp creature.