Books published by publisher Pelican Publishing, 2005

After organizing a special Christmas Eve race in Daytona, drivers Junior and Michael are in for a holiday treat when a strange car pulls up on the track. It's covered in blinking lights and tinsel and smells of green pine, and the driver is Santy Claus, who is ready to race. Racecar Driver's Night Before Christmas is a holiday story unlike any other as Santy Claus competes for the gold in the Jingle Bell Jammer, outracing the best and leaving presents of pistons and brakes behind for the racecar drivers who have been good all year.

The life and influence of Jimmy in Saint-Paul de Vence. Composed of more than 70 interviews with some of the many people who encountered James Baldwin in the last 17 years of his life, this revealing retrospective provides an intimate look into one of America’s greatest literary figures. Baldwin escaped from the racism and hatred in America to find solace and self-exile in Saint-Paul de Vence. In his time there, Baldwin became a beloved neighbor and friend to the locals of the village and hosted many guests from around the world in his grand bastide. Legendary celebrities, such as Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Bill Wyman, and others, tell their personal reminisces and stories about Baldwin.

Join Jenny Giraffe on the best ride of her life! Mardi Gras in New Orleans is perhaps the only place where a giraffe named Jenny would not draw any attention. But her friends have a different idea―she is going to join the Krewe of Orpheus! Excited about throwing beads and doubloons to thousands of people along the parade route, she is even more excited because her mother will be on the float with her! Riding along with Jenny Giraffe, children learn all there is to know about this spirited holiday! Discover the history of Mardi Gras from king cakes and festive colors to parades, floats, and “throws”! Enjoy the vibrant illustrations of the “Biggest Free Show on Earth” and a giraffe’s unforgettable carnival experience!

At a ranch near Aspen, Colorado, author Michael Chandler and his four-year-old son are invited to a Christmas Eve party at a neighbor's. The party is not ordinary--this one is for Lefty, an appaloosa stud. At the party are Lefty's owner, Joe, the author and his son, and the famous singer/songwriter John Denver and his young son. Together they share a heartwarming night celebrating music, life, love, and the joy of Christmas.

This volume of six traditional Irish legends includes stories about a king with donkey�s ears, a moral lesson about riches and possessions based on a brown bull, a tale explaining how the coast of Antrim was formed by a giant, and other tales about treachery, bravery, and honor. Spirited illustrations bring each tale to life, and a pronunciation guide is included to assist with reading the unusual Irish names such as Ailill and Daire Mac Fiachra. Told for hundreds of years, these stories are a rich part of Irish history and lend themselves to great storytelling.

Lloyd Vogt, an award-winning New Orleans architect, offers young people a fascinating glimpse into the history of New Orleans architecture. Dividing his discussion into two parts--house types and house styles--he provides a basic yet comprehensive first course in New Orleans building design in a language designed for easy understanding. Also provided are labeled drawings for style identification, and a complete glossary.

It is Christmas Eve on the tropical isle of Hawaii, a holiday the locals refer to as Kalikimaka. As all of the little keiki (children) drift off to sleep, Santa surfs to the island on his outrigger canoe led by his majestic sea turtles. As he arrives at their homes, or hale, he listens as the holiday ornaments magically come to life. The decorations bob and dance all around, whispering to Santa what gifts he should leave for the children. When Santa begins to leave, mama and papa give him a lei and bid him farewell as he rides the waves out of sight.

“Reading Mr. Okra Sells Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, wonderful memories came running through my mind like a river. Being born in New Orleans, the people selling fruits and vegetables were a big part of the community I lived in. This book also brings to life the beauty and history of the city.” ―Diane Ferlatte, award-winning storyteller and Grammy nominee When Mr. Okra drives by in his iconic, painted truck piled high with garden-fresh fruits and vegetables, people hear him calling his wares. Mr. Okra’s asparagus is rounded like the steeples of St. Louis Cathedral, and his eggplants are as dark as the coffee at Café du Monde. Bright illustrations of tasty, healthy food pop from the pages of this mouthwatering romp around familiar New Orleans locations. Readers follow the beloved local and his truck as he brings food and song to the city.