Short alphabetical rhymes introduce Cajun vocabulary and Cajun culture.

A creative guide to over 5000 alphabet books with activities, games, and projects that can be used with ABC books.

The past sixty years have shaped and reshaped the group of French-speaking Louisiana people known as the Cajuns. During this period they have become much like other Americans and yet have remained strikingly distinct. The Cajuns: Americanization of a People explores these six decades and analyzes the forces that had an impact on Louisiana's Acadiana. In the 1940s, when America entered World War II, so too did the isolated Cajuns. Cajun soldiers fought alongside troops from Brooklyn and Berkeley and absorbed aspects of new cultures. In the 1950s as rock 'n' roll and television crackled across Louisiana airwaves, Cajun music makers responded with their own distinct versions. In the 1960s, empowerment and liberation movements turned the South upside down. During the 1980s, as things Cajun became an absorbing national fad, "Cajun" became a kind of brand identity used for selling everything from swamp tours to boxed rice dinners. At the dawn of the twenty-first century, the advent of a new information age launched "Cyber-Cajuns" onto a worldwide web. All these forces have pushed and pulled at the fabric of Cajun life but have not destroyed it. A Cajun himself, the author of this book has an intense personal fascination in his people. By linking seemingly local events in the Cajuns' once isolated south Louisiana homeland to national and even global events, Bernard demonstrates that by the middle of the twentieth century the Cajuns for the first time in their ethnic story were engulfed in the currents of mainstream American life and yet continued to make outstandingly distinct contributions.

An alphabetical introduction to Cajun vocabulary and culture.

“Just let me sing!” These are the prophetic words of Freddy Fender, who rose from an impoverished background in south Texas to achieve international superstardom as a rock ‘n’ country singer during the 1970s. For the millions of fans worldwide who have loved Freddy, this book offers an in-depth exploration of Freddy’s personal and professional life: from his hardscrabble childhood to his raucous early years, leading to his explosion onto the world stage as a one-of-a-kind performer. The Life Story of Freddy Fender is the first of a two-volume publication which will tell the story of this singular entertainer. Written by Freddy’s daughter, Tammy Lorraine Huerta Fender, the book conveys in rich detail what Freddy went through to succeed. The book also reveals the painful truth behind that success, and how the misery of substance abuse tore both him and his family apart. Freddy’s journey to redemption forms the heart of this biography, as does his faith in a Higher Power. Frank, uncompromising, and bold, this book is the definitive work on the life and legacy of Freddy Fender, told as no other could tell.

Combine classic Mother Goose with a South Louisiana Acadian setting and the artistry of renowned Cajun humorist Justin Wilson, and the result is a captivating book that will delight children and adults of all ages. For this book, American's formost interpreter of things Cajun has chosen five familiar stories and 19 favorite nursery rhymes. By applying his inimitable bayou-country style, Wilson has produces what will undoubtedly become a modern classic. "Goldilocks and the Three Crawfish," "The Three Little Couchons," Petite Rouge Riding Hood," "Three Blind Possums", and "Jacques and Jill" are just a few of the recognizable tales and rhymes that receive the Wilson touch in these pages. Jay Hadley (Coauthor) of Baton Rouge and Errol Troxclair (illustrator) of White Castle, in Louisiana's Cajun country, collaborated with Wilson on this book. Affectionately known as "Joos-tain" by his Cajun friends, Wilson is one of American's busiest after-dinner speakers. For more than three decades he has entertained audiences across the country with his humorous but admiring look at the Cajun people and their culture. A well-known gourmet cook and host of a syndicated cooking show on educational television ("Justin Wilson's Louisiana Cookin"), the multitalented Wilson has written four cookbooks-- The Justin Wilson Cook Book, The Justin Wilson #2 Cookbook: Cookin' Cajun , The Justin Wilson Gourmet and Gourmand Cookbook, Justin Wilson's Outdoor Cooking With Inside Help, all which have sold multiple printings. He is also coauthor, with Howard Jacobs, of Justin Wilson's Cajun Humor.

"Pass" a good time in Acadiana in this tour of Cajun country and culture! The sights, sounds, and smells of all things Cajun two-step off the page, introduced letter by letter in alphabetical order. From the alligators in the bayou to the stars of the zydeco stage, the food, music, literature, and language unique to the people of southern Louisiana are delightfully rhymed and beautifully illustrated. From the smallest details of daily life to the fantastical "fifolet" of Cajun folklore, the spirit and the spice of Cajun country infuse these pages. Author Rickey Pittman includes maps of Acadiana, a graph showing the concentration of Cajun speakers by parish, and a glossary of terms. On each page, artist Alexis Braud hides a pelican just waiting to be found by emerging readers.

Planned activities are suggested for over 200 alphabet books and include objective(s), materials, and suggested grade level. Recommended for school librarians, teachers, and parents.

Describes the history of the music of southern Louisiana and examines the influence of Cajun songs on American popular music

Blood Diamonds of the Lost Bazaar takes readers into two very different worlds—from the Lost Bazaar Art Gallery in small-town North Louisiana into Sierra Leone and its dark, violent and sad world of Blood Diamonds and boy soldiers. Caitlin, a beautiful and talented artist, ends a stormy relationship with her musician boyfriend Hunter and journeys to Sierra Leone. Von Vermeer, a wealthy, charming diamond merchant pursues her, and though attracted to him at first, Caitlin is horrified to discover that he is actually a corrupt, deranged diamond smuggler whose crazed obsession threatens her safety. Caitlin returns to Louisiana with Tejan, her adopted son, and rebuilds her relationship with Hunter, hoping to experience the joy of a loving family and redemptive love. But Vermeer follows her to Louisiana, bringing with him the violence she thought she had escaped, threatening her newly found happiness.