My Parrain is the Loup Garou
My Parrain is the Loup Garou
This familial love story between a child and his godfather is my first original Cajun tall tale, and it is peppered with exaggerated colloquial vernacular to create humor and warmth especially when read aloud. Like children on the playground, the child boasts to the reader about his Parrain’s superhuman strength and wolf-like qualities as proof that the godfather is in fact the legendary mythical creature, the Loup Garou. As playmates, the child and the Parrain set out on magical adventures, perhaps too good to be true.
The vivid colors and bold brush strokes in Heather Stanley’s illustrations set a swampy tone and blur the lines between fact and fantasy. This lighthearted twist to the often dark oral traditions of the Cajun werewolf is sure to make children laugh, and hopefully wildly dream.
Reviews
South Louisiana folktales are as unique as they are colorful and Johnette Downing, with expressive illustrations by Heather Stanley, crafts a tale of the loup garou in a delightful way that children of all ages will enjoy.
-Cheré Dastugue Coen, Food & travel writer, and author of Exploring Cajun Country
Johnette Downing’s Newest Louisiana Children’s Book Celebrates The Loup Garou
Johnette Downing is an award-winning children’s performer and author, and an accomplished musician and singer/songwriter. Her children’s books focus on Louisiana and New Orleans food, music and culture using jazz, crawfish, red beans and other Louisiana cultural icons. Her newest book focuses on the legendary “Loup Garou” (the Cajun version of a “werewolf”).
The book’s family-oriented narrative explores the bond between a child and his godfather, or “Parrain” in Cajun tradition. The story features humorous vernacular that includes satire and warmth, and was written to be read aloud to kids. As the child in the story boasts about his Parrain’s extraordinary qualities, readers are transported into the world of the mythical Loup Garou. Heather Stanley’s illustrations complement the narrative, immersing readers in an atmosphere that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy.
Downing, the versatile artist known for her contributions to music and literature has a commitment to celebrating childhood, promoting cultural exchange, and encouraging literacy through music and books. As a Governor of the Recording Academy’s Memphis Chapter and an accomplished poet, Downing’s influence extends beyond the city to audiences worldwide.” - by Offbeat Magazine Staff, September 5, 2023
“Christmas is here anytime when a new Johnette Downing book makes its appearance on the scene. Her NOLA charm and knowledge always makes it a joyful treat. With her words and the clever and unique illustrations by the excellent Heather Stanley, it's a gift that your child should not miss.”
-Laura Roach Dragon, Children's Author of Hurricane Boy, The Bayou Bogeyman Presents Hoodoo and Voodoo, and The Ghostly Tales of New Orleans.