New Year, New Book, New Program.
2021 is finally here, and with it the hope of better things to come. January is my power month because it is my birthday month, and the time of year I feel the most energized and focused. On January 1st, I write my goals and mantras, get organized, and make plans for creative projects and adventures for the year. Since we may be home for at least half of this year, I have decided to take online Spanish and ukulele classes. If I can come out of this year speaking Spanish and playing ukulele more fluently, the time will have been well spent. What are your plans this year? What are your mantras? It is a great time to set some goals and make a plan for a joyful year ahead. Here's to a new year, to bright beginnings, and to making children smile.
New Book!
Last week, I signed a contract with Pelican Publishing for a new board book titled Five Little Possums that I illustrated, and adapted from the song “Five Little Monkeys Swinging from a Tree.” I illustrated the book with felt collage because I like the soft quality of the material for a baby book. The resulting images make the possums warm and cuddly even if they are little bullies at first in the story. Find out what happens to possums who tease an alligator in this “singable” story for little ones. Here is a sneak peek at one of the feisty possums.
The song for this book is on my “Silly Sing Along” CD. Listen here!
This school year, join me “in my living room” as I offer two types of "Boogie on the Bayou" virtual programs; 1) pre-recorded, and 2) virtual live.
I will sing several of my popular songs, sing select “singable” books, and talk about my passion for sharing Louisiana culture with children in the United States and abroad. Both virtual programs are perfectly suited for distance learning for pre-kindergarten to third grade audiences, and run approximately 30 minutes each. Some of the songs featured in the program are from my "Swamp Romp" album, illustrated by Heather Stanley.
The pre-recorded program is available on my private viewing platform.
The virtual live (real-time) face-to-face program is available on Zoom and is limited to 99 participants.
Theme: Louisiana culture
Celebrate Mardi Gras!
It is king cake season in New Orleans in celebration of Mardi Gras on February 17, 2021! This year, Mardi Gras is officially cancelled, but king cake is not. Find out who got the baby in the king cake in this Carnival book. It just might be YOU!
Memories
Yes, that is Chef John Folse and me when I performed on his television cooking show in 2013 on Louisiana Public Broadcasting in Baton Rouge. He was making a gumbo that day, and asked that I sing my songs "Gumbo Pot" and "Today is Monday in Louisiana." After the live taping, we sat down together to share a bowl of gumbo with his staff and invited guests. It is a great memory with a Louisiana treasure!
Thank you for letting me share joy with your children! - Johnette