Selected to represent the State of Louisiana at the virtual National Book Festival in Washington, D. C. on September 25-27, 2020!

“Johnette Downing has been an outstanding ambassador for Louisiana, We are proud that she has been chosen to represent Louisiana at the National Book Festival.” - Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser

“I have had the honor of knowing Johnette throughout her career. Her commitment to sharing Louisiana’s traditions, music, and literature with our children makes her a state treasure.” - State Librarian Rebecca Hamilton.

Winter festivals of light occur all over the world, but in Louisiana, it is bonfires that light the way for Papa Noel, the Cajun Santa Claus, on Christmas Eve as he paddles his pirogue along the Mississippi River, delivering gifts to children. There are hundreds of bonfires on the Mississippi River levee in the River Parishes of St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Charles and Ascension, but this counting book is about ten of them.

New Orleans musician, author and raconteur of original Louisiana tales, Johnette Downing stays close to home in this counting book for youngsters about the holiday bonfires built and set ablaze on the River Road levee. An Author’s Note sheds light on the origin and function of this communal folk tradition that has sparked the interest of thousands of tourists annually.