“A story best memorized and shared over some warm cornbread—recipe included.”
––Kirkus Reviews

“Dianne de Las Casas mixes humor, high spirits, lively narration and a colorful setting to bring alive the timeless tale of the Gingerbread Boy.”
––Robert D. San Souci,
author of The Talking Eggs: A Folktale from the American South
and Little Pierre: A Cajun Story from Louisiana

“Just enough French phrases are used to give a sense of the Cajun dialect, without making the story difficult for non-Cajuns to read.”
––Gale K. Criswell, retired Children’s Services Consultant of the State Library of Louisiana

Rascally raccoons, feisty foxes, and artful alligators aren’t the only creatures running wild in the bayou. With a peppercorn nose, a boudin mouth, chili-pepper eyes, and no small amount of cayenne pepper, the Cajun cornbread boy sprints through the swamps in shrimp boots and a cast-iron skillet hat, shouting as he dodges a number of perils along his way. When the boy meets an alligator who’d really like to have him for lunch, one of them is in for a truly spicy surprise!

In this flavorful rendition of the classic Gingerbread Man tale, award-winning international storyteller and folksinger Dianne de Las Casas presents a clever story in true Cajun style. Accompanied by Marita Gentry’s fresh and fun illustrations, this engaging and beautifully narrated folktale will be an unforgettable and delicious delight to all. Complete with a glossary of Cajun terms and a cornbread recipe, this zesty story will make mouths water as it brings the flavors of the Cajun country to every home.

About the Author
Dianne de Las Casas is a celebrated author, storyteller, and recording artist. Her CDs Jump, Jiggle & Jam and World Fiesta have been named School Library Journal “Audio of the Week” recordings. She performs arts-in-education programs and residencies at schools, libraries, festivals, museums, and special events and is a frequent presenter at the International Reading Association, American Library Association, and other literary and education conferences.

About the Illustrator
Marita Gentry is a professional artist with her own painting and teaching studio, Studio Marita. Gentry has served as artist-in-residence for several schools, and her illustrations are a delight to young and old alike. Her vivid illustrations have earned her numerous awards and commissions. This is her first children’s book.

THE CAJUN CORNBREAD BOY
A Well-Loved Tale Spiced Up by Dianne de Las Casas
Illustrated by Marita Gentry
32 pp.  8½ x 11  31 color illus.  Recipe  Glossary
ISBN: 1-58980-224-1
EAN: 978-1-58980-224-7