Tag: book

Storytime: Can We Take A Road Trip? By Papa Dude

Summertime means road trips! In this episode of Confetti Park, we take a road trip with Papa Dude and his best friend Charlie Crab. They take us on a trip across America, and we to get visit some of the most interesting and fun places the continental United States has to offer.
Who is Papa Dude? His real name is Steven Scaffidi, and he is a New Orleans creator who has a whole line of Papa Dude adventures, a character he based on his own father.
Says Papa Dude: “Ya know…I just love good food, good times, and a good story too. Some folks say that I know a little bit about a lot of things. Ha! Well maybe so but I can’t wait to share all that I’ve learned over the years with you!”
Through Papa Dude’s and Charlie Crab’s eyes, we see some amazing American attractions—those manmade, like the Hoover Dam and Mount Rushmore, and natural attractions, like Yosemite and Carlsbad Caverns. As we travel through bayous, beaches, deserts, mountains, and crisscross the great highways with Papa Dude and his sidekick, we think about just how vast and majestic is this country of America. What a great summer book!
You can learn more about the Papa Dude series at Steven’s website, https://www.heypapadude.com/
And learn more about Steven and his other creative projects at https://www.ghostriderpictures.com/
Storytime: Lucky Enough by Dr. Chris Yandle
Narration by the author of a dad’s daily notes of encouragement and life lessons to his daughter
In this episode of Confetti Park Storytime, we hear some sweet excerpts from Lucky Enough: A Year of a Dad’s Daily Notes of Encouragement and Life Lessons to His Daughter, in the voice of the author Dr. Chris Yandle.
From the author’s website:
“When my daughter started fourth grade, it was Addison’s fourth school in five years. It wasn’t how we planned it, but as someone who moved around a lot as a kid, I knew this school year was going to be tough. Every morning, I wrote my daughter a note about life, school, or growing up, and I’d slip it in her bookbag or her lunch box to find later in the day. I shared the notes on Twitter and Facebook using #DadLunchNotes. Before I knew it, the notes became something others were seeking each day, including Addison’s teacher and principal. While I knew others enjoyed the daily life lessons I penned in Sharpie, I wanted to stay true to my intended purpose-being there for my daughter and helping guide her through this difficult school year.”
Chris and his family live in Mandeville, Louisiana. He will be among the featured authors and illustrators at the New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University, being held March 19-21. Learn more about this event at https://bookfest.tulane.edu/.
You can order the book Lucky Enough at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and through his website.
Thank you so much, Dr. Chris Yandle, for sharing your story with Confetti Park!
Storytime: Samuel Morse, That’s Who! by Tracy Nelson Maurer

In this episode of Confetti Park Storytime, you’ll hear the fascinating and fun story of the inventor Samuel Morse, who used electricity to power the telegraph and who invented Morse Code. Way back in the 1800s, he was teaching the world how to do instant messaging!
Tracy Nelson Maurer is the author of this fun biography geared toward kids, and we are so happy that Tracy has narrated the story for our enjoyment.
Back in the 1800s, information traveled slowly. Who would dream of instant messages?
Samuel Morse, that’s who!
Who traveled to France, where the famous telegraph towers relayed 10,000 possible codes for messages depending on the signal arm positions—only if the weather was clear? Who imagined a system that would use electric pulses to instantly carry coded messages between two machines, rain or shine? Long before the first telephone, who changed communication forever?
Samuel Morse, that’s who!
Tracy Nelson Maurer will be one of the featured authors at the upcoming New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University being held March 19-21. Learn more about this event at https://bookfest.tulane.edu/.
Tracy Nelson Maurer
Tracy has written several fun biographies of important change makers, such as John Deere and Noah Webster, and lots of nonfiction books about a wide range of topics such as history, STEM, social skills—even cheerleading and automobiles! Learn more
Thank you, Tracy, for sharing the story of Samuel Morse with Confetti Park!
Storytime: The Adventure of House Mouse by Iran & Henryelle Martin

In this episode of Confetti Park Storytime, we hear an original fable created by husband and wife team Iran and Henryelle Martin of Bossier City, La.

“There once lived a family of mice in the city of New Orleans, on Upperline Street, in a house abandoned of people. There were three of them…Mother Yum-Yum, Father Boom-Boom, and House-Mouse, their daughter.”

Iran, as narrator, introduces us to this cute family of mice, and gives us the background on their story.

Yum Yum as a child grew up in Micedale, Louisiana, a hop, skip and jump up the road from Baton Rouge the state’s capitol. When a traveling circus came through her small town, the country mouse fell in love with Boom-Boom, a star of the show.

Boom-Boom knew city life quite well, and was able to find his bride a wonderful house in the Garden District of New Orleans. Once they had their daughter he happily gave up the circus life, as getting shot out of a cannon is not a great way to ensure you’ll be there for your family. He was also determined that House Mouse would know how to read and write, so that she would have many options growing up.

And so…. Iran sets the stage for how it is that House Mouse’s knowledge of books helped save the family when human beings moved in to their wonderful house on Upperline Street.

Enjoy this cute modern fable by Iran and Henryelle Martin! And listen to more stories by the Martins.
Storytime: The Adventures Of The Swamp Kids – A Dog Named Cat By Leif Pedersen

A Dog Named Cat by Leif Pedersen

There is something special about a Catahoula Leopard Dog! What a strange and magical breed…It’s the state dog of Louisiana. And it’s celebrated in the cute children’s book by Leif Pedersen. Leif narrates the fun-filled adventure in A Dog Named Cat, the fourth book in The Adventures of The Swamp Kids series, for Confetti Park.

The Swamp Kids travel to a nearby animal shelter in hopes of finding a new pet they can adopt and bring home. They find a Louisiana Catahoula Cur puppy and learn all about him. (This podcast features “Sunbonnet Sue” performed by the Hackberry Ramblers.) Listen!

….They’re called “catahoulas,”
and raised up the bayou a bit.
They’re really good herders,
and faster than lightning.
At home he will be a big hit!

So now what to name their new furry friend? Lots of smiles come from this great book for animal lovers, not least the brightly colored illustrations of the swamp critters by artist Tim Banfell. Also included in the book is a Lagniappe Lesson written by WWL-TV and Radio personality Angela Hill, a dedicated animal lover respected for her journalistic talents and her unwavering commitment to animals. Angela offers kids tips on the care and responsibility involved with pet ownership.

Want to hear more? Listen to The Missing Chord by Leif Pedersen, the very first Swamp Kids book in the series. The Swamp Kids have many adventures you can enjoy… Visit www.theswampkids.com for puzzles, plush toys, activity sheets of teachers, and more!

The Catahoula Cur is an American dog breed named after Catahoula Parish, Louisiana, United States. Also known as the Catahoula Leopard Dog or Louisiana Catahoula, it became the state dog of Louisiana in 1979.
Storytime: Louis Lion – When It Gets Dark, I May Start Cryin’ by Cindy Foust

In this episode of Confetti Park Storytime, we hear Louis Lion – When It Gets Dark, I May Start Cryin’. This book is narrated by the author, Cindy Foust, creator of the Alpha-kidZ book series. Each letter of the alphabet gets a feature story and a feature creature who has an adventure and learns a lesson.

Louis Lion – When It Gets Dark, I May Start Cryin’ is the “L” book in the series, of course! And little Louis has a problem that many children share…. fear of the dark and being alone in bed at night.

“Bedtime for Louis became a battle.
He would cry with all his might.
Before his parents knew what had happened,
their little Louis was sleeping with them every night.”

But what happens as Louis grows bigger? The “big bed” becomes too small!

One night, it was too much for Louis to take. Dad pulled the covers off Louis…. then his mom’s arm accidentally bonks his nose…. And mom and dad both snored too loudly for Louis to get his needed rest.

“Louis covered his head with his pillow… he just wanted some sleep!”

Guess where Louis found sweet dreams at last? In his very own bed, despite the dark!

Cindy Foust lives in West Monroe, Louisiana. She launched the Alpha-kidZ: Reading Adventures A-Z book series in 2003.

Patti Pig, Austin Alligator, Elephant Emmy Lou, and Freddy Fox… these are some of the characters who face a challenge and find a solution. All of Cindy’s books offer lessons in character development and conflict resolution, told in engaging rhyme. And the books are brightly and colorfully illustrated (by different artists). Cindy says that personal experiences and inspiration from family and friends provided the basis for each of the stories.

Look for all the books at http://www.alphakidz.com, and look for an interview with author Cindy Faust in a future episode of Confetti Park!

Listen to Cindy read Patti Pig, Please Clean Your Digs.
Storytime: God from A to Z by Robin House

From North Louisiana (Bossier Parish) comes a Bible-inspired book suitable for all ages because of its unique multilayered approach. For families of Christian faith who want an easy way to teach their children about Bible verses and God, that can be revisited again and again as the child grows, this book is ideal.

As you listen to Robin narrate her book, you will hear the very simple layer ideal for young children. As Robin moves through the alphabet, she describes characteristics of God of the Christian faithful.

From the website: “God from A to Z is Robin’s first published children’s book. Aimed at young children, the illustrated book describes the God of the Bible in detail, with each letter of the alphabet linked to one of God’s aspects. God’s nature is poetically captured in Robin’s writing while Peggy A. Borel’s beautiful illustrations visualize and cement the concepts for young minds on each page.”

In addition, there are verses and discussion concepts included in the pages of the book, that are meant for prompting inquisitive discussions between family members as the children get older.

Learn more at https://www.godfromatoz.com/

Look for an interview with Robin about her inspirations and the writing process on an upcoming episode of Confetti Park.

Thank you, Robin, for sharing your book and your story of personal faith with Confetti Park!
Storytime: Juju the Good Voodoo by Michelle Hirstius

Are you ready for the creation story of Juju the Good Voodoo Doll?

In a cabin in a bayou one foggy night
Marie the VooDoo Queen was casting spells
on dolls that were good,
and some that were a fright.

One little doll she saw at a glance—
purple hair, big black eyes
and a gold dress.
could this be the very one, by chance?

“You are special…. you are the one!” and so Marie mixed the spell of good deeds for this doll.

This is how the story of Juju the Good Voodoo doll begins her role casting spells of good deeds on others who need help. This is the very first in the adorable series by Michelle Hirstius.

“Voodoo, Hoo Doo, You do! Juju knows voodoo, and I’ll put a good spell on you.” From here, you can follow her adventures in books both written and illustrated by the very talented and creative Michelle Hirstius, who lives in New Orleans.

Confetti Park is so delighted to share some of Juju’s other adventures in our Storytime feature too! Listen along as Juju saves Christmas in da Bayou (and meets Cajun St. Nick) and as Juju Meets the Rougaroo—it’s a perfectly hair-raising tale spooky tale featuring the Louisiana swamp monster. All these books are ideal for young readers and impart lessons about being nice and doing good.

From the author’s website: “Juju is adorable and will enter your hearts as she comes off the pages of this delightful tale. Children and adults will fall in love and enjoy reading the origin of where Juju came from and what she is set out to see and what “good deeds” are to come. This book lets children learn something known a negative can be positive. Juju is also different and unique and that’s OK. You can be YOU!”

Check out all the adventures of Juju at http://www.michellehirstius.com/
Storytime: Patti Pig, Please Clean Your Digs by Cindy Foust

In this episode of Confetti Park Storytime, we hear Patti Pig, Please Clean Your Digs, narrated by the author, Cindy Foust, mastermind behind the Alpha-kidZ book series.

Patti Pig, Please Clean Your Digs is the “P” book in the series, of course!

Patti’s bedroom “is messy, to say the least. In fact, be careful looking under her bed, in case you come across a big hairy beast!”

Patti’s twin brother, Paul, doesn’t understand how they are so different. He is so neat and clean, and her room is, well—a pig pen!

“I can’t help if I’m a little untidy,” pouts Patty.
Anyway, who but Paul minds a little gum on the bed?
I don’t have time to squabble with my brother.
I need to plan my birthday party instead.

When Paul funds out Patti is planning a slumber party for their birthday, he offers to help her clean her room. The twins learn a lesson about teamwork—and Patti learns that a clean room is worth the effort.

Cindy Foust lives in West Monroe, Louisiana. She launched the Alpha-kidZ: Reading Adventures A-Z book series in 2003. Each letter of the alphabet gets a feature story and a feature creature who has an adventure.

Austin Alligator, Elephant Emmy Lou, and Freddy Fox… these are some of the characters who face a challenge and find a solution. All of Cindy’s books offer lessons in character development and conflict resolution, told in engaging rhyme. And the books are brightly and colorfully illustrated (by different artists). Cindy says that personal experiences and inspiration from family and friends provided the basis for each of the stories.

Look for all the books at http://www.alphakidz.com, and look for an interview with author Cindy Faust in a future episode of Confetti Park!
Storytime: Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day by Alysson Foti Bourque

In this episode of Confetti Park, we hear Louisiana children’s author Alysson Foti Bourque narrate her adorable award-winning book, Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day.

Alycat is an adorable kitten whose whole week has been spent daydreaming about dessert day at school, when she gets her favorite: ice-cream filled popsicles! Poor Alycat…. He daydreaming causes her to be last in line, and she misses out. After a little tantrum, Alycat has an epiphany. She realizes she can make her OWN dessert! Imagination saves the day.

We love this book from Alysson Foti Bourque, of Sunset, Louisiana. It’s so fun to see Alycat grow, and her can-do spirit bounce back when she is disappointed. Alycat discovers that trying new things can lead to fun adventures and tasty inventions.

The book contains sweet, delicate illustrations by Chiara Civati and a recipe for Alycat’s new dessert! It makes the reader want to try new things, too.

Expect more from Alycat…. the next adventure in the series is Alycat and the Monday Blues! Buy it in local bookstores, on Amazon and B&N, and at the Alycat website.

Thank you, Alysson Foti Bourque, for sharing your wonderful story with Confetti Park.

Allyson Bourque
Storytime: To Dream of Dancing: Desdemona’s Dreams by Z.W. Mohr

In this episode of Confetti Park, we hear an excerpt from the enchanting fairy tale To Dream of Dancing: Desdemona’s Dreams, Volume 1. Z.W. Mohr, the author, narrates for us a dream poem and an introduction to Desdemona. This is an excerpt from the first book in his original series co-created with illustrator Aaron Damon Porter.

Desdemona is an 11 year old girl who is being raised by her two mysterious aunts and guardian teddy bear. When we first meet Desdemona, she is battling a mad maestro who wants to steal away her dream of dancing. When she awakes, her adventures continue…..

From this introduction, we, along with Desdemona, will discover she can bring her dreams into the waking world at a time when everyone else is forgetting how to dream.

Many more chapters of Desdemona’s Dreams are to come from New Orleans-based co-creators Mohr and Porter. Currently, there is To Dream of Dancing: Desdemona’s Dreams, Volume 1 and The Land of Mar: Desdemona’s Dreams, Volume 2. The second book features pirates!!!

The Desdemona’s Dreams series offers a whirlwind of adventures in magical places, with inspiring and strong female characters. It also shows us the beauty of a child’s imagination, and how dreams shape the very world around us.

Stay tuned for an interview with Z.W. Mohr and Aaron Damon Porter on Confetti Park.
Candy Land Ball books are being printed

Katy reads the proof of her new children’s book, Candy Land Ball

Friends!!!! We did it! Thank you so much! This morning I reached 100% of my goal to create my newest children’s book, Candy Land Ball. I am so grateful to all of you for your support.

A few weeks ago, I received the proof for the book. They look great! The first shipment of Candy Land Ball books should be arriving any day, and I am having a wonderful time building gifts for the various perks my contributors selected. Everything is on track to be shipped out by the first week of December.

I am so delighted that this book has come to life. It’s originally a song I wrote about the wonderful, magical kid’s ball sponsored by Confetti Kids, a neighborhood nonprofit organization that supports children’s parks and programming. The actual Confetti Park that inspired all of my daydreamy orchestrations for this website, radio show and podcast is the first park created by Confetti Kids!

I’ve been volunteering for this organization for four years. So many of the children I teach in choir, and who play with my son, Louis, are children of Confetti Kids. I love this group, the parents I volunteer with, and the community we are building.

I’m excited to have this book as a permanent dedication to this sweet moment in time, and I’m donating 10% of all transactions from the Indiegogo campaign to Confetti Kids, to go toward more park development for our community.

Again, thank you for everything.
Katy