Enjoy this spooky, dramatic tale of a pirate who experiences the strangest vision…. a skeleton pirate crew that carries treasure aboard the island where he is marooned.
“It all started when Mr. Colt, me scurvy dog of a first mate, raised a mutiny against me. I was so proud; that’s how I first became a captain, you know.”
“….At first she appeared to be nothin’ but a large shadow moving across the waves, but as she got closer it became clear that it were a ship. But no ordinary ship she was, for she was indeed made of nothin’ but shadows…..It was then that that chill took a hold of me in earnest as I watches her crew boarding those boats, for they weren’t men, not least as we know them; they were a crew of skeletons whose bones glowed in the night.”
Based on an old pirate folk tale updated by David Eugene Ray, author of the award-winning book The Little Mouse Santi, and narrated by the vibrant New Orleans actor and producer Chris Lane, ‘Dem Bones is sure to thrill listeners of all ages! Who doesn’t love a good pirate tale?
This recording features archival fiddle performances from early 1900s American history: “Devil’s Dream” performed by John Sellick and “Mount Collins Reel” performed by Denis Murphy.
By the way, wonder who this “Louis Lafitte” is? He is the made-up imaginary pirate persona of a little boy from Louisiana, who has grown up hearing the legends of Jean Lafitte! Check out this song by the Confetti Park Players.
This mural was recently discovered while replacing the air conditioning system on the third floor of Byrd High. (Photo: Douglas Collier, The Times)
Here’s a special find! The Shreveport Times just ran a featured article on the uncovering of a “hidden treasure” at C.E. Byrd High School in Shreveport, Louisiana. A forgotten mural by our very own The Little Mouse Santi author David Eugene Ray!
“When David Ray graduated from C.E. Byrd High School in 1978 he left behind a treasure, a mural full of cartoon characters, hidden from the public eye for more than 35 years.Hamm Mechanical found the mural while replacing the air conditioning system in early June, said President William Hamm. Read the article
Perhaps it’s time you illustrated your own book, David Ray!
It’s storytime from Confetti Park! In this episode we hear a tale of dinosaur friendship by award-winning children’s author David Eugene Ray out of New Orleans. This is Lophi Learns to Fly.
Lophi is a small dinosaur who feels invisible in his herd. He lives a fairly contented life, but he’s lonely. He spends most of his afternoons watching the pterodactyls flying in the sky. One day, he meets Weena, and they discover that they both share this fascination with the winged creatures and wish, themselves, to fly. Weena has her own reasons for wanting to leave the herd behind.
The two decide to collaborate to build wings, and they set off on a construction adventure. Each day spent in the forest collecting the right materials brings them closer to launch, and closer together. Even though the two dinosaurs couldn’t be more different, their friendship blossoms as they work through the challenges of learning to fly.
“It’s a pleasure to introduce a character that is sure to become your new favorite mouse, Santi!…David Eugene Ray’s tale of Santi is a clever story written with elegantly simple and carefully selected text that exudes fresh originality. The characteristics of cats that Ray chooses to highlight are spot on and fun—when Santi practices being a cat he practices ignoring everyone and pretends to be bored. The manga style artwork in its pastel color glory [by the talented Santiago Germano] is both emotive and excellent. And the book itself is a joy to handle with its thick glossy sheets that make it a pleasure to turn the pages.
Great for lap readers, independent readers, and cat lovers of all ages, The Little Mouse Santi is an inspiring tale that teaches us that, with a little courage, we can all be whoever we want to be. It’s definitely the cat’s meow!”
Here is a great interview with children’s author David Eugene Ray, who was a guest on the WWL-TV Morning Show in New Orleans. He is interviewed by the lovely Sally Ann Roberts, and you can see he is still glowing from the honor of writing one of the Best Books of 2015, as declared by Kirkus’ Reviews, with The Little Mouse Santi.
This book, which is the story of a mouse who dreams of being a cat, was inspired by the entire Ray family’s deep and abiding appreciation of crazy feline antics. The Little Mouse Santi is the first publication from Confetti Park, and we are so proud that it is also winner of a Gold Mom’s Choice Award and a Moonbeam Award (Best Picture Books for Children 4-8).
David originally spun this yarn as a bedtime story to his son Louis, who, by the way, accompanied Dave to the studio! Pics below the video.
Dave and Louis behind the scenes at WWL-TV. The Gris Gris Strut practice in the background.
What a small world! Also in the studio this morning was Tracey Katz, one of Dave’s phellow Phunny Phorty Phellows!
Sally Ann Roberts and David Eugene Ray chat at the break.
Seriously, it’s a small world. Dave (@aquarium_dave on Twitter) never expected to run into two of his co-workers from the Audubon Nature Institute: Brenda and Emmy, the ferret.
Louisiana-based children’s workshop Confetti Park is honored to announce that its first publication, The Little Mouse Santi, written by New Orleans author David Eugene Ray, has been named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2015.
Kirkus Reviews has named The Little Mouse Santi, a children’s book about a mouse who wants to be a cat, among the best books released in 2015. Kirkus Reviews calls The Little Mouse Santi “a clever picture book with an unexpected punch line that will delight young readers” in a starred review. This is the first publication from the Confetti Park children’s workshop based in New Orleans.
The Little Mouse Santi was written by David Eugene Ray (@Aquarium_Dave on Twitter), a former schoolteacher who works at the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans. It was illustrated by Santiago Germano of Uruguay, whose body of work includes the animated feature film Anina.
The Little Mouse Santi debuted in January 2015 with distribution by Small Press United and has won several awards, including a Gold Mom’s Choice Award and a Bronze Moonbeam Children’s Book Award in the category of Best Picture Books for 4-8 Year Olds.
The Little Mouse Santi
“We are so honored to be named by Kirkus as among the 100 best indie books, and among the best books, released this year,” says Confetti Park founder Katy Hobgood Ray (whose husband is the author). “It’s incredibly gratifying and affirming when your creation resonates with other people. Thank you, Kirkus Reviews, for getting the word out about our little book and our little company!”
Confetti Park is a family-operated children’s media workshop in New Orleans that creates and curates entertainment for children. Santi author David Ray and Katy Ray regularly read and perform at schools and libraries in their home state of Louisiana. Katy also hosts and produces the Confetti Park radio show and podcast, featuring music and stories spun in Louisiana.
Illustrator Santiago Germano, whose “wonderful, cartoonish images…look like they wouldn’t be out of place in a Studio Ghibli animated film” (Kirkus Reviews), is currently working on a music video for Confetti Park. This time, Germano is giving life to the “Feufollet,” a spooky Louisiana swamp spirit. The song appears on Confetti Park’s first musical release for children, We’re Going to Confetti Park!, which debuted in November 2015.
The Little Mouse Santi is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and select independent booksellers nationwide. You can also order it from Confetti Park.
About Kirkus Reviews
Founded in 1933, Kirkus has been one of the most trusted and authoritative voices in book discovery. When Kirkus Reviews was established by Virginia Kirkus, it was an innovation in the publishing field. Virginia arranged to receive advance galley proofs of books from publishers — only 20 or so at first, but eventually nearly every firm of any size in the industry. She read the galleys and wrote brief, critical evaluations of their literary merit and probable popular appeal. Today, Kirkus Reviews covers more than 7,000 books published by traditional houses and more than 3,000 self-published books every year. The magazine is published on the 1st and 15th of every month, and because of the scope of their coverage, their authoritative voice and the timeliness of their reviews, Kirkus Reviews is revered by many as the first indicator of a book’s potential. For more information, visit www.kirkus.com.
Author David E. Ray holds his new children’s book, The Little Mouse Santi, as well as his main inspiration, his son Louis. Photo by David Lee Simmons / NOLA.com
Children’s Author and LSU Alumnus David Ray to Sign The Little Mouse Santi at LSU Barnes & Noble Before Homecoming Game on October 24
Louisiana-native children’s book author David Eugene Ray will be at Barnes & Noble to sign copies of his award-winning children’s book The Little Mouse Santi on October 24 from 1-3 p.m.
David Eugene Ray, an LSU alumnus and children’s book writer living in New Orleans, will be in Baton Rouge on Saturday, October 24 to sign copies of his award-winning children’s book The Little Mouse Santi as part of LSU’s numerous Homecoming activities on campus. The book signing will be held at the Barnes & Noble at LSU, 2 Union Square, from 1-3 p.m.
Winner of a Moonbeam Award, Mom’s Choice Awards gold, and a Kirkus star, The Little Mouse Santi is a beautifully illustrated story that explores one of the most important aspects of a child’s life—the search for identity. Santi wants to be a cat, and even though all the other mice laugh at him, he follows his dream. This timeless story ends with a whimsical twist as Santi learns a valuable lesson about self-determination while also learning he is not the only dreamer!
“A clever picture book with an unexpected punch line that will delight young readers.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“…an extraordinarily entertaining read.”—Midwest Book Review
“VERDICT A: A sweet and appealing book that speaks of the need to confront one’s fears in order to realize a dream.”—School Library Journal
About Confetti Park The Little Mouse Santi is published by Confetti Park, a children’s media workshop, podcast, and weekly radio program based out of New Orleans. Author David Eugene Ray, a.k.a. @Aquarium_Dave on Twitter, is a former schoolteacher who now works with animals at the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans. This is his first publication. The gentle and lovely illustrations in The Little Mouse Santi were created by Santiago Germano. For more information visit confettipark.com
The Little Mouse Santi is a Mom’s Choice Awards® Gold Recipient
The Little Mouse Santi, written by New Orleans author David Eugene Ray, has earned the prestigious gold Mom’s Choice Award®. Having been rigorously evaluated by an MCA judging panel, The Little Mouse Santi is deemed to be among the best products for families.
The Mom’s Choice Awards® has named The Little Mouse Santi, a children’s book about a mouse with identity issues, as among the best in family-friendly media, products and services. This is the first book release from Confetti Park, an independent publisher and children’s media workshop in New Orleans.
The Little Mouse Santi is a 32-page illustrated children’s book that explores one of the most important aspects of a child’s life, the search for identity. Santi wants to be a cat, and he must confront his fears in order to realize his dream. The story ends with a whimsical twist: Santi learns a valuable lesson about self-determination and also learns he is not the only dreamer!
The Little Mouse Santi
The Little Mouse Santi was written by David Eugene Ray (@Aquarium_Dave on Twitter), a former schoolteacher who works at the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans. It was illustrated by Santiago Germano, an animator and illustrator from Uruguay.
“We are proud to earn the Mom’s Choice Awards gold seal of approval,” says Katy Hobgood Ray, founder of Confetti Park. “We know all the great things the MCA does to connect consumers, educators, and caregivers with the best products and services available for families. I hope this award will bring awareness to the quality kids’ stuff coming out of Confetti Park!”
“Our aim to introduce families and educators to best-in-class products and services,” explains Dawn Matheson, Executive Director of the Mom’s Choice Awards. “We have a passion to help families grow emotionally, physically and spiritually. Parents and educators know that products and services bearing our seal of approval are high-quality and also a great value.”
The Little Mouse Santi was released in early 2015, and has received excellent reviews, including a Kirkus star. It is available for sale for $15 through Barnes & Noble, Amazon, some independent booksellers, and at the Confetti Park website.
About Confetti Park
Confetti Park is a children’s media workshop, podcast, and weekly radio program based out of New Orleans. The name for Confetti Park comes from a small playground in the heart of Algiers Point, a neighborhood on the bank of the Mississippi River. The next release from Confetti Park is a CD of original children’s songs inspired by life in Louisiana, out in Fall 2015, featuring a chorus of kids and a lineup of New Orleans musicians.
About the Mom’s Choice Awards®
The Mom’s Choice Awards® (MCA) evaluates products and services created for children and families. Products and services bearing the company’s mother-and-child Honoring Excellence Seal of Approval have earned the MCA distinction for helping families grow emotionally, physically and spiritually; being morally sound and promote good will; and are inspirational and uplifting.
The MCA program is globally recognized for establishing the benchmark of excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. The organization is based in the United States and has reviewed thousands of entries from more than 40 countries.
In addition to being a best-in-class company for the awards industry, the Mom’s Choice Awards provides collaborative lifetime marketing and promotional support to its Honorees. The company has invested heavily in creating educational, marketing and event opportunities to help Honorees and Distinguished Alumni reach their key markets effectively.
Around the world, parents, educators, retailers and members of the media look for the MCA mother-and-child Honoring Excellence Seal of Approval when selecting quality products and services for children and families.
Learn more about the Mom’s Choice Awards by visiting their website: www.MomsChoiceAwards.com.
Confetti Park. This time, Germano is giving life to the “Feufollet,” a spooky Louisiana swamp spirit. The song appears on Confetti Park’s first musical release for children, 
