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!
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
Spring reviews for The Little Mouse Santi are trickling in. We love this one from Midwest Book Review‘s “Children’s Bookwatch” May 2015 issue:
The Little Mouse Santi is an extraordinarily entertaining read and would prove to be an enduringly popular addition to community library picture book collections for young readers.” Read more
And there is this very thoughtful review from The Dorky Daddy, who wants more Santi! “I really did enjoy it. If I had a critique it’s that I liked it enough that I wanted more from it.”We understand, Dorky Daddy! Read more
New Orleans author David Eugene Ray narrates his adorable story The Little Mouse Santi, which received a Kirkus star.
The little mouse Santi may be small, but he has a big dream. This beautifully illustrated story 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: Santi learns a valuable lesson about self-determination and also learns he is not the only dreamer!
The gentle and lovely illustrations in The Little Mouse Santi, by Santiago Germano, are not to be missed! Order the book at https://confettipark.com/santi/ or at Amazon.
BONUS: This podcast concludes with a song called “Dream Big, Little Santi” composed by David Ray and Katy Hobgood Ray.
Author David Eugene Ray reading from The Little Mouse Santi. Photo by Sally Asher
David Ray recently wrote a guest blog post for Elizabeth Dulemba about the genesis of The Little Mouse Santi and going the indie route to publishing a children’s book. Thank you, Elizabeth, for the opportunity to share our story!
We had a wonderful time at our recent book signing in Shreveport, Louisiana. What a warm, receptive group of people who came to the Barnes & Noble on Youree Drive. We hope you are enjoying your books.
Next up, on March 21, 2015 at 2 p.m., there will be a reading and book signing for The Little Mouse Santi atBarnes & Noble, 2590 CitiPlace Court, Baton Rouge, LA.
