Monday, February 16, 2009

The Cajun Cornbread Boy by Dianne de Las Casas, illustrated by Marita Gentry


The Cajun Cornbread Boy by Dianne de Las Casas, illustrated by Marita Gentry

In this entertaining retelling of "The Gingerbread Boy," an old Cajun woman uses her grand-mère's old iron skillet to make magic cornbread. Hoping for the child she never had, she adds a big dash of cayenne to her recipe, and gives the cornbread two chilies for eyes, a peppercorn nose, and a boudin mouth.

As soon as he's finished baking, the cornbread boy runs away, crying:

"Run, chère, run, as fast as you can! You can't catch me - I'm full of cayenne."

As he runs through the bayou, he outruns animals who want to have him for lunch, until he meets an artful alligator who MAY prove to be trickier than the boy.



Marita Gentry's illustrations rendered in the colors of the bayou give the story a classic charm, making it a fun read aloud many kids will enjoy. With the help of an adult, kids can even make their own batch of southern cornbread, using the recipe that's included in the back.

More info:

  • Reading level: Ages 4-8
  • Hardcover: 32 pages
  • Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company (January 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1589802241
  • ISBN-13: 978-1589802247
  • Source: Review copy from publisher

*Images courtesy Pelican Publishing Company

2 comments:

  1. I have to say, wow. Wow to you for composing only the best of both worlds, my style of creativity and imagination with your exquisite composition skills :)
    It is really been a delightful experience to observe your work for a minute. Whether you're here just promoting your stuff or not, I still feel as thought you should most definitely mass produce this and really give the world a chance in really indulging their minds with the taste of your writings!
    -Thanks

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