Mount Pleasant, SC: Pelican Publishing | Arcadia Press (May 9, 2022)

Hardback. Signed.

As new in dust jacket.

Artful images grace the pages of this alphabet book; a visual feast of Louisiana's wildlife accompanied by informative facts and lyrical descriptions.

Author and bard Rickey E. Pittman takes us on an adventure through the wilds of the state, embracing each animal's nature and providing short snippets of information perfect for the littlest of listeners and the youngest readers. Graceful images from artist Kay Meadows enhance Pittman's prose providing a gorgeous snapshot of these creatures from alligators, crawfish, and fox to opossums, pelican, vultures, and yellow jackets. Z brings us right into a list of Louisiana's edutaining zoos. Pittman offers a bit of lagniappe wrapped in Meadows clever illustrations in lists of the Louisiana state animals, fun Cajun French words for familiar wildlife, a list of troublesome species, and a list of critters we need to protect.

Often called the "Bard of the South," Rickey E. Pittman is an award-winning storyteller, author, and folksinger. The author of more than a dozen books and four music CDs, Pittman earned a BA in New Testament Greek and an MA in English Literature from Abilene Christian University. He teaches college-level composition and literature and is a certified secondary English teacher. Pittman is a talented performer in great demand, with hundreds of appearances annually at schools, libraries, festivals, conventions, and workshops, including many in Louisiana. He can be found online at bardofthesouth.com.

Kay Meadows has been creating art since she was a small child sitting at the feet of her teenaged brother. He patiently taught her while working on his art and the lessons stuck. Meadows won her first art competition in the fourth grade and continues to win with her sensitive images. She is adept in many different mediums including pencil, charcoal, pastel, acrylic, and her current favorites--watercolor and gouache. She resides in Brandon, Mississippi, with her dogs Zevon and Belle, Happy the cat, and four colorful, loud chickens. Inspired by music, nature, and animals, Meadows continues to grow as an artist and illustrator.