Inspiring Curious Readers
New Orleans, Louisiana is the only place in America where the people - from all walks of life - share traditions and a love for their city that crosses economic and racial divides. Writing Beignets for Breakfast enabled me to define this special difference, as I often reflected on my own childhood growing up in the Washington, D.C. area.
As a child I was exposed to an array of global cultures...all delicious and beautiful. However, these weren't necessarily shared cultures that resonated within the soul of the entire community the way that we experience life together in New Orleans. Our city and our people are brought together - through good times and bad - by way of the traditions captured in Beignets for Breakfast.
My next book continued sharing Louisiana’s rich traditions through its culinary and agricultural heritage with the title, Red Beans & Rice - a most beloved communal dish. I was moved to write this story when I learned of a child who who didn’t know that peaches have fuzzy skin and grow on trees. Creating this book alongside my artist mother was also a treasured experience!
After finishing Red Beans & Rice, while spending time with my kids on swamp tours in Lafourche Parish during the pandemic made me want to bring awareness to some of our planet’s most interesting and important ecosystems. I worked with my mother again to create my newest title, Alligator Stew. My mom’s gorgeous illustrations have recreated the magical setting we experienced and I cannot wait to share Alligator Stew with you!
I want to inspire curious readers! What a joy it’s been to bring these books to life, while involving my kids and working with my artist mom…and then to share these stories at schools and bookstores. I hope you enjoy them too!
-JEANETTE R. WEILAND