I N T R O D U C I N G
ALLIGATOR STEW
a Swampland Adventure with two curious dogs, Belle and Beau Broussard
ENDORSEMENTS
Guardians of Louisiana’s culture who share a concern for protecting Louisiana’s threatened wetlands have endorsed Alligator Stew: An alligator farmer, leading chefs, our globally known hot sauce maker, and even Neuty the pet Nutria! Recipes and resources including Alligator Fun Facts encourage discussion. learn more about this fascinating species brought back from endangered status.
ALLIGATOR STEW:
Age Range: 0 - 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool - 3
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: City Baby Books (Sept 6, 2024)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 979-8-218-20450-1
Product Dimensions: 10 x 10 inches
Do you ever wonder about creatures living in water and muddy clay…
In Jeanette Weiland’s newest book, Alligator Stew, littermates Belle and Beau Broussard show the readers their daily discoveries that spur excitement and interest in nature and culture…and with so many hidden treasures in the vibrant illustrations, Alligator Stew also inspires a love for reading!
Jeanette Weiland’s lyrical rhyming verse is again accompanied by original watercolor paintings by her artist mother Roberta Van Zandt Loflin who brought Louisiana’s farm-to-table culture to life in Red Beans & Rice.
Readers and listeners alike will cherish the original watercolor illustrations, while Alligator Fun Facts and authentic recipes encourage discussion and are found at the back of the book. Keep reading to learn more about this fascinating species brought back from endangered status.
“I want south Louisiana cultural traditions to be shared and celebrated. Every week, I talk to shrimpers, fishers and oyster farmers whose wonderful ingredients come from areas under threat. I want my daughter to read Alligator Stew and feel empowered to protect our land, culture and cuisine.”
Meet the Illustrator
Roberta Van Zandt Loflin, My Mom!
After obtaining a BA in Art History and Theory from George Washington University, Roberta Van Zandt Loflin remained in the Washington, D.C. area where she studied communication design at Northern Virginia Community College and color theory, watercolor and drawing at the Art League School in Alexandria, Va.
Since moving to Baton Rouge, Louisiana she has had the opportunity to teach watercolor through the Art Guild of Louisiana, LSU Continuing Education, and other venues. She is currently displaying her art at the Hermann-Grima Women’s Exchange, New Orleans, Louisiana Art & Artists’ Guild Gallery and other Baton Rouge locations.
“I think of myself as a colorist and my palette of colors has changed dramatically since moving to Louisiana from Virginia. The subtle colors of the Virginia hills have been replaced by the vibrant tropical hues more commonly seen in the southern Louisiana area. I love to experiment with color combinations and challenge myself with limited palettes. Discovering the myriad of textures and experimental results from using non-traditional materials and supplies also intrigue me. Because I love to experiment, I don’t think I have a particular gimmick to fall back on. As I tell my students, There are no failures in painting – only successes and practice pieces. I experience art as a process, not a product, and every time I put paint to paper it is a new adventure. I hope you enjoy looking at my art as much as I enjoy creating it.”
