Three local children’s authors – Abigail Isaacoff, Kat Pigott and Leslie Staub – will discuss their new books at 12 p.m., Monday, Sept. 20, via video conference online. Visit www.jplibrary.net/adults for more details, including how to join the discussion.

Abigal Isaacoff, Que Vola, Nola? (What's up, Nola?)

From the vibrant jazz scenes and Spanish-colonial architecture to the food and weather, New Orleans and Havana have much in common. Both are home to anole lizards who love jazz. After a jazz song lures Ramito through a hotel window in Havana, he crawls into in a convenient, comfy suitcase for a nap. When he awakens, Ramito can’t quite find the way back to his tree. His new friend Bernard, an American anole lizard, unsuccessfully tries to convince Ramito that he’s in New Orleans.

Abigail Isaacoff has a degree in psychology from Tulane University. She works as a tour guide with NOLA Art Walk tours. A trip to Costa Rica spawned a lifelong fascination with and love of Latin American culture, which she shares with her partner, artist Ramiro Diaz, the book’s illustrator.

Kat Pigott, Rougarou Stew

It's a dark and spooky night in the Louisiana swamps and the Rougarou is out on the prowl, ready for a meal and to let out a howl. Who is the Rougarou, you ask? I'll tell you the story; I'm up to the task. He's a scary monster with glowing red eyes. Be careful or he'll sneak up and catch you by surprise. Can you nab him and turn him into Rougarou Stew? Hurry, do it quickly, or he'll make a stew out of you.

Kat Pigott has had an expansive career in culinary arts and volunteer work. Her involvement with her community's youth opened her world to writing, and from there her children's books were born. Her first book, Green Dinosaur Pancakes, was published in 2016 and was followed by I See You, Green Dinosaur. Pigott is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and the Zona Rosa Writer's Group.

Leslie Staub, If You Were an Elephant

This read-aloud invites readers to follow in the (enormous) footsteps of one of the world's most remarkable creatures--from munching on bushes and branches all day, to splashing around in water holes and mud baths, to finally curling up with the herd in a pool of moonlight. Kids will love every moment of this playful introduction to the daily sights, sounds, and activities of a young elephant in the wild.

Leslie Staub is a children's book author and illustrator from New Orleans. She illustrated Whoever You Are by Mem Fox, Mama's Nightingale: A Story of Immigration and Separation by Edwidge Danticat, and Lives: Poems About Famous Americans by Lee Bennett Hopkins. She has also written several books for children, including Shine, Baby, Shine and Bedtime for Beasties.

For more information regarding this presentation, contact Chris Smith, Manager of Adult Programming for the library, at (504) 889-8143 or wcsmith@jplibrary.net.