Three children's book author to discuss work Aug. 30

Three local authors – Gary Alipio, Vicki Branton and Stacey Miller – will talk about their new children’s books at 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 30, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie.

Gary Alipio, The Craziest Fishing Tale on the Bayou

The Craziest Fishing Tale on the Bayou is an adventurous middle-grade novel about family, fishing and overcoming adversity against the odds. Eleven-year-old Hatcher Hampton is competing in his first fishing rodeo with hopes to win $500 and bragging rights over his older brother forever. But getting stuck in a horse-fly-infested swamp with Grampa Grump and no extra underwear isn't what he has in mind. In the end, Hatcher must face a two-footed bayou beast and a one-armed pesky neighbor to win the greatest award of all.

A New Orleans native, Gary Alipio is an award-winning advertising writer, marketer and an amateur fisherman still searching for the elusive white whale. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a BA in Journalism. He's also an active member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Readers can find his creepy middle-grade short stories in Bayou Bogeyman Presents Hoodoo and Voodoo.

Vicki Branton, Donkey Otie’s Forever Birthday Story

Donkey Otie's Forever Birthday Story is a tale of a special donkey who became a witness to history. It tells in poetic verse of his great adventure to carry Mary, the mother of Jesus, into Bethlehem before she gave birth. Since that night, Donkey Otie has been telling all who would listen about the miracle he experienced so long ago. Donkey Otie also brought Mary into Egypt, guided by Joseph, safely away from the clutches of King Herod. Donkey Otie’s life was never the same.

Vicki Branton is the Teche Life Editor at The Daily Iberian. Her features appear on Sunday, a Wednesday food page and Friday religious story and column, "Coffee Talk With God." They can be found at Iberianet.com. Prior to her return to Louisiana, Branton spent 20 years in the Nashville entertainment industry. 

Stacey Miller, Sweetie Petey

Sweetie Petey is a story about a young boy who is struggling to be true to himself or to succumb to the pressures of others to change. She says she wrote the book to aide in the development of a young reader’s social awareness skills, and it can be used to build a young reader’s foundational reading skills. The use of rhyme and rhythm will foster engagement and learning at the same time. The pictures will help promote inspiration and imagination as they were created and illustrated by the author’s daughter when she was 10 years old. This sweet story was created to provide parents and teachers an opportunity to speak to children about being genuine. 

Stacey Miller has taught children with special needs in the Jefferson Parish Public School System for more than 20 years. In 2011, Stacey obtained her National Board Certification with a concentration in the area of exceptional needs specialist. She received the distinct honor of being twice recognized as Teacher of the Year by her colleagues.  

Daisy Harrison, "My Grandmother Lives in a Shotgun House"

Through rhymes and images, the story paints a picture of New Orleans’ families and architecture. A young boy recounts his adventures at his grandmother’s house and the enchanting things in her home—from the old portraits on the wall to the tall ceilings. He leads readers through the old shotgun house and relishes everything he sees, coloring every aspect of his surroundings with love and curiosity.

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English language arts teacher Daisy Harrison has taught for nearly a decade and holds an MA in teaching from Xavier University. She teaches at Albert Cammon Middle School, where she motivates students to use their creative thinking skills while falling in love with reading and writing.

For more information regarding this presentation, contact Chris Smith, Manager of Adult Programming for the library, at 504-889-8143 or wcsmith@jefferson.lib.la.us.

Louisiana Book News is written by award-winning author Chere Dastugue Coen, who writes Louisiana romances and mysteries under the pen name of Cherie Claire. Her first book in each series is FREE to download as an ebook, including "Emilie," book one of The Cajun Series, "Ticket to Paradise," book one of The Cajun Embassy series and "A Ghost of a Chance," the first Viola Valentine mystery.