Two new children's books for spring

Last year, budget cuts eliminated this column from the Gannett newspapers in Lafayette and Monroe but the blog continues! I’ve been amazed at the continued support from readers, authors and librarians and I thank you wholeheartedly.

However, because I must fill that financial gap left behind by the loss of newspaper income, I’ve not reviewed books as much as in the past. But that doesn’t mean I’m not interested in sharing the great news from Louisiana authors and authors writing about Louisiana. For those of you who have sent me books, thank you and I promise to get the word out. For those of you who wish to have your book mentioned in this column, please send information to cherecoen@gmail.com.

Here are a few new children's books to consider this spring:

Children’s books

Lenore Weiss, who once lived in Louisiana and is now enrolled in the MFA program at San Francisco State, has just released “The Glimmerine,” an urban environmental fantasy for middle-grade readers. The heroine is 10-year-old Leah who has been labeled the school weirdo because she talks to something hidden inside her backpack. But Leah doesn’t care how much she’s teased. She has other friends.

You can read more about the book and purchase either an ebook or paperback at Amazon.

Kimberly Willis Holt, National Book Award-winning author of “My Louisiana Sky” and a writer with ties to Louisiana, has a new chapter book for ages 8-14. 

“The Lost Boy’s Gift” follows nine-year-old Daniel who moves across the country after his parents’ divorce. Despite his sadness for leaving behind friends, his new home on While-A-Way Lane provides him with fun adventures with Lemonade Girl, a hopscotching mailman and Tilda Butter, who helps Daniel find his way.

Read more about the author and her books here.

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.