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Originally I was born in Los Angeles, but at the age of 11 moved in a small town outside of the New Orleans area. I remember prior to moving & there after, my grandfather would tell my older brother & I stories of New Orleans traditions & culture in hopes to instill some Louisiana characters in us. Over the years he told factual events that took place, as well as a little lagniappe (something extra). I’m not sure if my Grandfather was just a great story teller or that the characters in his stories were so unique & colorful, but his stories were some of my favorite memories I had of my Grandfather. My grandfather has since passed but story telling is something we still do with our children despite being 12 & 8. Since they are older now, we love to incorporate their ability to storytell as well.
Recently our family has been introduced to the LilYat Adventure Books (Yats Unlimited) Collection. Lil’ Yat Books incorporate colorful local characters (Lil’ Yat is a shrimp, Yatty Boy is a frog, Drexel is an alligator and Yatty Girl the Pelican) with New Orleans flare. My children couldn’t wait to dive into the books as see what sort of adventure was in store for them. We started our adventure with Lil’s Yat’s…”New Orleans” Dream Adventure. Our favorite Lil’ Yat couldn’t sleep and was told by Momma to dream of all the places he could go & see. Well naturally Lil’ Yat thought of New Orleans and all the interesting places that surrounds our city. From landmarks like Jackson Square, shopping on Magazine Street to enjoying beignets at Cafe Du Monde, Lil’ Yat has a fun adventure in store for readers. I know my own children often felt this way when we would make a trip to the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans because they knew we would ride the street car, as well as have a fun adventure in the French Quarter.
The entire series of Lil’ Yat’s Children’s Books takes young readers into a New Orleans Adventure with every page. Whether they are visiting Storyland & New Orleans Museum of Art in Lil’ Yat’s “New Orleans” City Park Adventure or stepping into a swamp adventure in “Yat a tat tat…It’s all about that”A Louisiana Swamp Adventure.
With the holidays approaching Lil’ Yat’s has released their newest book: “Lil’ Yat’s New Orleans Christmas”. The newest addition combines 2 of my family’s favorite subjects this time of year: Football & Christmas. So I knew this would be a “winner” in my home. On the Bayou before Christmas, Lil’ Yat’ and his “Yatty pals” are anticipating Christmas Day to be filled with presents, football game and more. But what these little Yat’s are really wanting is a trip to New Orleans to see their favorite football team: The New Orleans Saints! I can’t blame dem’! Having tickets to see the New Orleans Saints is on top of every New Orleanian football fan (win or lose). My son was especially excited to read this story since New Orleans Saints tickets are on top of his Santa’s Wish list. Back to the story- I won’t tell you the end, but let’s say a special Saints Fan shows up and help give New Orleans a present we can all “believe” in.
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Lil’ Yat’s Books (Yats Unlimited) features a 7 Book series plus an additional 5 Coloring Books. Each Children’s book & coloring book is sold separately at 26 various locations in the New Orleans area. Click HERE to find the locations in the New Orleans area. Whether your a New Orleans resident, have ties in the area or have visited (or wanted to) in the past, this is a great collection for your entire family. If you live in another state, this collection is a great way to teach your children about other culture and tourism in other parts of our country and learn geography as well. Books are a great way to step into the vast world we live in, learn about places we may never visit, or even make a mental bucket list of places to visit and adventures to unfold.
If your in the area, Lil’ Yat’s Books (Yats Unlimited) will be at various locations in celebration of the upcoming Christmas Holiday.
Mandeville Trailhead Christmas Event
675 Lafitte Street
Mandeville, LA 70448
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
(Signing)
——————-
Serenity Home & Gifts
1660 Hwy. 59, Suite 600
Mandeville, LA 70448
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2012
11:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
(Signing)
——————-
The Doodle Depot
1705 Highway 59
Mandeville, LA 70448
(985) 626-3766
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2012
10:30 a.m.
(Reading/Signing with Lil’ Yat & Drexel)
About the Author & Illustrator:
Rhonda Johnson Valladares (author) and Kurt Johnson (Illustrator) are native to New Orleans. Rhonda and Kurt grew up with two brothers and one sister in Uptown New Orleans. As kids, they enjoyed the many trips to Audubon and City Park with such attractions as Monkey Hill, the Zoo and Storyland. Rhonda always had a passion for writing while Kurt had an interest in art illustration. However, life took them each in different directions. After graduating from college Rhonda worked in management for many years while Kurt followed in his father’s footsteps and served in the U. S. Navy. But the passions for writing and Illustrating still loomed in this sister/brother pair. When Kurt retired from the military he returned home to the “Big Easy.” At that time, Rhonda reignited the artistic spark in him with the hope of bringing her writings to life. This is how Lil’ Yat’s Adventures began.
Want to WIN all 7 Lil’ Yat’s Adventure Book (Yats Unlimited) & 5 Coloring Books just in time for Christmas?? Enter within the Rafflecopter widget below. Share this giveaway so your friends and family has the chance to win as well. Must be 18 years to participate & a U.S resident.
Book Set will include Lil’ Yat’s New Orleans Pirate Adventure, Lil’ Yat’s New Orleans City Park Adventure, Yat a Tat Tat…It’s All About That! (A Louisiana Swamp Adventure), Lil’ Yat’s New Orleans Dreamy Adventure, Lil’ Yat & Friends Mardi Gras, Lil’ Yat’s New Orleans Christmas, and Lil’ Yat’s Louisiana Dinosaur Adventure. Winner will also receive 5 acomponied coloring books.
Disclosure: I received the collection of Lil’ Yat’s Book Collection in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced in any way.
Great food!
This sounds like a great collection to purchase for a child! If it had been around when my friends kids were younger I would certainly be purchasing it now–alas–they are all grown up now–I used to love buying them books and then reading to them or helping them to read them to me!!
mardi gras
This looks fun. Wish we lived closer so we could join the party.
So much! Food, festivals, family and mardi gras!
the food sounds good
beads
I’ve never been, but would love to!! Jambalaya and Louisiana seasoning salt…yumms!
What brings on thoughts of New Orleans? You, Jesse Duplantis,Mardi Gras, and of course- Harry Connick Jr. ; ) BB2U
Quiet, rainy mornings with jazz playing. Nawlins is my favorite place in the whole world.
I still love coloring books!
Dawn
Welcoming friendly people and great food!
Thank you Maria (Blogging, Babies & the Bayou)…
For inviting all your readers to participate in LIL” YAT’S ADVENTURE BOOKS Christmas Review & Giveaway. The Yatty Guys can’t wait to see who the lucky winner will be ! Enter to win and good luck !
Fat Tuesday and good food!
The food, and streetcars!
Food, I hear a lot about their food and would love to go there just for the food.
Creole food!
Id say cajun, sea food, ghosts.
I have never been in NOLA, but I would love to go and try different restaurants!
crawdads
i love NOLA!! my grandma lived there for years til Katrina hit,,then she left
haven’t been vback since. hopefully next year we can visit.
The great music and food always reminds me of New Orleans–thanks
Mardi Gras, creole food & The Saints!
Great food!!
I think of masks and beads when I think of New Orleans.
When I think of New Orleans, I think of the only time I have been there, way back when I was in college. Our marching band performed in the Mardi Gras parades which was amazing! Love the food, the music, the houses, the graveyards that are above ground, and the great memories!
Beignets
The collection looks so cute!! Thanks for sharing hon!
Great food!
The grace of the communities!!
Sounds like a great collection!
Jumbalaya
will definitely pass this suggestion along to friends with young kids! xoxoxo, adri
3 for one drinks
Mardi Gras and awesome food.
Thank you for having this great giveaway.
cajun food
This entire collection is just too cute!
French Quarter
Mardi Gras Parades!!!
the food
jumbalya!
Jazz Music.
CAJUN CRAWFISH
I’ve never been to New Orleans so I don’t have anything that reminds me of it =)
Bead necklaces! lol
powdered sugar, i always think of beignets and cafe du monde and morning call
jazz music!
My wedding we were married May 5th Cinco De Mayo and lots of Beads
Beignets!!
mardi gras
The Willie Nelson song of the same name.
Great food and Bourbon st!
the food
My daughter’s extensive bead collection from the St. Patrick’s Day parade reminds me of New Orleans!
Mardi Gras and the food.I’ve never been there but I’ve heard and watched all about on tv. These books look great! I have 2 neices who would love them.Thank you for the great giveaway!
Bright colors and beads!