“Told in Cajun dialect, this is a fine regional tale.”
—Library Journal
Christopher Columbus’ journey to America in 1492 towers throughout history as one of the most daring adventures of man’s exploration. In sailing his three tiny ships through uncharted waters to a new land, Columbus became the central character in an event that changed the course of the world.
Cajun Columbus offers a slightly revised version of that historic venture, one in which a pivotal role is held by an intrepid Cajun named Pierre Lastrapes, whose descendents today inhabit the bayou country of South Louisiana. Pierre falls asleep in his pirogue and winds up in Spain, volunteering to use his navigational skills to lead Columbus and his hardy band of explorers across the “Atlantic Bayou” to the New World.
Calling upon knowledge gleaned from a roving band of Vikings, Pierre leads Columbus to a landing on Avery Island and later saves the explorer from hostile Attakapas Indians. In the process, Columbus is introduced to an exotic new crop which he carries back to Spain—the hot pepper for which Avery Island is world famous.
About the Author
Author Alice Durio Hughes graduated from St. Mary’s Dominican College in New Orleans and later received a master’s degree in physical education from the University of New Orleans. She has worked as a microbiologist at Veteran’s Hospital and as a classroom teacher in the New Orleans area. She currently resides in Metairie, Louisiana.
About the Illustrator
James Rice (1934-2004), in his long, distinguished career as an author and illustrator, produced fifty-plus children’s books, among them an addition to the Night Before Christmas Series, Gullah Night Before Christmas. With more than a million and a half copies of his books in print, he ranks among the nation’s best-selling creators of children’s books. Mr. Rice died at his home in Hico, Texas in May 2004.
CAJUN COLUMBUS
Revised Edition
Alice Durio Hughes
Illustrated by James Rice
JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Exploration & Discovery
40 pp. 8 1/2 x 11
Color and b/w illustrations
ISBN: 9780882898759