The Legend of Papa Noel: A Cajun Christmas Story [Hardcover]

Terri Hoover Dunham (Author), Laura Knorr (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2006 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Around the world Santa Claus has many names. But in a deep, swampy bayou of Louisiana, he's known as Papa Noel. In such a hot and humid place, there can be no sleds or reindeer, so Papa Noel rides the river in a boat that's pulled by eight alligators with a snowy white one named Nicollette in the lead. On this particular Christmas Eve, it's so foggy on the river that even Nicollette's magical glowing green eyes may not be enough to guide Papa Noel. The alligators are tired, grumpy and bruised from banging in t0 cypress trees, and Papa is desperate to get all the gifts to the little children. Well, "quicker than a snake shimmies down the river," the clever Cajun people come up with a solution that saves the day. A colorfully inventive Christmas tale, Papa Noel is a lesson in fast thinking, as well as a witty introduction to a part of America that's rich in folklore and legend.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press; 1st edition (September 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585362565
• ISBN-13: 978-1585362561
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 9.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #753,622 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Terri Hoover Dunham is the author of The Legend of Papa Noel: A Cajun Christmas Story, released by Sleeping Bear Press in September of 2006. Her work has appeared in Louisiana Literature, The Louisiana Review, 2006 Jubilee Anthology, 2007 Jubilee Anthology, Whispering Wind, St. Anthony's Messenger, St. Anne De'Beaupre', Victoria, Backwood Homes, Mississippi Magazine, Cappers and Grit. In addition, she has written book reviews for the Baton Rouge newspaper, The Advocate for twelve years and is pursuing her degree in Liberal Arts, with a focus on Literature. Terri also worked as a substitute teacher for eight years, before deciding to write full-time.

You can learn more about Terri Hoover Dunham and The Legend of Papa Noel: A Cajun Christmas Story by logging onto her website: www.terrisbooks.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Legend of Papa Noel: A Cajun Christmas Story, January 1, 2008

By 

Christi Whittredge "Chris" (Virginia, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Legend of Papa Noel: A Cajun Christmas Story (Hardcover)

A very fun Louisiana tale about Papa Noel traveling from the deepest swamp to deliver gifts to good little Cajun boys and girls. Written with a few 'Cajun' words but there is a pronunciation / glossary at the front of the book -- nothing hard, my 6 year old can do it. Beautiful illustrations.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best "multicultural" Christmas tales ever!, December 16, 2010

By 

gman - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Legend of Papa Noel: A Cajun Christmas Story (Hardcover)

The Legend of Papa Noel, the "Cajun" version of Santa Claus is very funny indeed, especially if you can read it with the "Cajun" accent! The lead alligator of Papa Noel's team that pulls his barge along the swampy everglades is a riot with his "snappy" (no pun intended) comebacks to Papa Noel's commentary on their Christmas Eve ride to deliver presents. Embedded in the story are glimpses of "Cajun" life and culture. The author does a splendid job telling this Christmas story that is different and "wondermous"!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Childrens and Toddler, October 29, 2009

By 

Faye L. Sitler "Midwest Grandma" (Omaha, Ne) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Legend of Papa Noel: A Cajun Christmas Story (Hardcover)

These books are really great for Grandchildren from being able to sit and listen to beginning readers. The Graphics are just wonderful and kids love them.