"Whimsical artist Paul Schexnayder takes us on a delightful road trip through Louisiana with two festive gators. I can't think of a better way to teach Louisiana geography, not to mention our unique culture."—Cheré Dastugue Coen, author of Exploring Cajun Country: A Tour of Historic Acadiana
"A wonderful read-aloud storybook that will delight young readers and their entire family. Paul Schexnayder has a great talent for combining fun language and enchanting, colorful illustrations."—Lorraine Kingston, Books Along the Teche
Meet Fran and Van Harahan! This spicy alligator couple travel the state of Louisiana, makin' groceries for a gumbo. In their boat, they pick up rice in Crowley, sausage in Lafayette, and wild game in Shreveport and Monroe. As Fran and Van explore from the Red River to Bayou Teche and down along the old Mississippi, delighting in the delicious ingredients they find along the way, they introduce young readers to the waterways and byways of the Bayou State. Follow along as these Gumbo Gators make a gumbo fit for the whole state of Louisiana! The book is complete with a Cajun-French glossary. Author and illustrator Paul Schexnayder captures a local's perspective of his home state with his playful, folk-art-style illustrations.