“We are proud to be teaming up with Audubon Nature Institute on
Petit Pierre and the Floating Marsh in an effort to connect children to the importance of coastal restoration. In addition to utilizing the book locally, we hope that the reach extends beyond the Gulf South as the health of our region has a larger impact, as well. Petit Pierre . . . gives us the chance to educate children in an engaging, fun way . . . As we look ahead to the future of our city and region, it is imperative that our younger generations understand the importance of a healthy coastline.”
—Tom Benson, owner
New Orleans Pelicans and New Orleans Saints
“The first time I saw Petit Pierre and the Floating Marsh, I loved the fun illustrations, but also understood the overall message of the importance of a healthy coastline for our region. I hope young students will enjoy hearing about the different homes of the Gulf’s favorite animals and take note that all of them live in the wetlands. As they learn more about the coastline and the animals that live there, they will hopefully be eager to learn more and be compelled to care for the animals’ home.”
—Anthony Davis, #23
New Orleans Pelicans power forward and center
The author of The Fifolet and Louisiana, the Jewel of the Deep South, Johnette Downing stays true to her Louisiana roots in her newest book, featuring a young pelican searching for his proper home. As Petit Pierre journeys across the wetlands, he asks each creature where he should live. He accumulates gifts from them until he realizes the wetlands are home to all his friends and, just maybe, to Pierre as well!
Within the luscious illustrations are facts about the denizens of the wetlands and how each reader can make a difference in preserving and protecting the wetlands for generations to come. Proceeds from this book, created in partnership with the Audubon Nature Institute and the New Orleans Pelicans, fund wetlands education programs.
About the Author
An award-winning and internationally recognized singer and songwriter, Johnette Downing’s many accolades include eight Parents’ Choice Awards, four iParenting Media Awards, and five National Parenting Publication Awards. She wrote Down in Mississippi; There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs; Why the Crawfish Lives in the Mud; How to Dress a Po’ Boy; Why the Oyster Has the Pearl; Why the Possum Has a Large Grin; Macarooned on a Dessert Island; The Fifolet; and Louisiana, the Jewel of the Deep South, among other Pelican titles. She frequently creates paper collage for her illustrations and can be seen on a regular basis performing at local venues.