In this adventure, nature plays its mysterious games and Clovis and his friends learn to appreciate it and each other a little better. Corinne Crapaud is Fernand Frog’s shy cousin. She can only say a few words, and they’re all question words. “Qui?” (Who?), “Quoi?” (What?), and “Pourquoi?” (Why?) are three of her favorites.
Fernand Frog insists that his cousin Corinne is ugly and stupid, but instead of crying or arguing, Corinne puffs up and gets bigger and bigger. Clovis knows Corrine doesn’t deserve to have her feelings hurt, especially by her own cousin. When the rain causes Clovis’s mud house to start melting, Corinne is puffed up so large that she gets caught in the hole, and only friendship can save her.
Simple French words and phrases are interspersed throughout the story, with definitions included. A phonetic pronunciation guide to the French expressions makes reading the story aloud easier. A song is included about Corinne and her plight.
About the Author
Mary Alice Fontenot is best known as the children’s author of books on Cajun culture. She created the famous wetland characters of Clovis Crawfish and his friends more than thirty years ago. In addition to the Clovis Crawfish Series, Fontenot wrote several other children’s books, including Mardi Gras in the Country and The Star Seed, both published by Pelican. Fontenot worked as a kindergarten teacher and, for thirty-five years, as a newspaperwoman. Her dedication to children and to her art earned her the 1998 Acadiana Arts Council Lifetime Achievement Award. She died in 2003 at the age of ninety-three.
About the Illustrator
Christine Kidder is a Louisiana-based freelance artist. Her poster art has been featured at several major festivals throughout the state. She also illustrated Clovis Crawfish and the Spinning Spider.
CLOVIS CRAWFISH AND THE CURIOUS CRAPAUD
By Mary Alice Fontenot
Illustrated by Christine Kidder
JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / General
32 pp. 8 1/2 x 11
10 color and 12 b/w illus.
Pronunciation guide Song with music and French and English lyrics
ISBN: 9780882896106
Also available on CD
CLOVIS CRAWFISH AND THE SPINNING SPIDER / CLOVIS CRAWFISH AND THE CURIOUS CRAPAUD CD
Narrated by Mary Alice Fontenot
Translation narrated by Julie Fontenot Landry
1 CD In English and French
Running time: 44 minutes
ISBN: 9781589807174