"With its compelling cadences and celebration of the Magnolia State's bountiful natural beauty, Down in Mississippievokes the richness, expressiveness, and rejuvenating qualities of another of the state's treasures--the blues." --Scott Barretta, coauthor of the Mississippi Arts Commission's Blues Trail Curriculum and recipient of a 2016 Mississippi Governor's Award for the Arts Acclaimed children's-book author Johnette Downing pays homage to the cultural legacy of Mississippi in this charming book that incorporates many of its native flora and fauna. Her delightful text, adapted from a traditional song, presents a lyrical and visual tribute to the many iconic images and symbols to be found in the state. From dolphins splashing in the surf along the coast to adorable ducklings in the wetlands, this commemorative picture book serves to introduce children to many unique facts about Mississippi. An author's note gives interesting details about each creature's habitat and behavior. Johnette Downing is a multi-award-winning, internationally recognized singer, songwriter, and author. Her many accolades include eight Parents' Choice Awards, four iParenting Media Awards, and five National Parenting Publication Awards. She wrote and illustrated There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Bugs, My Aunt Came Back from Louisiane, Why the Crawfish Lives in the Mud, Amazon Alphabet,and How to Dress a Po' Boyand is the author of Chef Creole, Down in Louisiana, Why the Oyster Has the Pearl, Why the Possum Has a Large Grin, Today Is Monday in Louisiana, Today Is Monday in Texas, Today Is Monday in New York, Today Is Monday in Kentucky, Macarooned on a Dessert Island, The Fifolet,and Louisiana, Jewel of the Deep South,all available from Pelican.

Downing and her husband reside in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Newburyport, Massachusetts. Published author and illustrator of seven books, the talented Katherine Zecca is always eager to entertain young readers while providing scientifically accurate illustrations. She is a member of the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, the National Association for Interpretation, and the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators.