A Catfish Tale: A Bayou Story of the Fisherman and His Wife

PreS-Gr 3—Everything is fine with Jolie and Jacques-until Jacques catches a magic catfish. Jolie makes him ask it for "one little thing"-a big house where she can sing for her friends-and there the trouble begins. She keeps her husband busy asking for "one more little thing," including a paddleboat on the Mississippi so she can perform her songs, the honor of being Mardi Gras Queen and riding a float in the parade, and, finally, the ultimate title of Queen of the Bayou. Each time the catfish replies: "Ah, tooloulou-if that ain't the easiest thing to do." But when Jolie belts out her songs as Bayou Queen, she stirs up a hurricane and learns a lesson. Colorful illustrations capture the humor and the flora and fauna of the bayou country wonderfully-including an amused alligator who witnesses everything. There is a short "Bayou Glossary" at the end, plus a recipe for seafood gumbo to round out a very satisfactory tale. The book would be a winning read-aloud for storytimes with its repetitive phrases begging for audience participation and is a good example of another variation of "The Fisherman and His Wife."—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA