World Read Aloud Day: Local author captivates Vermilion Catholic readers

In honor of World Read Aloud Day 2024, Christopher and Jade Landry inspired students and teachers with a fun-filled presentation at Vermilion Catholic, a legacy of Mount Carmel, on Tues., Feb. 7.
“Mr. Chris Landry shared his passion for Cajun culture, Louisiana wildlife, and storytelling with our students,” said Librarian Nanette Cope. “They were captivated by his presentation and are excited to continue reading his books.”
C. P. Landry is the author of the celebrated Cajun Kids Adventures series, launched in July 2022. Landry, his wife Jade, and their daughter Camryn, operate their own Excaliber Publishing, in Maurice.
“I am a lifelong resident of South Louisiana and a descendant of the original French Acadians now known as Cajuns,” the author explained. “My wife shares a similar heritage as the fifth generation to hunt, trap, and fish the marshes of the
Atchafalaya River Basin. The Cajun Kids Adventures series is loosely based on the experiences of our own five children’s unique upbringing.”
During the Author Visit presentation, C.P. Landry read from the fifth volume, titled The Watchmen, not yet released. Although the Landrys target the book series for ages 8-14, the adventures of the five sibling characters are interesting to many young-at-heart readers of all ages.
“The series has won four different awards to date, with multiple category wins within these volumes,” explained Jade Landry. She and Camryn create many of the books’ illustrations. The cover artist is Steve Shamburger of Baton Rouge.
The first volume, Mystery at Indian Point, won the Silver Medal - Mom’s Choice Award for Family Friendly Media.
The book was also a Finalist in the American Writing Awards - Children Book International for these categories: Children’s Fiction, Children’s Adventure, and Children’s Chapter Series.
The Vol. 3, The Cup, The Cap, and the Ring-Tailed Monkey, and Vol. 4, Storm Clouds have won the Finalist Award with the American Writing Awards for Children’s Fiction.
“There were thousands of entries, one winner and 11 finalists, and our two books took up two of the eleven Finalist Awards,” Jade Landry continued. “If you are wondering why Vol. 2 does not have any awards, it is because we released it in November and missed entry timelines.”
The Landrys also have a YouTube channel featuring several educational videos and “Fun Facts with Sir Isaac Nutria.” Look for them on their Facebook page, too.
The Cajun Kids Adventures books are available to order at www.cajunkids.com and Amazon. Many gift shops in the Acadiana area carry the series and gift items.
Schools interested in scheduling an Author Visit for their students are encouraged to contact Chris and Jade Landry at www.cajunkids.com or info@cajunkids.com.