Confetti Park

In this episode of Confetti Park Storytime, we hear Louis Lion – When It Gets Dark, I May Start Cryin’. This book is narrated by the author, Cindy Foust, creator of the Alpha-kidZ book series. Each letter of the alphabet gets a feature story and a feature creature who has an adventure and learns a lesson. Louis Lion – When It Gets Dark, I May Start Cryin’ is the “L” book in the series, of course! And little Louis has a problem that many children share…. fear of the dark and being alone in bed at night. “Bedtime for Louis became a battle.  He would cry with all his might.  Before his parents knew what had happened,  their little Louis was sleeping with them every night.” But what happens as Louis grows bigger? The “big bed” becomes too small! One night, it was too much for Louis to take. Dad pulled the covers off Louis…. then his mom’s arm accidentally bonks his nose…. And mom and dad both snored too loudly for Louis to get his needed rest. “Louis covered his head with his pillow… he just wanted some sleep!” G

In this episode of Confetti Park, we meet Deborah A. Anderson, New Orleans based animator and creator of The Black Hair Alphabet, a children’s book that explores different African-American hairstyles from A-Z. In this interview, Deborah discusses why and how she created the book, and shares insight into the interesting worlds of video game avatars, 3D illustration, and the animation industry. Says Deborah, “The idea behind the book came from a conversation with some colleagues in animation. We talked about the representation of black hair in video game avatars…. It was actually guys complaining… they were complaining about how if you want to represent your ethnicity, you’re picking between an afro or dreads. There’s really not a myriad of hairstyles to pick from.” Deborah decided to blog about a different black hair style for each day of the month during Black History Month, starting with a different letter of the alphabet, to explore the versatility of black hair. Each day during February 2017, she spent ap

Hi everybody! Enjoy this new medley of family friendly songs created in Louisiana. This episode of Confetti Park, which airs in its entirety on the lucky radio stations listed below, has songs that kids and the grownups will love, that reflect the unique culture of Louisiana and the American South. We've got songs about possums, bees, foxes, bubbles, and Cajun prairie trail rides. Listen up! Songs featured in this episode, in order: Pretty Purple Possums - Angela Mannino Joke of the Day: Honey Comb Bumblebee - Ginger & the Bee featuring the Confetti Park Players Here Comes Summer - Imagination Movers Vinegar - narrated by Louis Ray Bubbles - Jazzy Ash Take Me to the Trail Ride - Terrance Simien FoxHunt - Bruce Sunpie Barnes Also featured in this episode, the Storytime feature Foolish John, narrated by Ted Lindsay, and a music memory from Bruce Sunpie Barnes. About Confetti Park The Confetti Park podcast and radio program, hosted by Katy Hobgood Ray, features music and stories spun in Louisiana. It show

Confetti Park: A music medley of children's music from Louisiana Hi everybody! Enjoy this new medley of family friendly songs created by Louisianans (or transplants who will always call Louisiana home). This episode of Confetti Park, which airs in its entirety on the lucky radio stations listed below, has songs in the vein of Cajun, rock, blues, folk, jazz, and FUN! Listen up! Songs featured in this episode, in order: Jambalaya (On The Bayou) - Papillon Joke of the Day - Candle Out Chicken Strut - The Meters Feliciana LeRoux - Johnette Downing Sunny & Norah Sing Toulouse the Crawfish Hunter - Ron "Black" Guidry I Want My Mommy - Imagination Movers Swing Low, Sweet Chariot - Lead Belly Backyard Camping- Jazzy Ash Also featured in this episode, a Music Memory from Ms. Chocolate and for Storytime, a reflective essay—"Coyotes at Night" by Katy Hobgood Ray. About Confetti Park The Confetti Park podcast and radio program, hosted by Katy Hobgood Ray, features music and stories spun in Louisiana. It showcases son

Confetti Park: A music medley of children's music from Louisiana… dogs! We love dogs! This medley of children's songs showcases the diversity of Louisiana music. And today’s music medley features all songs about dogs! You know what that means.... These are also songs about faithful friends. Songs featured in this episode, in order: Three Legged Dog - Imagination Movers Joke of the Day - Something Smells My Dog - Johnette Downing Best Friends - Zachary Richard BULLFROG - narrated by Louis Ray of the Confetti Park Players Ol Blue - Jimmy Cousins About Confetti Park The Confetti Park podcast and radio program, hosted by Katy Hobgood Ray, features music and stories spun in Louisiana. It showcases songs that kids love, songs created for kids, and songs created by kids. Sparkling interviews, in-studio performances, delightful music medleys, jokes, local author storytime, and a little surprise lagniappe make for an entertaining show! Subscribe on iTunes The radio program version launched on April 4, 2015 in New Orl

Listen to the magical storytelling of Louisiana children’s author Dianne de Las Casas. Here is Dianne reading “Brer Rabbit and the Peanut Patch,” from her collection Jambalaya – Stories With Louisiana Flavor. Brer Rabbit is a favorite recurring character in Louisiana folklore—as in all regions with strong African-American and Native American cultural influences. Brer Rabbit is a “trickster” figure, who can get out of tough situations and win the day though cunning and quick thinking. Though Brer Rabbit is smaller and less physically capable than other animals (and really, just exactly what damage can a bunny rabbit do to anything besides a vegetable garden?), he uses clever tricks and fast talking to outsmart his rivals. We celebrate the life of Dianne de Las Casas—masterful storyteller, prolific children’s author, champion of Louisiana children and Louisiana folklore, incredible mother, educator, entrepreneur, and creative soul. Read “Remembering Louisiana children’s author Dianne de Las Casas”

Fireflies, lightnin’ bugs… catch ‘em in a jar. Then let ‘em go, and watch ‘em fly far. Can you believe how many wonderful children’s songs there are from Louisiana? Jazz, zydeco, blues, rock…. it just goes on and on. Songs featured in this episode, in order: When the Saints Go Marching In - Hack Bartholomew Joke of the Day - Spider & the Firefly Jump - Schatzy This Little Light - Kermit Ruffins Turkey Snapping Turtle - narrated by Louis Ray Firefly - Jazzy Ash When You’re In Love You’ll Understand - Jim Cummings We Are the Lightnin’ Bugs - The Lightnin’ Bugs Crawfish Fiesta - Professor Longhair Also featured in this episode, a childhood Music Memory by Miss Chocolate, and the Confetti Park Storytime feature, Reflections of Childhood by Minnie Carter (narrated by Catherine Golden). About Confetti Park The Confetti Park podcast and radio program, hosted by Katy Hobgood Ray, features music and stories spun in Louisiana. It showcases songs that kids love, songs created for kids, and songs created by kids. S

Confetti Park: A music medley of children's music from Louisiana… lots of variety! This medley of children's songs showcases the diversity of Louisiana music. And today’s music medley features songs about frogs, leap frog, the alphabet in French, rocket ships, and more. What a variety from a huge talent pool of musicians. Songs featured in this episode, in order: Super Frog - Asylum Street Spankers Joke of the Day - Zeros and Eights Can You Do It? - Imagination Movers Leap Frog - Jazzy Ash Rayden and Leah - French alphabet Hard To Explain - Mr. Michael’s Class from Young Audiences of Louisiana Jenny's Rocket - Ph Fred Also included in this episode is a childhood Music Memory from Randy Guynes, and the Storytime feature, Her Royal Majesty, the Superhero Bride of Frankenstein,  by Melinda Taliancich Falgoust.  About Confetti Park The Confetti Park podcast and radio program, hosted by Katy Hobgood Ray, features music and stories spun in Louisiana. It showcases songs that kids love, songs created for kids, and s

Confetti Park: A music medley of children's music from Louisiana… lots of variety! This medley of children's songs showcases the diversity of Louisiana music. And today’s music medley features songs about lots of sea creatures and jokes about dinosaurs. Oysters, stingrays, seagulls, dolphins, submarines, rowboats, T-Rexes? What a variety! Songs featured in this episode, in order: Oscar de la Oyster - Louisiana Pollywogs 
Joke of the Day - Grandpa T-Rex Yellow Submarine - Papa Grows Funk Stingray Shuffle - Johnette Downing Bah Bah Black Sheep - Louis Ray of the Confetti Park Players Row Row Row Your Boat - Dr. John Salty Seas Sings - Lynda Deniger     Also included in this episode is a childhood Music Memory from Charlotte Hunter, and the Storytime feature, Adolpheaux the Adventurous Dolphin, by Tommie Townsley. About Confetti Park The Confetti Park podcast and radio program, hosted by Katy Hobgood Ray, features music and stories spun in Louisiana. It showcases songs that kids love, songs created for kids, a

Confetti Park: A music medley of children's music from Louisiana… lots of variety! This medley of kids music shows the diversity of Louisiana musicians. And today’s music medley features songs about raccoons, emus, animals at the aquarium, lullabies, irresistible dance tunes, and more. There are also sweet poems and jokes and jumprope jingles throughout. Songs featured in this episode, in order: Ooh Poo Pah Doo - Troy Andrews Joke of the Day - Catch a Squirrel Nobody Likes Fun More Than Me! - Don Hoffman and Bryan Wagar Humpty Dumpty - Confetti Park Players On the Bayou - a poem by Jaden Norris of Arden Cahill Academy Don’t Mess with My Toot Toot - Fernest Arceneaux, The Zydeco All Stars & Rockin' Dopsie, Jr. Emus - The Lightnin’ Bugs The Children’s Hour - Longfellow - Read by Magpie Baccinelli I Went to the Aquarium - Johnette Downing Stay Awake - Lori Carsillo How is the House Cat - Greg Schatz Also included in this episode is a Music Memory from Darleen Ketchens, beloved New Orleans clarinet player a

From North Louisiana (Bossier Parish) comes a Bible-inspired book suitable for all ages because of its unique multilayered approach. For families of Christian faith who want an easy way to teach their children about Bible verses and God, that can be revisited again and again as the child grows, this book is ideal. As you listen to Robin narrate her book, you will hear the very simple layer ideal for young children. As Robin moves through the alphabet, she describes characteristics of God of the Christian faithful. From the website: "God from A to Z is Robin’s first published children’s book. Aimed at young children, the illustrated book describes the God of the Bible in detail, with each letter of the alphabet linked to one of God’s aspects. God’s nature is poetically captured in Robin’s writing while Peggy A. Borel’s beautiful illustrations visualize and cement the concepts for young minds on each page." In addition, there are verses and discussion concepts included in the pages of the book, that are mean

It’s Confetti Park Storytime! In this episode, we hear The Black Hair Alphabet, narrated by author and illustrator Deborah A. Anderson. This is a children’s book that names different African-American hairstyles, from A-Z. Deborah’s illustrations, which she created digitally, showcase a terrific diversity of styles. A is for Afro. B is for Bantu Knot. C is for Conk. Deborah, who lives in New Orleans, is an animator and 3D artist by trade. She trained in Digital eMation in South Korea where she was a 3D Artist on shows such as Family Guy, The Cleveland Show, Batman: The Brave and The Bold and Scooby Doo. In an interview with the Mane Man blog, Deborah explained why she decided to explore black hairstyles from A-Z. “The original premise came from the fact that a lot of people who play video games, namely guys, are aggravated by lack of representation in hairstyles when making avatars,” explained Deborah. “It’s always dreads or an afro, maybe a low-cut. This is the beginning of my journey in figuring out black h

Are you ready for the creation story of Juju the Good Voodoo Doll? In a cabin in a bayou one foggy night Marie the VooDoo Queen was casting spells on dolls that were good, and some that were a fright. One little doll she saw at a glance— purple hair, big black eyes and a gold dress. could this be the very one, by chance? “You are special…. you are the one!” and so Marie mixed the spell of good deeds for this doll. This is how the story of Juju the Good Voodoo doll begins her role casting spells of good deeds on others who need help. This is the very first in the adorable series by Michelle Hirstius. “Voodoo, Hoo Doo, You do! Juju knows voodoo, and I’ll put a good spell on you.” From here, you can follow her adventures in books both written and illustrated by the very talented and creative Michelle Hirstius, who lives in New Orleans. Confetti Park is so delighted to share some of Juju’s other adventures in our Storytime feature too! Listen along as Juju saves Christmas in da Bayou (and meets Cajun St. Nick) a

In this episode of Confetti Park Storytime, we hear "The Fairy Fox of Bossier" by Iran Martin, from his book Grand’s Fairy Tales. Father and son are on a walk through the forests of Bossier to gather wood. They leave mother home cooking their supper, and she warns them not to be late. “I remember mother standing over her cooking pot, as was her custom, spicing a little of this, and a little of that,” recalls the son. When the men are walking, pushing their rickety cart, the father talks of a place where the limbs drop from trees, making for easy gathering. They continue searching for this place, and keep walking farther and farther, always thinking it is just a little bit ahead. “Soon we were overcome by weariness, and sat down to rest," says the son. "The sun was fast sinking behind silvery shreds of dark shadows. And not any wood had been found.” “Then, unexpected music swelled our senses with harps, flues, fiddles and the like….Suddenly, a wide berth of emerald colored glass appeared…from an open door wit

In this episode of Confetti Park Storytime, we hear Patti Pig, Please Clean Your Digs, narrated by the author, Cindy Foust, mastermind behind the Alpha-kidZ book series. Patti Pig, Please Clean Your Digs  is the “P” book in the series, of course! Patti’s bedroom “is messy, to say the least. In fact, be careful looking under her bed, in case you come across a big hairy beast!” Patti’s twin brother, Paul, doesn’t understand how they are so different. He is so neat and clean, and her room is, well—a pig pen! “I can’t help if I’m a little untidy," pouts Patty. Anyway, who but Paul minds a little gum on the bed? I don’t have time to squabble with my brother. I need to plan my birthday party instead. When Paul funds out Patti is planning a slumber party for their birthday, he offers to help her clean her room. The twins learn a lesson about teamwork—and Patti learns that a clean room is worth the effort. Cindy Foust lives in West Monroe, Louisiana. She launched the Alpha-kidZ: Reading Adventures A-Z book series in

Confetti Park: A music medley from Louisiana... kids songs about dinosaurs! This medley of kids music shows the diversity of Louisiana musicians. And today's music medley features songs about dinosaurs! Songs featured in this episode, in order: When I Was a Dinosaur - Trout Fishing in America Joke of the Day - Pterodactyl Pee When I Was a Dinosaur - Chenille Sisters If a Dinosaur Was My Best Friend - Philip Melancon Dino Story - Louis Ray These Are the Dinosaurs - Judy Caplan Ginsburgh I Want a Dinosaur - Ph Fred A Myrtle Place - Zachary Richard and Lafayette Kids   Check out this narrated story about a dinosaur....  Lophi Learns to Fly by David Eugene Ray. The Confetti Park podcast and radio program, hosted by Katy Hobgood Ray, features music and stories spun in Louisiana. It showcases songs that kids love, songs created for kids, and songs created by kids. Sparkling interviews, in-studio performances, delightful music medleys, jokes, local author storytime, and a little surprise lagniappe make for an enter

Enjoy this music memory from Charlotte Hunter, who lives in Caddo Parish near Caddo Lake. Charlotte recalls how much she wanted a Gibson guitar when she was a teenager. “The first job I ever had was on a little radio station in Minden. I was fifteen. The guy told me if I would do a spot for him, every afternoon, that he buy that guitar for me….I had that radio show until I got my Gibson guitar….. we did mostly USO tours and airbases and things like that when we did gigs.” Charlotte recalls that as a child, her home was filled with music. He dad played the fiddle, and her mom played the guitar and bass.

In this episode of Confetti Park, we hear Louisiana children’s author Alysson Foti Bourque narrate her adorable award-winning book, Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day. Alycat is an adorable kitten whose whole week has been spent daydreaming about dessert day at school, when she gets her favorite: ice-cream filled popsicles! Poor Alycat…. He daydreaming causes her to be last in line, and she misses out. After a little tantrum, Alycat has an epiphany. She realizes she can make her OWN dessert! Imagination saves the day. We love this book from Alysson Foti Bourque, of Sunset, Louisiana. It’s so fun to see Alycat grow, and her can-do spirit bounce back when she is disappointed. Alycat discovers that trying new things can lead to fun adventures and tasty inventions. The book contains sweet, delicate illustrations by Chiara Civati and a recipe for Alycat’s new dessert! It makes the reader want to try new things, too. :) Expect more from Alycat…. the next adventure in the series is Alycat and the Monday Blues! Buy

In this episode of Confetti Park, we meet some of the teachers and students at Arden Cahill Academy in Gretna, Louisiana, and hear some of the original poems and essays created by students in the seventh and eighth grades under teachers Nick and Rick Mithun. Nick Mithun teaches French, while Rick Mithun teaches history. They are the grandsons of Arden Cahill, the woman who founded the school in 1968 along with her husband, Harry. Currently there are four generations of Cahill family members involved at the school—the youngest just enrolled in the infant center. Arden Cahill envisioned an early childhood education center rooted in the arts, and rooted in Louisiana French culture, in a country-like atmosphere. The legacy of her dream is fulfilled today in a twelve-acre campus shaded with oak and cypress trees along Bayou Fatma in Gretna. At the back of campus, there is a country farmyard with animals that children interact with daily, and an equestrian arena with horseback riding lessons. Music, art, and theate

Confetti Park is a community radio program out of New Orleans. We feature local storytellers and songs that kids love, songs created for kids, or created by kids, inspired by life here Louisiana. This medley of kids music shows the diversity of our state sound. Songs featured in this episode, in order: Super Frog - Asylum Street Spankers Joke of the Day - Pink Carnation Daycare - Ph Fred There’s a Hole in the Bucket - Jeremy Lyons Inner Beauty - a poem by Marcus Page My Shoes -  a poem from The Pizza Poetry Project Swaying with the Trees - Johnette Downing Chicken Strut - The Meters Clapping Song - Confetti Park Players Also featured in this episode, a music memory from Cameron Meshell and the storytime feature Little Laveau, a magical bedtime story by Erin Rovin. The Confetti Park podcast and radio program, hosted by Katy Hobgood Ray, features music and stories spun in Louisiana. It showcases songs that kids love, songs created for kids, and songs created by kids. Sparkling interviews, in-studio performa