Last summer the IceGators were contacted by Lesley Crawford Costner, who was preparing to write a children's book about the Acadiana area called "Goodnight Acadiana" and wanted to include the IceGators.  We were thrilled and gladly gave her permission.  We are now proud to announce that  Lesley's book has been chosen with the Library of Congress to represent the state of Louisiana for the 2012 National Book Festival in Washington D.C.!

According to Jim Davis, Director of the Louisiana Center for the Book, State Library of Louisiana, "each year the National Book Festival is held in the fall on the National Mall.  A popular feature of the Festival is a free USA map is given to attendees.  When people enter the Pavilion of the States, organized by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, they can pick up a map and have it stamped or stickered at a table for each state within the Pavilion".

Davis also explains that, "every state's Center for the Book is asked to recommend one book title and author to represent its state on a list that appears on the back of the map.  There is one title on the list from each state, a book, either fiction or non-fiction, about the state or by an author from the state.  Preferably, the choice is one that is appealing to children and young adults and a good read for them, since they are the primary target for the map activity".  

The IceGators are thrilled Lesley chose to included us in her book and now such an honorable event.  If you get a chance pick up a copy of her book your children will definitely enjoy the story and illustrations.

Note about the author:
Lesley Costner grew up in New Orleans and frequented the Acadiana area as a kid. She graduated from USL and loves the Cajun and Creole culture we all enjoy. Last year Lesley wanted to write a tribute to the Cajun culture and so came "Goodnight Acadiana".