Local authors to release fourth New Orleans-themed children’s book

Thelezia Folse

Local authors Joanne Mehrtens and Pat Roig will release a new book at the beginning of the year entitled "Giacomo Knows Gumbo."

The two are known for their book series that follows a couple of New Orleans cockroaches around town, teaching along the way. The books are geared towards children from birth to second grade.

In their fourth book, Giacomo has the flu and wants to make traditional gumbo to feel better. He and the regular characters, Ralph and Roxanne, travel around Louisiana collecting ingredients for the gumbo.

Signed copies of the book can be ordered for $9.95 through the authors by e-mailing:  info@pandjdays.com.

“It’s not only a fun book, but it’s also meant to teach the kids,” Mehrtens said. “All of the books highlight New Orleans, the state of Louisiana as a whole and this area.”

The authors started writing books for their students as pre-kindergarten teachers. They have 53 years of teaching experience between them and each book includes a glossary to explain key terms to the young readers.