Sweet Magnolia

Join Denise as she visits her grandmother in the Louisiana bayou for a school vacation she'll never forget! Grandma, a wildlife rehabilitator, shares her knowledge with Denise as they explore the mysterious bayou. Together they meet myriad creatures from alligators to bullfrogs, and Denise makes friends with a fox, an owl, and a deer! After learning the valuable lesson that wild animals must be free, Denise returns to the city with a new-found wisdom and a very special treasure. Vibrant, realistic illustrations let readers experience the busy bayou and the joyful lifestyle of Cajun and Creole culture.

Virginia Kroll has contributed more than 1500 items to juvenile magazines. She travels throughout the country speaking to children about writing multicultural books. She is the author of many children's books, including WOOD-HOOPOE WILLIE, A CARP FOR KIMIKO, SWEET MAGNOLIA, JAHA AND JAMIL WENT DOWN THE HILL, HATS OFF TO HAIR!, MASAI AND I (Four Winds Press), and BUTTERFLY BOY (Boyds Mill Press). Virginia lives in New York with her family.