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Soggy Like Cush Cush (A Picture Book Celebration of Creole Culture for Kids)

Illustrated by Kristen Uroda
Published by little bee books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

A gloomy, rainy day is turned upside down when Gran-moman takes Petite Marie on an adventure through town. Celebrate joy, Louisiana creole culture, community, and the love of a wonderful grandparent in this gorgeous story about making every day count.

"As Petite Marie moves around the town with her grandmother, their loving bond is expressed through all
their interactions." Booklist


Rain falls outside an old Louisiana Creole house until the ground is as soggy as a bowl of cush cush. Petite Marie thinks she's going to have to spend all day indoors, but Gran-moman takes Petite Marie on an unexpected journey around town. Soon, Petite Marie is having a magical day filled with friends, delicious Louisiana creole cooking, and a lot of care and kindness. With the help of Gran-moman she discovers that any day can be beautiful, no matter the weather.

About The Author

About The Illustrator

Product Details

  • Publisher: little bee books (March 19, 2025)
  • Length: 40 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781499816204
  • Ages: 3 - 6

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Raves and Reviews

Petite Marie is out of sorts. It's raining, and she is bored. Gran-moman doesn't lecture or sigh;
she simply models a loving example of kindness. Taking Petite Marie along, Gran-moman visits
a neighbor who has been sick, does some grocery shopping, helps out at a food drive, pays her
respects at a graveyard, and makes cush cush, a traditional dish combining cornbread, milk, and
syrup. Gran-moman's day is spent in service to others, but Petite Marie sees how sharing love
brings fulfillment to Gran-moman as well. Spirits lifted, Petite Marie feels more sunny, even on
that rainy day. Uroda's illustrations drip with the raindrops and glow with the warmth. As Petite
Marie moves around the town with her grandmother, their loving bond is expressed through all
their interactions. An author's note explains more about the Louisiana Creole setting, history, and
lifestyle and identifies Gran-moman's speech patterns as Kouri-Vini. As Petite Marie recognizes
the interconnectedness of her community, she appreciates her grandmother's affection and
gentle lessons.

– Booklist

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