It's said that New Orleans' "culture doesn't come down from on high, it bubbles up from the streets." It is a proud city with interwoven stories of fun and food mixed with the horror of slavery and tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. With that much history, who better to tell the story of The Big Easy than its oldest resident, The Dueling Oak in New Orleans City Park? This latest installment of The History Tree series still asks, "if old trees could talk, what would they say?" The Dueling Oak is a Spanish moss covered "celebritree" that makes the Crescent City come alive with the exploits of colorful, vastly diverse characters spanning 3 centuries. From pirates like Jean LaFitte to professional passers like #9, The Dueling Oak transports you and your child to one of the world's greatest cities-- beignets, brass bands, and beads included. The History Tree Series books provide enriching content to the adult reader so that they can share with the little ones who are hearing the tale. The loving guidance of a parent, teacher, or older reader help the child understand the amazing events in their heritage and where they fit in the story. Rhyming text and beautiful illustrations will make your child want to read The Dueling Oak again and again!

Author Biography

Tana Holmes is an award-winning thirty-year professional public-school educator, a mom, and a nature lover. She lives in Texas with her Louisiana transplant husband and two rescue dogs. She loves any opportunity to take I10 east to The Big Easy for a muffuletta at Central Grocery and beignets at Cafe du Monde. Her History Tree Series characters are eyewitnesses to history-making events. All of these ancient trees still stand as engaging educators for children of all ages interested in learning and loving their heritage. As more volumes in the series debut, Tana anticipates an opportunity to reach children globally with their own local celebritree storyteller. Visit her and the History Trees at www.historytreeseries.com. If you enjoyed The Dueling Oak, add ALAMO TREE, and The Old Patriarch Tree to your library. They are available wherever you buy books- and don't forget to leave a review! Mahfuja Selim is a veteran freelance illustrator who specializes in children's books. Her whimsical style attracts authors from around the world to her combination of modern digital drawings and traditional hand illustrations, you can find her character creations and locations in magazines, educational publications, games, packaging, and children's stories. It is plain to see why children love her work!