Downing's fans may recognize this cumulative text as the lyrics to a longtime Louisiana favorite song she adapted for her 1998 kids' album, From the Gumbo Pot
. Even without the music, the words still have plenty of lip-smacking appeal as they match signature Creole and Cajun dishes to the days of the week. "Today is Monday/ Monday red beans," begins the text, adding the verses' refrain: "All you lucky children, come and/ eat it up. Come and eat it up!" By the time the end of the week rolls around, readers also will have been urged to try everything from po' boys (Tuesday) to beignets (Sunday), always followed by the refrain. Kadair's (Grandma's Gumbo
) cut-paper and photo collages alternate close-ups of the dishes with scenes of a dining room that welcomes an ever-growing number of guests. Her homespun collages may be made from cloth and paper (and even rice), but they prove to be a tasty medium for conveying the mouthwatering flavors. Youngsters may well be inspired to put together their own art projects celebrating their favorite dishes. In keeping with the spirit of the culture it celebrates, the book also includes a lagniappe: a description of each dish cited, and a recipe for red beans and rice. Ages 5-8. (Nov.)
