Meet Julie Gerdes Becnel
Storyteller & Children’s Author
Julie has always been enchanted by the myths and folk tales that shape our collective imagination and her love of storytelling has taken many forms: from poetry and short fiction to the two children's plays she authored, Journey to the Emerald City and Into the Swamp, which toured with the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s Ballet for Children program. Through her creative consultancy, Little Rouge Hen, she helps organizations tell their own stories with clarity and heart. She draws inspiration from the folklore and natural beauty of her Louisiana home and when she isn’t writing or helping clients, she can be found exploring nature with her husband, two children (Bug & Bean), and her very own Lou-ga-rou. Her debut children’s book, Roux’s First Day, was illustrated by Cullen Bernard and published by Pelican Publishing.
Roux’s First Day
Roux has never felt so nervous. She's about to begin “Kinder-swamp-garten” and she will be the only Rougarou in her class. As she walks to school beneath the towering cypress trees, one by one, fellow swamp creatures join in, each one different from the next. With their help, Roux’s jitters melt into joy, and she discovers that what makes us different is also what makes us shine. Rooted in Louisiana’s rich folklore, this gentle, playful story introduces the legendary Rougarou in a family-friendly way. Perfect for any little one getting ready for their own big first day, Roux’s tale is a celebration of belonging, courage, and the magic of being yourself.
Click below to order Roux’s First Day and use code ROUX at checkout to save 10-15%.
IN THE NEWS: inRegister Magazine
“…Drawn to the state’s rich folklore, Becnel reimagined the rougarou—often depicted as a darker, more fearsome creature—into a child-friendly, relatable protagonist. Through soft illustrations, warm tones and a narrative told from Roux’s perspective, the story shifts from something scary to something deeply human. Those visuals are brought to life by Lafayette-based illustrator Cullen Bernard, whose work helps transform the rougarou into an approachable, expressive character while maintaining the story’s local roots…”
— Read the full story by Amy Cimo in inRegister Magazine here.
Featured In:
Upcoming Events
Saturday, August 15 at 11am
Roux’s First Day Story Time & Book Signing
Barnes & Noble // Westbank
Saturday, August 15 at 1pm
Roux’s First Day Story Time & Book Signing
Barnes & Noble // Elmwood
Saturday, September 5 at 11am
Roux’s First Day “Read & Create” Story Time & Book Signing
Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM) // Baton Rouge
Friday, September 11 at 6pm
Roux’s First Day “Read & Create” Story Time & Book Signing
Books Banter Books Pop Up at Parleaux Beer Lab // New Orleans
Wednesday, October 7 at 10:30am
Roux’s First Day Story Time & Book Signing
Livingston Parish Library // Albany-Springfield Branch
Wednesday, October 14 at 10:30am
Roux’s First Day Story Time & Book Signing
Livingston Parish Library // Livingston Main Branch
Wednesday, October 21 at 10:30am
Roux’s First Day Story Time & Book Signing
Livingston Parish Library // Watson Branch
Monday, October 26 at 10:30am
Roux’s First Day Story Time & Book Signing
Livingston Parish Library // Denham Springs-Walker Branch
Wednesday, October 28 at 10:30am
Roux’s First Day Story Time & Book Signing
Livingston Parish Library // South Branch
Saturday, October 31 (Time TBD)
Roux’s First Day “Read & Create” Story Time & Book Signing
Louisiana Book Festival // Baton Rouge
Friday, November 20 (Time TBD)
Roux’s First Day Story Time, Book Signing, Sing-Along
Manship Theater / Baton Rouge
ROUX’S CORNER
From Kindergarten readiness guides to character coloring sheets, Roux’s corner is filled with learning activities and fun!
Ready to bring “Roux” to your school, library, camp, or event? Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch within 48 hours.
