Trosclair

SouthEast Texas Examiner James Rice (1934-2004) was a fledgling illustrator when he collaborated with late Pelican publisher Dr. Milburn Calhoun to create his first book, the well-loved classic Cajun Night Before Christmas(R)<em>. In his long, distinguished career as an author and illustrator, he would go on to produce more than sixty books for children. With more than 2.5 million books in print, he ranks among the nation's best-selling creators of children's books. In addition to the praise he received from the many schoolchildren he visited and all those young at heart, Mr. Rice won several awards throughout the years from Printer Industries of America and the Children's Book Council. Mr. Rice died at his home in Hico, Texas, in May 2004. Award Winning Works by James Rice: Gaston Goes to Texas Certificate of Award, Printer Industries of America 1979 The Night Before Christmas Certificate of Merit, Printer Industries of America 1990 Why Cowboys Sleep with Their Boots On Certificate of Merit, Printer Industries of America 1996 Cajun Night Before Christmas(R) Not Just for Children Anymore Classics, CBC 2002 The Teachers' Night Before Christmas Children's Choices, CBC/IRA 2002 Why Cowboys Need a Pardner Children's Books Mean Business, CBC 2002