Born and raised above the Mason-Dixon line, Robert Bernardini fell in love with the South when he first transferred to Florida State University in Tallahassee. The climate and the traditions of this region suited him just fine, and he realized that he wanted to make it his home. Author/illustrator James Rice (1934-2004) produced sixty books, including the illustrations for Pelican's treasured The Night Before Christmas Series. Rice's first book, the well-loved classic Cajun Night Before Christmas (R), has more than 750,000 copies in print. Young readers can enjoy more of Gaston (R)'s adventures in Gaston (R) Goes to Mardi Gras and sample Rice's other children's stories with favorites such as Texas Jack at the Alamo. With more than 1.5 million copies of his books in print, Rice ranks among the nation's best-selling creators of children's books, receiving awards from Printer Industries of America and the Children's Book Council, among others. Years after his death, Rice's family found the art and text Gaston (R) Joins the Circus, and this discovery has brought Gaston (R) back for one more adventure!