You can turn your storm into glory.Description
By Shaina Simmons
A lyrical, soul-stirring picture book that follows a young Black girl navigating storms—both inside and out. Set in the heart of New Orleans, Bayou Blues weaves together memory, music, and healing as the narrator navigates bullying, identity struggles, and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
With themes of colorism, bullying, mental health, self-love, and ancestral resilience, this powerful story affirms:
You can turn your storm into glory.
Perfect for ages 7–11 (or read-alouds with younger kids), this book uses poetry to uplift Black children, especially young Black girls—and anyone who has ever felt bullied for the color of their skin.
Bayou Blues: Digital Legacy Bundle
$16.99 | Presale Exclusive
Step into a legacy of storytelling, healing, and resistance.
This special digital bundle celebrates the roots and rise of Bayou Blues—based on the acclaimed one-woman show and forthcoming short film. Includes:
- 📘Bayou Blues (Digital Picture Book PDF)
- 🎥 10-minute video clip from the Bayou Blues live stage performance
- 🎨 Printable coloring page
- 📜 Bonus: A script preview featuring a monologue from the original play
This bundle is perfect for families, educators, and anyone who believes in turning pain into power and storms into glory.
From the Author: On the 20th Anniversary of Bayou Blues
Bayou Blues began as a one-woman show that traveled internationally—telling the true story of a Black girl living through Hurricane Katrina and the storms of life. Twenty years later, I’m honoring that legacy by transforming it into a children’s book for the next generation. This picture book is my way of passing the torch—of turning storms into stories, and pain into power.
As the author of The Cat and the Lion picture book, I believe in telling stories that help Black children see their worth, power, and beauty reflected. With Bayou Blues, I return to my roots—offering a love letter to the young girl I was and to every child who’s ever felt different, silenced, or unseen. This is more than a story; it’s a survival song.
