Photograph: Local author Lavaille Lavette poses with local residents that include Joyce Haynes (left) and her mother Hazel Red (right) during a book-signing event at the Opelousas Public Library last week. (Photograph by Freddie Herpin.)
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
Lavaille Lavette returned to her creative roots last week with a one-day promotional tour of her latest children’s fictional book.
Lavette visited Washington Elementary School and St. Landry Public Charter in Opelousas, where she introduced her newly-published Little Golden Book that features the personal learning experience for a young boy who is introduced to aspects of his cultural heritage.
Later on Friday Lavette sat down for two hours in a more intimate setting inside the Opelousas Public Library where she signed copies of the book, “Jayylen’s Juneteenth Surprise,” for local residents.
According to a press release the book describes the main character’s personal awakening as he undergoes a first Juneteenth experience. The book can also be used as a teaching tool for parents and school-age children about the origins and customs associated with Juneteenth, a national holiday that recounts the emancipation of slaved people in the U.S.
During a St. Landry Now.com interview, Lavette, who grew up in St. Landry Parish and the Opelousas area, said that she is always inspired to create new characters and add some historical background to her stories.
“There are so many places and things that we don’t know about. Hopefully there are parents who are reading the book along with their children and (parents) are learning about new things too,” Lavette said during a brief presentation at the library.
Lavette added in the interview that she always enjoys the opportunity to return to St. Landry Parish in order to reconnect with the people that she grew up with.
In the press release Lavette recalls knowing very little about the historical background and details associated with Juneteenth.
When Lavette left the parish and moved to the Houston-area, the release says Lavette began to learn more thoroughly about Juneteenth, which was celebrated in schools, churches and by elected officials.
Lavette is the daughter of Hazel Red.
