WordShops registration is open! Learn about the festival's master-class writing workshops and reserve your seat here.

This website has a .gov link

The .gov means it’s official.

Louisiana government websites often end in .gov. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a Louisiana government site.

HTTPS Connection

The site is secure.

The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Shannon Kelley Atwater

Home Featured Authors & Panelists Featured Participant Lineup 2026 Shannon Kelley Atwater

Shannon Kelley Atwater is an author and illustrator based out of New Orleans, Louisiana, where she lives with her husband, their three kids, and a pup named Pancake. Atwater utilizes traditional mediums while illustrating; mainly watercolors, gouache, and inks. A self-proclaimed Mardi Gras enthusiast and avid crafter, when she's not working on picture books, she loves creating elaborate costumes and playing dress up. Atwater has previously been featured at the Louisiana Book Festival with her books Fais Do-Do, Goodnight Pothole, and Alligators Don't Like Flowers.

 

Schedule

Will be posted when available.

Good Day, Louisiana Children's Museum

This board book takes you through a day of fun at the Louisiana Children's Museum!

Filled with pretend play; follow along where you can pretend to be a turtle, a chef, a veterinarian, a boat captain and more! This book is the culmination of a project led by Shannon Kelley Atwater during her time in residence at LCM in fall 2025. The illustrations featured throughout the book we collaboratively created with help from museum guests. Each page features drawings and color additions from real life kids and their caregivers!