The Big Once-a-Year Broussard-Bouchard Family Reunion — Karen English

Zydeco—pure and beautiful and stomping good—takes the stage in a joyous celebration of extended family, community, and Louisiana culture. Every year on the last Saturday in July, Broussard-Bouchard folks come from near and far to the Big Once-a-Year Broussard-Bouchard Family Reunion. Alaine’s Auntie Yvette comes with the blanket she’s always crocheting. Uncle Malik brings photos from his last trip to Africa. Daddy and the uncles play dominoes under the live oak tree while Bill Jr. carries a watermelon up from the creek where’s it’s been cooling. Cousin Neecy has organized the biggest Double Dutch game ever, but Alaine—who let Big Boy, the fluffy orange indoor cat, slip outside to certain doom—sits alone and worries. Until the first note sounds: zydeco, drawing her in with outstretched arms. Allons danser. When the music and dancing finally stop—until next year—who’s waiting all curled up on the front porch, furry and orange and as safe as Alaine’s secret? Brimming with Louisiana music, culture, and color, this vibrant and gorgeously illustrated portrait of family tradition will have you two-stepping in a heartbeat.