On Mardi Gras Day, it’s never surprising to find magical, mythical creatures mingling with street revelers. In her new book, The Mermaids of New Orleans, author Sally Asher brings the effervescent underwater life of Mississippi River sea nymphs to life. One day a year, all mermaids may walk on earth and in New Orleans, that day is Mardi Gras Day.

In this podcast, we sit down with Sally and Melissa Vandiver, the book’s illustrator to learn the story of their inspirations and collaboration that resulted in one of the most charming children’s books every written about New Orleans.

For more of all things Louisiana Eats, be sure to visit us at PoppyTooker.com.