Children's book illustrator James Rice died on May 30 of a heart attack, at the age of 70. Rice, who was born and raised in Texas, was the author and illustrator of 16 Night Before Christmas books for Pelican Books. His Cajun Night Before Christmas launched the children's division at Pelican Books, and the publisher recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of that title. Ozark Night Before Christmas and The Principal's Night Before Christmas are due out this fall.