Cendrillon: A Cajun Cinderella (Cajun Tall Tales) - Tapa dura

“Offers a unique experience for lovers of the fairy tale, lovers of New Orleans, and those new to French.”

—Tampa (FL) Tribune-Times

“A wonderful story that can be read again and again.”

—Children’s Book Review Service, Inc.

“Soper’s vivid blue and green toned illustrations convey an appealing mixture of fairy tale and down-home New Orleans flavor.”

—Children’s Literature

What would the classic tale of Cinderella be like if it took place in New Orleans? Filled with Cajun-French words and phrases, the story reveals how Cendrillon is mistreated byla belle-mère (her stepmother) and les belles-soeurs (her stepsisters) after herpère (father) dies. Cendrillon keeps her spirits up with the help of her animal friends down by the levee.

At the same time, invitations are being sent to all of the single girls in New Orleans for the Mardi Gras ball held by Rex, king of Carnival. As it so happens, this year’s Rex is Ovey Thibeaux, who is hoping to fallen amour (in love) with one of the girls at the ball!

Les belles-soeurs prepare to go to the ball, but Cendrillon has nothing to wear. Before you can say, “Hotboudin, cold coosh coosh. Come on, magicpoosh, poosh, poosh!” la marraine (her fairy godmother) will work hergris-gris (magic) to create a beautiful dress, mother-of-pearl slippers, and coach for Cendrillon. Patrick Soper’s enchanting illustrations highlight the magic of New Orleans during Mardi Gras, and an easy recipe for red beans and rice provides a fun way to participate in Cajun culture.

Author Sheila Hébert Collins is what you’d call an authentic Cajun, since both her mother’s and father’s lineages trace back to Acadia in Canada. Hébert Collins grew up proud of her Cajun heritage, and teaching the lower grades for twenty years instilled in her a love for children’s literature. That passion for children’s literature, combined with her Cajun pride, motivated her to rewrite cherished fairy tales with a Cajun twist. In addition to being listed in the Louisiana State Artist Roster as an author and Cajun storyteller, she has presented for the Louisiana Reading Association’s local and state conventions.

The author of Pelican’s Jean-Paul Hébert Was There, Blanchette et les Sept Petits Cajuns: A Cajun Snow White,’T Pousette et ’T Poulette: A Cajun Hansel and Gretel, Jolie Blonde and the Three Héberts: A Cajun Twist to an Old Tale,Les Trois Cochons, Jacques et la Canne à Sucre: A Cajun Jack and the Beanstalk, andPetite Rouge: A Cajun Twist to an Old Tale, she resides in Abbeville, Louisiana.

Lafayette, Louisiana, resident Patrick Soper is a full artist member of the prestigious Society of Illustrators. His artwork has earned him numerous local and national prizes, including the 1998 Windsor Newton Award. He also is the illustrator ofCajun Folktales, Contes Populaires Cadiens, The Night Thief,Mardi Gras in the Country, A Mardi Gras Dictionary, and A Christmas Dictionary, all published by Pelican.