This image is the cover for the book Cendrillon, Cajun Tall Tales

Cendrillon, Cajun Tall Tales

Children will be captivated by this classic’s New Orleans setting and by the vibrant illustrations. As lagniappe (something extra), Cajun-French words and phrases are used throughout the English text. Translations of the French words, along with a pronunciation guide, make this story educational as well as entertaining.

As in Cinderella, Cendrillon is pestered by la belle-mère (her stepmother) and les belles-soeurs (her stepsisters) but is helped by the bayou creatures who are ses bon amis (her good friends) and by la marraine (her fairy godmother). However, in New Orleans, the big event is Rex’s Mardi Gras ball. Rex, also known as Ovey Thibeaux, hopes to meet his wife at the ball. As fate would have it, Cendrillon and Ovey fall en amour (in love).

While the essence of the original story remains, the influence of New Orleans is evident on every page, from historic St. Louis Cathedral to the included recipe for quick and easy red beans and rice.

Sheila Hébert Collins, Patrick Soper

  Sheila Hébert Collins, who lives in Abbeville, Louisiana, based much of her interpretation of this romantic fairy tale on the first twelve years of her marriage, when she lived near the levee in New Orleans. “Cinderella belongs in New Orleans,” she says, “with the pageantry of the Mardi Gras balls.” Mrs. Collins combines her Cajun pride with her love of children’s literature to create unique Cajun fairy tales. Her efforts have placed her on the Louisiana State Artist Roster as an author and Cajun storyteller. She also is the author of Petite Rouge: A Cajun Twist to an Old Tale, published by Pelican.
  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 of Cajun Folktales, The Night Thief, Mardi Gras in the Country, A Mardi Gras Dictionary, and A Christmas Dictionary, all published by Pelican.

Pelican Publishing