Children's Chapter Books About New Orleans

Ages 4 to 5

• In ̶0;Mimi's First Mardi Gras̶1; authors Alice Couvillon and Elizabeth Moore present a story of Mardi Gras interwoven with history and culture -- all through the eyes of young girl named Mimi. Marilyn Rougelot, who illustrates the story, is also native to New Orleans. As part of his ̶0;Gaston Series,̶1; author James Rice again writes about the green-nosed alligator in ̶0;Gaston goes to Mardi Gras.̶1; Through Gaston̵7;s journey from the swamp to the streets of New Orleans, he meets new friends and observes events leading up to Mardi Gras. Each detail of this book was validated by Mardi Gras historian Leonard Huber to ensure accuracy even for the youngest readers.

Ages 6 to 8

• Lorraine Johnston entertains elementary-age children with her book ̶0;Later Tartan Gator: A New Orleans Tale.̶1; The engaging illustrations help to propel the story of an alligator in the New Orleans Audubon Zoo. Readers follow along as the lovable alligator solves a problem after visitors ignore a zoo sign about not feeding the animals. In ̶0;Cendrillon: A Cajun Cinderella," Sheila Hébert-Collins writes a twist on Cinderella. Cendrillon wishes to go to the Mardi Gras ball, but she is hindered by her stepsisters (les belles-soeurs) and stepmother (la belle-mere). In a charming development, the friendly swamp creatures help her realize her dream.

Ages 9 to 12

• Ruby Bridges, an icon of the civil rights era, wrote her book ̶0;Through My Eyes̶1; with the help of Margo Lundell, who compiled newspaper clippings and eyewitness accounts to aid in the story. As the first black student to ever attend a white school in New Orleans, 6-year-old Ruby turned the tide of history when she was escorted by federal marshals through the school doors. In ̶0;A Young Person's Guide to New Orleans Houses,̶1; award-winning New Orleans architect Lloyd Vogt gears his explanation of houses and architecture toward young readers age 9 and older. The pen-and-ink sketches of famous houses point out architectural features specific to the region.

Chapter Book Series about New Orleans

• "American Girl" focuses on the historic world of mid-19th century New Orleans in the series about Marie-Grace Gardener and her friend, Cecille Rey. From the introductory book ̶0;Meet Marie-Grace,̶1; the plot follows the girls through their adventures and love of music. Complete with the American Girl trademark ̶0;Look Back̶1; pages, the stories provide young readers with a viewpoint into the culture and history of New Orleans. In another series for younger readers, author Denise McConduit creates the character of D.J., based on her own son. In the three stories, D.J. participates in a Mardi Gras parade as the page of Queen Zulu, explores the New Orleans Jazz Fest and learns his manners for the debutante ball.