Cendrillon [Hardcover]

Sheila Hébert-Collins (Author), Patrick Soper (Illustrator)

Book Description

As in Cinderella, Cendrillon is pestered by la belle-mËre (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).

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 2-4-This "Cinderella" variant is not to be confused with Robert San Souci's Caribbean retelling with the same title (S & S, 1998). In Collins's version, Cendrillon lives in New Orleans; the ball is held during Mardi Gras; and the prince is Ovey, a rich man's son who has been named King of Mardi Gras (Rex) and who is looking for a bride. The girl's carriage is a cushaw (squash), her horses are crevisses (crawfish), and her shoes are made of mother-of-pearl. Cajun phrases are inserted throughout the narrative with translations and pronunciation guides at the bottom of each page. Collins follows the Disney version of "Cinderella" and includes the superfluous episode in which the animal friends make the young woman's first ball gown, which her stepsisters then destroy. The text is unimaginative and at times strains to include local customs and words; the Cajun phrases are so frequent that they become intrusive and interrupt the flow of the tale. Soper's illustrations are done in beautiful colors, but can't redeem this bland text.-Judith Constantinides, East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From the Inside Flap

Sheila Hébert-Collins, a native of Abbeville, Louisiana, has a passion for children's literature and enormous pride in her Cajun heritage. She currently works as a school media specialist in Naples, Florida, and often makes appearances in schools throughout the state. Her other books include Jacques et la Canne à Sucre: A Cajun Jack and the Beanstalk, 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, and Petite Rouge: A Cajun Twist to an Old Tale, all published by Pelican. An ambassador of Cajun heritage, Mrs. Hébert-Collins knows that food is as large a part of the culture as storytelling, so she has included a quick and easy recipe for Red Beans and Rice. Patrick Soper also is the illustrator of The Night Thief, Mardi Gras in the Country, A Mardi Gras Dictionary, A Christmas Dictionary, and Cajun Folktales, all published by Pelican.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Pelican Publishing (September 30, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565543262
• ISBN-13: 978-1565543263
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,284,133 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting twist on the Cinderella Classic!, March 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Cendrillon (Hardcover)

This is a truly delightful Cinderella tale told with a bayou/cajun flair. I particularly like the french phrases that are used throughout the book and then translated at the bottom of the pages. I feel it captures so many elements of the New Orleans area while remaining true to the classic storyline. This book is sure to delight adults and children alike!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read, March 27, 2011

By 

elaute - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cendrillon (Hardcover)

I collect Cinderella stories from around the world, and I really enjoyed this book. The story definitely has a Cajun flair, and the illustrations really add to the story.