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.
