Marvelous Cornelius - by Phil Bildner (Hardcover)

About the Book

A man sings and dances his way through the French Quarter in New Orleans, keeping his beloved city clean, until Hurricane Katrina's devastation nearly causes him to lose his spirit.

Book Synopsis

In New Orleans, there lived a man who saw the streets as his calling, and he swept them clean. He danced up one avenue and down another and everyone danced along. The old ladies whistled and whirled. The old men hooted and hollered. The barbers, bead twirlers, and beignet bakers bounded behind that one-man parade. But then came the rising Mississippi--and a storm greater than anyone had seen before. In this heartwarming book about a real garbage man, Phil Bildner and John Parra tell the inspiring story of a humble man and the heroic difference he made in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Review Quotes

"A fine tribute to an unsung African-American hero."-Kirkus Reviews

"A lovely new American folk tale."--Imagination Soup

"A modern day folktale of an ordinary man who helped us become better people through his example."--Books and Whatnot

"A new American folk hero."-School Library Connection

"A stirring story of resilience in the face of adversity."-School Library Journal

"Emphasizes the vibrant life before Hurricane Katrina and makes the impact of the terrible flood."-Booklist

"The heroics of a street cleaner - what a refreshing topic."--USA Today

"This is a beautiful little book that any young person would love to have. And would be great for any adult to have on their coffee table, another artistic expression of the tens of thousands of stories about Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans."--OnNewOrleans.com

"Trumpets the power of one person's efforts in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds to inspire an entire community."-Shelf Awareness, starred review

About the Author

Phil Bildner is the author of numerous children's picture books and the cocreator of Sluggers, the New York Times bestselling middlegrade chapter book serial. He lives in Newburgh, New York.

John Parra is an award-winning illustrator, designer, teacher, and fine art painter. His books have earned starred reviews, the SCBWI Golden Kite Award for illustration, and the International Latino Book Award for Best Children's Book Interior Illustrations. He lives in Queens, New York.