D. J. and the Zulu Parade

By Denise Walter McConduit and Emile Henriquez

A New Orleans boy has an opportunity to ride on a Mardi Gras float—but will fear and worry rain on his parade?

D.J. can’t believe his luck—he has the chance to dress up and ride in a New Orleans Mardi Gras parade! But while he looks forward to participating in the popular Zulu parade on Fat Tuesday, dressed as a page to the queen of Zulus, he starts to worry. What will his costume be? What about the makeup he’ll have to wear? What if he falls off the float?

Like any child thrown into a new situation, young D.J. finds that it can be quite overwhelming. This book answers many questions children have about the customs and traditions of their own heritage in a way they can understand and relate to—and helps them recognize their own fears and worries in D.J.’s story.

Based on the experiences of Denise McConduit’s son, who actually rode in the Zulu Parade, this tale of coping with anxiety and embarking on adventure is both entertaining and inspirational, and is filled with the celebratory spirit of Mardi Gras.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Dec 31, 1994
• ISBN: 9781455603268

Denise Walter McConduit

Children's book author, Denise Walter McConduit lives in New Orleans, Louisiana the birthplace of jazz, a city that enjoys unique traditions like Mardi Gras, Jazz Festivals, and Debutante balls. The food is like no other in the world. Preserving cultural traditions through family stories is important to Denise. It's how she grew up and it's what she passes on. Like the stately Oak trees that line St. Charles Avenue or the Steamboats boats that dance on the Mighty Mississippi, Denise McConduit is truly a New Orleans treasure.

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