D. J. and the Zulu Parade — Denise Walter McConduit

Every child loves the fun and excitement of
wearing costumes and pretending. Now imagine if you got the chance to dress up
and ride in a Mardi Gras parade. That is exactly what happens to the main
character in D.J. AND THE ZULU PARADE . Yet riding on the popular
Zulu parade on Fat Tuesday, dressed as a page to the queen of Zulus, he finds
that along with the thrills comes some concerns. Like any child thrown into a
new situation, young D.J. finds that it can be quite overwhelming. D.J has to
cope with his fears of falling off the float, of what his costume will be, and
about the make-up he will have to wear.
This book answers many questions children have about the customs and
traditions of their own heritage, and it does so in a way children can
understand and relate to. They can see their own fears and worries in D.J.'s
view of the experience. The appeal of the book is to both the children of New
Orleans who experience Mardi Gras every year, and children in general. The
message of the book and the mystery of the traditions of New Orleans have a
universal appeal.
A book for children aged five to eight, D.J. AND THE ZULU
PARADE is based upon the experiences of McConduit's son who actually
rode in the Zulu Parade. A busy mother of four, Ms. McConduit also finds time
to write poetry and participate in the New Orleans Poetry Forum.