D. J. and the Jazz Fest - Hardcover

by Denise McConduit (Author)

Where in the world can children hear jazz, gospel, and blues and eat shrimp poï 1/2 boys and strawberry snowballs? Jazz Fest in New Orleans!

Front Jacket

"D.J. reluctantly agrees to go to his first Jazz Fest with his relatives, only to discover an unexpected world of culture and music."--Midwest Book Review

"We go with him and are in for a truly invigorating experience."
--Children's Literature

"A book that is a celebration of a city and its music as well as a celebration of family."--Multicultural Review

"A wonderful children's book to have in any elementary school or public library."--Louisiana Library Association Bulletin

Denise Walter McConduit is fourth in a family of thirteen, a New Orleans native, and a mother of four. She published her first story in 1982, and her work has since appeared in Essence, Black New Orleans, and the New Orleans Tribune. Currently, she serves on the advisory board of the Friends of New Orleans Public Library and is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Her work is on display in the New Orleans Riverwalk's Book of Legends. The character of D.J. is based on her son.
Emile F. Henriquez is a retired design coordinator from Textron Marine and Land Systems. He studied drawing, painting, design, and art history at Tulane University and has worked as a graphic illustrator since 1963. He and his wife, Mary Ann, reside in Slidell, where he operates a full commercial and fine art studio. He is active in civic and cultural affairs and served as president of the Slidell Art League for two years.
Denise Walter McConduit and Emile F. Henriquez also collaborated on D.J. and the Zulu Parade and D.J. and the Debutante Ball, all published by Pelican.

Author Biography

A New Orleans native, Denise McConduit was born to a very large family. The fourth of thirteen children, she regularly entertained her younger siblings with stories. Early on, she learned that she loved reading and drawing, art and dancing, and-not surprisingly-writing. McConduit began writing poetry as a child. Her first magazine article was published in 1982, when she wrote Youth Job Opportunities for Black New Orleans magazine. She has since had articles published in Essence magazine and poems published in the New Orleans Tribune magazine. Two of her poems are on display in the New Orleans Riverwalk's Book of Legends. McConduit still keeps active in the poetry world and serves as secretary for the board of directors of the New Orleans Poetry Forum. She writes a weekly column for the New Orleans Times-Picayune about the recovery of her neighborhood after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. McConduit graduated from the University of New Orleans with a degree in English. She has four children: Crishelle, Monique, Erika, and D.J. It was her youngest child's real-life experience with the Zulu parade that gave her the idea to write her first book, D.J. and the Zulu Parade. Preserving cultural traditions through family stories is important to McConduit. She learned those values as a child, and it is what she wishes to pass on in her writing. New Orleans is well known for having a rich supply of customs and traditions, and McConduit captures the city's flavor and puts it in context for children. She feels that culturally rich children's books are essential, as it is important that kids see themselves in literature. McConduit advises aspiring young authors to capture and preserve the funny or unique characters in their families by writing about them. She is a frequent speaker and is involved in community efforts to preserve and celebrate the region's rich heritage.