Reviews

Marvelous Cornelius: Hurricane Katrina and the Spirit of New Orleans by Phil Bildner, John Parra

kellyjcm's review against another edition

This shares an aspect of Hurricane Katrina story relatively unknown, and uplifting. I emphasized with Z that Cornelius proved that it is not what your job is that matters, but what you do with that job, your time here, and in your community. Great lessons, and also a gentle way to introduce the devastation wrought by the hurricane.

imhikinghere's review against another edition

4.0

A modern folktale indeed! This book is an incredible opportunity to center a devastating story around an iconic man. Themes of hope, dedication, and community are prevalent alongside intricate illustrations.

heisereads's review against another edition

4.0

Inspired by a real man, story tells of a folk hero in New Orleans prior to and during Hurricane Katrina. Emphasis on the spirit of life he brings.

msaplusteacher's review against another edition

5.0

Phil Bildner does it again! This book shares the spirit of New Orleans before and after hurricane Katrina. In this folk tale like story, Bildner tells the tale of real-life trash collector Cornelius and amazing work ethic. Filled with figurative language like alliteration & repetition this book would make an amazing read aloud! Perfect mentor text for figurative language, folk tales, theme & as a tradebook for Social Studies!

A true treasure for any teacher or classroom library!

little_silver's review against another edition

4.0

Fantastic tall-tale style story about a real sanitation worker in New Orleans at the time of Hurricane Katrina. Lots of teaching possibilities here!

drpschmidt's review against another edition

4.0

Lovely story about Cornelius, who did his job with passion and positivity. Set in New Orleans, before and after Hurricane Katrina, this makes for an excellent story to share with kids.

ajacks's review against another edition

4.0

I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you: http://www.indiebound.org

nerfherder86's review against another edition

4.0

An exuberant story of the real-life street sweeper/garbage collector Cornelius Washington, told in exaggerated folk-tale style, that also serves to illustrate the can-do spirit of the city of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Tells of Cornelius enthusiastically greeting all on his route and practically dancing as he tossed bags and clanged lids; despondent after Katrina deposited mountains of trash, he picked himself up and started cleaning up, and so did thousands of other citizens as well as out of town volunteers. Breezy colorful text great for reading aloud; colorful folk-art style illustrations.

michelle_neuwirth_gray9311's review against another edition

5.0

I really liked this book and the illustrations and I cant' wait to use it in a storytime.


Themes: helping, Louisiana, New Orleans, Garbage Man, Cornelius (letter C)

jennybeastie's review against another edition

4.0

Preschool, possibly -- nice depiction of pride in your work, and doing things well, no matter how humble. Good read-aloud, and a gentle introduction to Katrina/ good disaster recovery book.