Additional information
by Cecilia Casrill Dartez (Author)
Jenny Giraffe is all set for the big Christmas parade, the caroling, and especially, the arrival of Papa Noel. But Jenny has never experienced the holiday season and hasn't any idea what Christmas is all about or even who Papa Noel is! Luckily, her friends T-Boy, Lita, Claude, and Angelle are going to teach her all about the joyous season through the special Christmastime celebrations in Louisiana.
Jenny Giraffe Discovers Papa Noel brings the holiday spirit to homes everywhere through the fun-loving adventures of everyone's favorite four-legged artist. From the celebrated Christmas parade to the tradition of the Christmas tree to the story of Baby Jesus' birth, Jenny learns to appreciate the excitement and love of the season. She even gets to participate in some truly unique Louisiana festivities like the lighting of the bonfires along the river to guide Papa Noel on his route to deliver his gifts. But Jenny is still puzzled about who this jolly man is and why it is that some people call him Santa Claus. Perhaps only on Christmas Eve will everything become much clearer.
Author Biography
A former elementary-school teacher, Ms. Dartez is now a talented writer and gifted speaker, often entertaining and educating local schoolchildren with her colorful lectures on the history and culture of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans. She is a popular storyteller for schools, libraries, and other organizations. She is also a guide for children's historical tours with the Hermann-Grima House, an original 1830s house-museum in the French Quarter. Aside from her book-writing, Mrs. Dartez is the author of a children's Louisiana Lore column in the monthly New Orleans and You, Kid magazine, published by the Good Fairies of Hullen Ridge. She also writes a newsletter for the Association for Gifted and Talented Students, and since 1987 she has acted as president of the Gifted and Talented Association of New Orleans, a program for gifted students in the New Orleans area.
