New Orleans, Louisiana
Author · Storyteller · Lecturer
Bringing the rich history and vibrant culture of Louisiana to life for children everywhere — through books, cassette tapes, colorful lectures, and the magic of storytelling.
Explore the Books
About Cecilia
Cecilia Casrill Dartez is the author of the beloved Jenny Giraffe book series and narrator of the accompanying cassette tapes. She is also the author of The Louisiana Plantation Coloring Book and the Marmac Guide to New Orleans.
A former elementary-school teacher with a passion for language and learning, Cecilia teaches memoir writing classes and holds a license as an official Tour Guide of New Orleans — giving her a rare depth of knowledge about the city's history, architecture, and culture.
With warmth, humor, and a gift for bringing stories to life, Cecilia entertains and educates schoolchildren through her colorful lectures on the history and culture of Louisiana. She is a popular storyteller for schools, libraries, and community organizations throughout the region.
Published Works
Cecilia's books are published by Pelican Publishing and celebrate the history, culture, and spirit of Louisiana. The beloved Jenny Giraffe series follows a charming giraffe-artist as she discovers New Orleans landmark by landmark.
Jenny, a charming giraffe-artist, explores the iconic French Quarter and falls in love with New Orleans.
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Jenny rides the historic St. Charles streetcar through the Garden District and Uptown New Orleans for T-Boy's birthday party!
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Christmas in Louisiana! Jenny discovers the bonfires along the river, the carols, and the magic of Papa Noël.
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Jenny joins the Krewe of Orpheus and rides a Mardi Gras float — throwing beads to thousands along the parade route!
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A photographic alphabet book guiding young readers through Louisiana's most iconic images, symbols, and landmarks — from alligators to zydeco.
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A beautifully illustrated coloring book bringing to life the grand plantation homes along the River Road — perfect for classrooms and families.
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A comprehensive insider's guide to one of America's most culturally rich cities, written with the deep local expertise of a licensed New Orleans Tour Guide.
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Cecilia's school visits align beautifully with curricula on Louisiana history, Southern culture, and literature. Interactive storytelling sessions captivate students of all ages and leave lasting impressions about their heritage.
Book readings, storytelling hours, and author talks make Cecilia a sought-after guest for public and school libraries. Her engaging style encourages children to fall in love with reading and local history.
From community festivals and cultural organizations to memoir writing workshops and adult lectures — Cecilia tailors her presentations to engage audiences of all ages with the soul of Louisiana.
"She entertains and educates schoolchildren with her colorful lectures on the history and culture of Louisiana."— ccdartez.com
The Magic of New Orleans
New Orleans is unlike any city in the world — a vibrant tapestry of French, Spanish, African, and American cultures woven together over centuries. As a licensed Tour Guide, Cecilia knows every corner of this extraordinary city.
Through her books and lectures, she brings this heritage into classrooms and libraries, sparking curiosity and pride in young Louisianans while introducing children from across the country to one of America's most storied places.
Whether it's the grand plantation houses along the River Road, the jazz-filled streets of the French Quarter, or the myths and legends that make Louisiana so captivating — Cecilia knows how to make history come alive.
Get in Touch
Interested in having Cecilia visit your school, library, or organization? She would love to hear from you. Whether it's a single storytelling session or a series of lectures, each visit is crafted to delight and educate.
Cecilia is based in New Orleans, Louisiana and travels throughout the region and beyond.
Email: [email protected]