Cornelius takes great pride in his work sweeping streets and tossing bags onto his big garbage truck. The pleasure his job affords him is evident as he sings, dances, and greets the people he meets along his route in New Orleans’s French Quarter. After Hurricane Katrina hits his beloved city, Cornelius’s tireless spirit inspires others to help clean up their neighborhoods. Author Phil Bildner learned about the real man who inspired Marvelous Cornelius (Chronicle, $16.99) while working to restore post-hurricane New Orleans. The lively text uses alliteration to recreate the sounds of the city, and together with John Parra’s stylized, highly textured illustrations makes a fitting tribute to the enduring strength of one of our country’s great cities. Ages 4-8
