Praline Lady

by Kirstie Myvett, Kameko Madere (Illustrations)

In nineteenth-century New Orleans, a praline lady strolls the French Quarter, selling her delectable sweets. These entrepreneur women of color were once a common sight in the neighborhood. Young readers will go along with this praline lady as she makes her pralines, sells them from her basket, and grows her business.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Food

32 pages, Hardcover

Published November 2, 2020

About the author

Kirstie Myvett is the author of several books for children. She is co-founder of KidLit in Color, a blog that amplifies BIPOC creatives in the publishing industry. Kirstie believes that representation matters in all places and spaces, especially in the pages of books. Her work has been featured in Country Roads Magazine.

Kirstie's life motto is faith, family, friends, and fiction.

Reviews

[Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Praline Lady, Kirstie Myvett introduces the little-known history of early Black women entrepreneurs. Through this descriptive telling of a praline lady's travels throughout the day and Madere's illustrations, we also get glimpses of the kinds of people of that era who walked the French Quarter and its important landmarks and places. In the author's note, we also get more information on the significance of praline ladies, including how it helped many of them to purchase their own freedom.

[Tameka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptional story about Black historical figures I never knew of until I read this book. Author Kirstie Myvett employs literary devices like onomatopoeia masterfully and her text engages all five senses of the reader throughout the entire story. The artistic style that illustrator Kameko Madere employs is quite signature and extremely accessible for children. This is an excellent book for classroom and home libraries alike. Highly Recommend!

[Gabi · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve ever visited New Orleans, then you know that it is a vibrant and unique city. Part of what gives the city its distinctive flavor is its many rich and delicious culinary offerings. From beignets to crawfish etouffee, New Orleans has something to appeal to every palate. And one of its most beloved offerings is pralines. Made with pecans and sugar, they are a super-sweet and delicious treat. Kirstie Myvett’s PRALINE LADY shines a light on the little-known history of the women who made and sold these sweets on the streets of New Orleans. This captivating book provides a vivid snapshot of 19th century New Orleans and the Black women who were early entrepreneurs.

The book follows Praline Lady as she carries her basket through the streets of the French Quarter calling, “Pralines!” We see the sights and sounds of 19th century New Orleans, including the iconic cafes and French Market. Though her feet hurt at the end of a long day of walking, she dreams of someday being able to open a shop of her own. Kameko Madere’s gorgeous watercolors beautifully capture the colorful architecture and hustle and bustle of 19th century New Orleans. This book would be a great addition to classrooms and libraries. It beautifully illuminates this little-known piece of history and gives credit to the Black women who helped make New Orleans pralines the well-known and beloved treat they are today. Highly recommended!

[Valerie Bolling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an example of a story that deserves to be told. Many of us enjoy pralines, yet do not know the history of the hardworking women who baked and sold these treats. The fact that the main character isn’t named indicates the anonymity of these women, perhaps invisible but for their sweet confections. What I like most about the book are: the introduction at the beginning providing background information; Kirstie Myvett’s simple but sensory language that paints a picture of the bustling city; and the beautiful water color illustrations by Kameko Madere. I’d love a couple of pralines right now!

[Alexandra Alessandri · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Pralines," Praline Lady sings. "Come and get your pralines!" This is the call of Praline Lady as she walks through the streets of 19th Century New Orleans, selling her delicious treats while dreaming of owning her own shop. Kirstie Myvett's PRALINE LADY, illustrated by Kameko Madere, was a delight to read. It provides a wonderful look at 19th Century New Orleans, including sounds and sights, but particularly, it introduces readers--child and adult alike--to the women of color who, like Praline Lady, were entrepreneurs in their time, and whose legacy is still felt today. Readers will follow Praline Lady as she makes her delicious pralines and sells them in the streets, in the French Market, by the docks, and alongside her friends, and the watercolor illustrations are soft, depicting the New Orleans setting and people. It's a must for schools and personal libraries, and especially for those who love to know more about our history!

[Aya Khalil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praline Lady by Kirstie Myvett is a beautiful, must-have books in homes, libraries and schools. Taking place in nineteenth-century New Orleans, a praline lady sells her delicious pralines in the French Quarter. We see her making her pralines in her adorable, colorful kitchen with the ingredients set out. Customers hover around and buy these delectable treats. Her feet hurt from walking so much, will she continue to sell her treats? Gorgeous book with onomatopoeia throughout the book that will keep readers and children engaged. Myvett highlights Black women entrepreneurs in this lovely picture book in a succinct way. The author's note mentions the history of free Black women's entrepreneurship. There are beautiful illustrations throughout the book and a glossary at the end of the book. I love this book and I am sure everyone will enjoy it and learn about the Praline Lady!

[Claire Noland · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the nineteenth century, free colored women, as they were known, strolled the streets of the French Quarter selling pralines to the people they passed. The story follows one such lady as she prepares and then sells her candy. Readers are transported to the city to experience the cathedral, wagons, the French Market, the sounds of banjos, the smell of roasted coffee, and the warmth of fresh beignets. The Praline Lady calls out to customers as she sells her candy to provide for her family and to perhaps, someday, own a shop of her own.

The bright watercolor illustrations show the variety of people in the French Quarter including an elegantly dressed group, boys in knickers, dock workers, and nuns! The fabrics and headpieces worn by the women and the baskets they carry brings these hard-working business women to life.

The lyrical text shines a light on a little-know chapter in American history. New Orleans was home to black women entrepreneurs who sold not only pralines but flowers, fruit, and rice fritters known as calas. The author’s note in the back shares background information about the women entrepreneurs which even included enslaved women who were able to purchase their freedom. The book also includes a glossary and an extensive bibliography.

[Luiza · Rating 5 out of 5]

June 24th is Pralines Day. Pralines are a cooked mixture of sugar, nuts, and vanilla, often ground to a paste for use as a pastry or candy filling.This beautiful book is a great choice of read aloud to celebrate it.

In New Orleans, in the 19th century, free women of colour earned a living selling the treat.“Praline Lady” tells the tale of one of these women, as she walks the streets of the French Quarter selling her delicacies and meet interesting characters and shows the reader cultural and historical elements of that time.

The narrative is rich, enjoyable and full of information. The rhythm is perfect for reading with a group of children and the story creates many opportunity for interaction and reflection. We feel like we are walking with the Praline Lady and have fun along the way.

More than that, it’s a great resource to discuss female entrepreneurship, slavery, food as a cultural element and representation.

The soft watercolours illustrations are astonishing and give life to the words. Each could be framed and hang on the wall.

[Ashley Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delightful book. I received this ARC from the author and had the pleasure of reading this book. If you ever want to visit New Orleans, this book will take you there. As you read through it, you can smell the pralines and beignet in the early morning and hear the praline woman singing her song. It is an awesome book that not only tells a story but introduces kids to the history of pralines and New Orleans. It is a fun read aloud with for all ages and can be used to further enriched anyone’s history curriculum. This is definitely a book that I will be adding to my read aloud bin and classroom library. Did you also know that June 24th is National Pralines Day! Get your copy now and learn all about praline and the Praline woman.

[Rashmi Bismark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written with illustrations that bring New Orleans and the legacy of historical Black female entrepreneurs alive. My kids appreciated the engaging backmatter that adds even more depth to the story. We can’t wait to travel to NOLA some day to experience authentic praline candies and honor the remembrance of inspiring Praline Ladies. Thank you to Ms. Myvett for writing a delightful book on this topic we hadn’t fully appreciated before. This would be a great addition to anyone’s library!

[Lee Miao · Rating 5 out of 5]

With stunning illustrations, readers get a historical taste of old New Orleans as the Praline Lady walks the streets of the French Quarter. With a basket on top of her head, she sells her homemade candy of nuts to people in all walks of life—from workers at the docks to shopkeepers to a man “in a top hat." Although the lady is quiet, her steadfastness in selling her wares is impressive. I wish every young child could be introduced to a fascinating tradition of black female entrepreneurs dating back hundreds of years.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a delightful stroll through the French Quarter as Praline Lady goes through her day. Learn new words and be transported through time and space. The watercolor illustrations give life to the story.

[Christine (Tina) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated and informative a time gone by in New Orleans when people of color worked hard to establish themselves. The story of how pralines are an important part of New Orleans culture is also shared. Liliana had questions, always a great indicator of a good book!

[Natalie Tate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an introduction to the historic praline ladies that sold their wares in the French Quarter of New Orleans. This book would make a great addition to an elementary school history unit.

[Andréa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.